UK Youth Parliament (UKYP)

What is it all about?

In association with the UKYP, Croydon Council is holding an election in Feb 2015 to elect two Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) and two Deputy Members of Youth Parliament (DMYPs) to represent Croydon. Anyone aged between 11 – 18 years old who lives, works or studies in the borough can get involved in the elections. If you think you can be a voice for all Croydon young people, represent their views on a London-wide and national level, and influence decision makers - you can stand for election as an MYP for Croydon or vote for the borough’s next MYPs and DMYPs.

How do I become an MYP and what does it involve?

■ To become an MYP you have to be elected by other young people. Once elected, you will be expected to commit to one year of service.

■ The most important aspect of your role as MYP or deputy is to make sure you represent the views of all young people living in Croydon and you will have the opportunity to do this at a regional and national level through UKYP.

■ You will be aware of current affairs in your area and be prepared to have a view on topical issues affecting young people in Croydon.

■ As an MYP you will work with Croydon Members of Parliament (MPs), local councillors, police and local youth groups to make sure young people’s voices are heard. You will run projects and campaigns and influence decision makers on the issues which matter most to young people.

■ You will attend regular meetings and work closely with the Croydon Youth Council and with local youth organisations.

Any young person who runs for election is welcome to join the Youth Council.

Interested in getting involved but don’t want to stand? We are looking for young people to organise a campaigning period for the candidates, promote the voting and help with the vote count.

For more information, contact Helen Clark, community voice practice and development officer  [email protected] |  07747 638827 Turnaround Centre, 51 – 55 South End, Croydon, CR0 1BF UK Youth Parliament Nomination Form

Name: Date of Birth:

Address:

Postcode:

Home phone number:

Mobile number:

Email address:

If you are in education which school/college do you go to?

1. What could you bring to the Member of Youth Parliament position? (skills, interests etc)

2. If you are elected as MYP, what would you like to change for young people in Croydon?

3. I am available during the half-term (16th – 20th Feb 2015) to attend training and induction for the youth council

Yes No

Nomination forms and parental consent forms must be received by 12pm on Friday 9th Jan 2015

You can submit by post to: Helen Clark, Community Voice Officer, 51-55 South End, Croydon, CR0 1BF OR email electronic copy to  [email protected] Croydon Youth Council

The youth council is run by young people for young people. It’s open to 11-19 year olds who live, work or study in Croydon. The Youth Council is divided in to three groups with a forum for the North, East and South of Croydon. Each forum elects representatives who will work with the Members of Youth Parliament to run the Youth Council

What does the youth council do?

The forums will meet monthly and elected representatives fortnightly. All members get involved in: ■ Finding out and representing the views of young people ■ Inspecting services available to young people ■ Working with and influencing decision makers ■ Running youth lead projects and campaigns. For example this years campaigns are around tackling bullying and improving young peoples relationship with police ■ Attending national and London wide meetings of the British Youth Council

What will I get out of it?

Being a Croydon Youth Councillor is an important role. It requires a lot of commitment and dedication but along the way you will… ■have the opportunity to have your voice heard and help make a positive change ■acquire new skills through experiences and training ■meet lots of different people and make new friends ■receive a reference for school/ college/ university/ employment

How can I get involved?

Complete the application form in this information pack and submit by 12pm on Friday 9th Jan 2015. We will also need your parents/carer to give their consent for you to take part in the youth council and UKYP, so please ask them to read through this information and sign the consent form in this pack. Youth Council Application Form

Date of Birth: Name:

Address: Postcode

Home phone number

Mobile number

Email

4. Do you attend any youth groups or clubs? Yes No

5. If you are in education which school/college do you go to?

6. Which group are you interested in joining?

East Youth Council South Youth Council North Youth Council

7. Why do you want to be a youth councillor and what skills and qualities would you bring to this role?

8. I am available during the half-term (16th – 20th Feb 2015) to attend training and induction for the youth council

Yes No Application form and parental consent form must be received by 12pm on Friday 9th Jan 2015 You can submit by post to: Helen Clark, community voice officer, Turnaround Centre, 51-55 South End Croydon, CR0 1BF OR email electronic copy to  [email protected] Parental Consent Fo

Parental Consent Form Please use BLOCK CAPITALS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Please tell us about any disabilities or additional support needs your child might have …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Please tell us about any medical conditions or any medication your child might have …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………