Young people will get a very timely, insight into the process of an election when they take part in a special workshop, as part of an Action4Youth personal and professional development scheme, The Inspiration Programme. This exciting new session comes courtesy of a partnership with Buckinghamshire County Council and will help students to develop their critical thinking skills, understand the range of activities involved in running an election, and give them an opportunity to hear from councillors about their experiences of local elections.
On 27November the Chief Executive and Head of Policy at the council will host an event that aims to enhance young people’s understanding of the key skills needed for council roles, the importance of voting and the process of running an election.
As well as a full insight into the many roles within the council, from Cabinet Members and Councillors to the Chief Executive, Directors and Officers, young people from The Buckingham School will take part in roundtable activities to develop their confidence and know-how in looking beyond the headlines and exploring political manifestos, and to run their own mock vote on community budgets.
Claire Hawkes, Head of Policy at Buckinghamshire County Council explains: “We are really looking forward to having the opportunity to engage with the young people on The Inspiration Programme, and given the recent announcement of a General Election, this session is extremely topical and will help them to get a real insight into the democratic process.”
Jenifer Cameron, Chief Executive of Action4Youth says: “Buckinghamshire County Council has put a lot of consideration into the session that they are running as part of The Inspiration Programme, making it a truly unique and engaging opportunity for the young people involved.
“How many people can say that they have been a ‘Party Leader’ and explained the headlines of their party’s manifesto? The programme really is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get inside the different organisations and services that contribute to society, giving them a much better understanding and focus for their own futures.
“It is brilliant to see that the County Council is not only looking at what opportunities it can provide to the young people, but also what knowledge and insight the young people can give to the council. With future plans for a ‘Young People’s Committee’, I’m really looking forward to where this initial session could lead.”
For more information about The Inspiration Programme and other programmes run by Action4Youth go to www.action4youth.org, call 0300 003 2334 or email [email protected]. Keep up to date with all of the latest @Action4Youth on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
