I’m a Councillor Get me Out of here! Young people take part and take power
Written by author on September 14, 2010
ocal councillors are about to face their toughest audience again – young people in the Dumfries and Galloway area. As part of the multi-media event “I’m a Councillor, Get me Out of here!” run by the Council’s Youth Issues Unit, students from 15 secondary schools and 11 youth organisations from across the region the will be encouraged to question them on hot topics such as the council budget, local liquor licensing and community issues like employment and health as well as other topics that are important to young people today. At the beginning of the second week (27th September) councillors will face the vote – when each day young people will choose which councillors to evict and which to keep. The event runs from 20th September – 1st October 2010.
For the next two weeks Councillors Jane Maitland, Ted Brown, Alastair Witts, Sandra McDowall, Gillian Dykes and MSP Elaine Murray will find themselves dashing to their PCs to answer questions, engage in online chats and polls as well as to see who is in favour and who’s been voted out. It’s both a nail biting time for these leaders of our community, and a great opportunity to connect with young people.
Most of the action takes place on the www.bigvote.org.uk website, but councillors will also be on the campaign trail, visiting schools and youth organisations during the event, talking to young people, finding out what issues concern and interest them, and of course, to drum up support.
This is the fourth year of the event being held across Dumfries and Galloway and Dumfries and Galloway Council is the only local authority in Scotland to take part in the event.
The I’m a Councillor event is a long-term commitment that Dumfries and Galloway Council has given to young people in the area. It brings councillors and young people in their area closer together, giving the council an even better understanding of the issues and priorities of young people, and encouraging young people to get more involved in local politics.
The event also ties in with the Young People’s Vision for Dumfries and Galloway, Single Outcome Agreement, Community Plan as well as other national policy documents.
This commitment shows that Dumfries and Galloway Council is striving to be the best place to work, grow, live, learn and be listened to.
For more information about the event please contact Polly Hastings on 01556 505719 or 07725065487.
