Youth council, what's it all about?

There are 16 youth councils across North Yorkshire. Each youth council is made up of young people aged 13-19 and their role is to represent the views and opinions of young people from across their local area. There is also a youth county council made up of representatives from the area youth councils.

North Yorkshire youth council logo

The youth councils meet to discuss and act on issues that matter to young people.  They work to get young people's voices heard by decision makers (like the district and County Councils) and people who provide services to young people.  The youth councils aim to influence the way things work for the better.

It's not about sitting around board room tables & always being serious. It is about:

• having your voice heard;
• getting involved ;
• influencing things for the better; and
• having fun!

Working for the benefit of young people across North Yorkshire, the youth councils perform an important and often challenging role.  As a youth councillor you meet and deal with all kinds of people.  There are various meetings to attend, lots of planning and decisions to make, fun trips away, events to go to and speak at, radio broadcasts to do and much more!

Three examples of projects and activities that youth councils have been involved in are:

• allocating grant money to youth projects and young people for 'things to do and places to go';
• being involved on interview panels for new youth workers; and
• planning and putting on youth events.

As an elected member you will get the chance to meet new people, make loads of friends, and have the opportunity to develop confidence and new skills. So if you have something to say about being a young person in your area, would like to help influence things for the better, and think adults should listen up to young people's views, now is the chance to stand up and be heard!

Got something to say?  Do something about it!  Stand for election!

What skills and experience do I need?

Particular skills and experience are not essential.  It's who you are, not what you have done or how well you are doing at school or college.  Of course some experience may be helpful, but being committed is the main quality required.

It is helpful if a candidate is:

• committed and punctual;
• energetic;
• prepared to get involved with their local and wider communities;
• able to listen to and respect the views of other young people; and 
• not afraid to speak their mind.

P.S. You don't have to want to become a politician!

I have never done anything like this before, does this matter?

• No!  You don't have to have done anything like this before, although it may help if you have.
• The youth councils just needs committed people who are keen to see that other young people's voices are heard.
• As a member there will be lots of opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and understanding as we go along.

If I was elected what would I have to do?

The main role of a youth councillor is to:

• seek out the views and opinions held by other young people through meeting with them, doing surveys etc.; and
• represent (i.e. stand for, describe) these views to others and wider audiences.

Other key roles:

• to be aware of and raise issues that affect young people locally, county wide and nationally;
• to work alongside adults, decision makers and providers of services (such as health, leisure, education etc.) to get young peoples voices heard;
• to make contact with local youth groups/forums;
• to attend regular meetings and events;
• to be consulted by others, e.g. the County Council and people who have an interest in the needs and views of young people; and 
• to make things happen!

Meetings, events and activities

As part of your role you will be expected to attend and get involved in a number of events and meetings throughout the year.  These meetings are an essential part of your job and although you are not expected to attend all of them, it is important you participate in at least 80%.

• 12 general youth council meetings - Approximately once a month, around 2 hours long.  Generally held in a building central to your area.
• 1 youth council residential - This takes place over a weekend shortly after the elections.  This is so everyone can get to know each other, have some fun, and get to grips with the role of youth councillors and role of the youth council.
• Regular small task group meetings - In between general meetings, and to work on specific issues and projects set by the youth council.  Not all youth council members will need to attend these, but these are where the real work of the youth council gets done.
• Consultation meetings/surgeries - Visit local venues and youth projects to meet and consult with young people.
• Local meetings in your area - Meet with young people and others in the community.

Travel and support

You will be expected to travel to meetings but transport costs can be repaid and help can be offered to organise this.  Your work on the youth council will be supported by 4Youth youth workers.

Other activities

As well as these meetings there will be opportunities throughout the year to:

• work on projects and ideas set by the youth council and its members;
• attend events and conferences;
• take part in team building activities;
• meet the people that matter;
• promote the youth council - write new pieces for the website, press releases, design publicity etc.;
• meet and consult with the young people of North Yorkshire; and
• do radio broadcasts, interviews, press releases... and much more!

How to stand

How do I become a member and stand for election?

If you would like to stand for election and become a member you need to:

• Speak to your local youth worker
• Contact James Parkes, youth council and Keyfund co-ordinator, email james.parkes@northyorks.gov.uk or 'phone 01609 533932

Youth council websites

North Yorkshire Youth Council - www.nyyc.co.uk

Scarborough youth council - www.syc.mfbiz.com

Selby youth council - www.sdyc.org.uk