Warning: include(/home/msmisc/phatgnat.com/inc/main/content/zone_nav/log/previous.php) [function.include]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /home/msmisc/phatgnat.com/log/2006/June/05/451/index.php on line 31
Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening '/home/msmisc/phatgnat.com/inc/main/content/zone_nav/log/previous.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php:/usr/local/php5/lib/pear') in /home/msmisc/phatgnat.com/log/2006/June/05/451/index.php on line 31
Warning: include(/home/msmisc/phatgnat.com/inc/main/content/intro_quote/index.php) [function.include]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /home/msmisc/phatgnat.com/log/2006/June/05/451/index.php on line 39
Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening '/home/msmisc/phatgnat.com/inc/main/content/intro_quote/index.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php:/usr/local/php5/lib/pear') in /home/msmisc/phatgnat.com/log/2006/June/05/451/index.php on line 39
Warning: include(/home/msmisc/phatgnat.com/apps/rotation/graphics/common/tn/index.php) [function.include]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /home/msmisc/phatgnat.com/log/2006/June/05/451/index.php on line 42
Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening '/home/msmisc/phatgnat.com/apps/rotation/graphics/common/tn/index.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php:/usr/local/php5/lib/pear') in /home/msmisc/phatgnat.com/log/2006/June/05/451/index.php on line 42
Engaging Youth In Politics
(WORLD) I received in the post this morning the 'Democracy Cookbook' from The Electoral Commission—order your FREE copy here—it's good stuff and they've done a great job on it.
A great resource for teachers and youth workers alike for discussing the political process with a load of activities and worksheets—but is it only half a job?
When I was the Corporate Youth Officer for a local authority (the first and only role of that kind in the UK), one of the first things asked by the elected councillors was to set up a 'youth council'. I flatly refused—I was/am such a trouble-maker—I told them I would only be willing to create the council if they were willing to devolve some power and budget to it. The request was quickly withdrawn and I knew then I had to spend half my time educating the adults as well as young people about what the council should do/does.
One of the ways I did this was by Member Training where elected councillors would attend a session run by me and half dozen young people. They were taught about youth culture, what mattered and what didn't, they were challenged (I had an official complaint made against me as a result of this as one of the members felt it was inappropraite for a young person to challenge her on any subject) and was also shown the positive aspects of being a young person.
Anyway, a few councils are doing some great work in breaking down the political wall that exists between both sides. They understand it is a two-way process in terms of educating those with power as well and those without. I just wished then and still wish now, more could be happening
Related posts: Politics & Youth and UK Youths Political Concerns
Filed by DK on June 5 2006
You're viewing 'Engaging Youth In Politics', an entry in our 'news, comment, opinion, speculation and other short-form info…' (b)log. You may also explore current and other entries, or search.