Suffolk UK Youth Parliament

 UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) is run by young people for young people. There are hundreds of MYPs (Members of Youth Parliament) & DMYPs (Deputy Members of Youth Parliament) across the UK that represent the views of young people in their local communities.  By acting together, UKYP gives young people a powerful voice that is heard by decision makers in local and national government and helps young people to use their energy and passion to change the world for the better.

- To find out the views of young people and present their views, opinions and issues to stakeholders and decision makers. - To have a collective voice for young people to address issues in their own communities

 Prepare a ‘manifesto’, other young people will look at this during elections and vote for you based on this  Your manifesto will outline the issues you feel are important locally and nationally. You will work on these issues during your term of office  Attend local and regional meetings  Promote the positive work of UKYP and BYC  Consult with as many young people as possible in their area  Represent Suffolk UKYP in the House of Commons, UKYP Annual Sitting and at British Youth Council Conventions

Work on national campaigns:  Votes at 16  Curriculum for Life Work on local campaigns:  Euthanasia  Mental Health Education  Combat Youth Unemployment,  Curriculum for Life  Combat Youth Unemployment  Zero Tolerance to Bullying

 Every year UKYP undertake the largest youth consultation ever in this county. It is called ‘Make your Mark’.  Last year (2013) Suffolk UKYP collected over 3’800 ballot papers from young people in Suffolk. These top 5 issues from Suffolk have become our local priorities.  The top 2 issues debated and voted for in the House of Commons have become the national campaigns

 Consultation over public transport issues in Suffolk which has lead to the introduction of Suffolk’s Endeavour Card- which offers at least 25% off bus fares in Suffolk  Consultation with the RSA regarding education in Suffolk

 Helping to shape and create Suffolk’s first ever county- wide Youth Forum (SAY- Suffolk Assembly of Youth)  Gained the views and opinions of over 6000 young people in Suffolk on issues that matter to them  Consultation regarding education in Suffolk, especially PSHE education

Getting young peoples voices heard!  You do this by going out and speaking to as many young people as possible.  You could visit youth groups, run debates at your school, visit clubs and organisations, run surveys and events and use social media to engage young people and get their opinions

 Lobbied MPs and peers (Lords) to vote in favour for the Equal Marriage Bill  Lobbied MPs to support ‘A Curriculum for Life’ and adapt the way PSHE is taught and delivered in schools  Mass lobby of Parliament in February to raise awareness of Votes at 16

 52,000 pupils now being taught in schools and colleges that have pledged to teach them a “Curriculum for Life”  18,423 young people signed petitions across the Country helping to demonstrate the public support for this campaign.  7 Local Authorities have signed the pledge calling for their schools to teach a “Curriculum for Life”

 16 and 17 year olds being allowed to vote in all public elections and referendums in the UK.

We believe in Votes at 16 because:  Being able to participate in free elections is a fundamental human right.  16 and 17 year olds are knowledgeable and passionate about the world in which they live and are as capable of engaging in the democratic system as any other citizen.  Lowering the voting age to 16, combined with strong citizenship education, would empower young people to better engage in society and influence decisions that will define their future.  People who can consent to medical treatment, work full- time, pay taxes, get married or enter a civil partnership and join the armed forces should also have the right to vote.

 You don’t have to be an MYP or DMYP to get involved!  Any questions?