Press Release
New youth democracy scheme - an "excellent way forward for democracy in Shetland"
The 2010/11 Shetland Youth Voice group.
Members of the Children and Families Committee spoke enthusiastically this morning about a new scheme which aims to encourage young people to become more involved in Shetland’s decision-making systems. The idea, which was presented by Children’s Services Director Helen Budge, is to change the current Youth Voice Forum, introducing direct elections and aligning it with Shetland’s multi-member ward system.
Martin Summers, the Council’sYouth Development Worker with a remit of 'Empowerment' who was the architect of the new scheme said “At the moment, Youth Voice representatives come from schools and youth clubs. There’s a feeling that they don’t genuinely represent their peers and are, in some cases, selected rather than elected. The new system introduces direct elections for the first time. It will make young people more accountable and give the organisation transparency. With next year’s Council elections not that far away, this is an ideal time to raise the profile of youth involvement in Shetland democracy”.
In a short debate, Members were very supportive of the new scheme. Vice Chair of the Education and Families Committee Caroline Miller described it as “an excellent way forward for democracy in Shetland”. Chair of the meeting Betty Fullerton added that she felt this was “a big step forward”.
Once the changes are introduced, there will be 22 Youth Voice members each elected for a term of two years, plus the two members of the Scottish Youth Parliament. Elections will take place in the seven Council wards, with votes being cast through the Young Scot’s online election system.
As part of supporting the new style elections a “Question Time” debate featuring a panel of young people and adults/professionals is to be organised. A democracy roadshow will also tour Shetland’s secondary schools to explain how young people can get involved and be heard. Councillors heard that a survey has shown young people want to learn more about how the Council works. As a result, school visits are to be arranged to the Town Hall, where young people will be able to meet their local Councillor and see a Council Committee debate take place.