Young activists hold virtual talks with MSPs
Young UK activists spoke with Members of the Scottish Parliament Robert Brown, Deputy Minister for Education and Young People, and Patrick Harvie, to secure their support for an ongoing campaign that tackles negative stereotypes of young people.
The young activists - Mohammed 19, Rachael 21, Sophie 19, Kate 21, Katie 17, Emily 24 and Rick 18 – are members of the Respect? Young People's Advisory Group; who alongside the British Youth Council (BYC) and online charity YouthNet aim to change the way young people feel they are portrayed.
Rachael, 21, from Northern Ireland and Mohammed, 19, from London took part in a teleconference with the Deputy Minister Robert Brown yesterday (Wednesday March 21); and all seven campaigners gathered in London on Saturday March 10 to debate the campaign's next steps; and chatted to Patrick Harvie MSP over the internet via Skype.
Launched last year with a study that exposed the shocking extent to which young people feel they are viewed, the Respect? campaign empowers its young supporters to challenge the degree to which they feel they are misrepresented.
It is hoped the virtual talks will mark the start of an ongoing relationship; and both MSPs indicated their commitment to continue working with the campaign.
Mohammed said: "It was good to hear Robert Brown has visited lots of organisations to talk to young people. He gave us some great suggestions for raising awareness of our campaign in Scotland and how to get support from the Scottish Parliament."
Rick from Cumbria said: "It was nice to hear Patrick is engaging young people in politics and listening to their views. We're looking forward to working with him in future to involve more politicians and young people in the Respect? campaign."
Robert Brown, Liberal Democrat MSP for Glasgow region and Deputy Minister for Education and Young People said: "We have a great generation of young people, and I want them to be empowered and play a full part in local and national affairs.
"I never meet with young people without coming away with a new insight. I wish the Respect' campaigners all success."
Patrick Harvie, Green Party MSP for Glasgow region and spokesperson on Justice and Communities said: "It was fantastic getting to speak to members of the Young People's Advisory Group and hearing their perspectives on how negative stereotyping of young people can have a direct, damaging impact on their lives.
"All too often politicians like to characterise young people as antisocial, disruptive and criminal and legislate accordingly.
"We need to challenge this unhelpful approach and instead start properly funding services to support young people in becoming fulfilled, healthy and active members of their local communities.
"I'm looking forward to working with the Advisory Group in the future to get the message out that with the right support, young people are creative, energetic and inspiring people who should be valued not vilified."
Ends
The young activists are available for interview along with representatives of YouthNet and BYC.
Notes to Editors:
For further information please contact:
Jo Field, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, British Youth Council
0207 785 6459
07809 507360
Johanna.Field@byc.org.uk
www.byc.org.uk
1. A copy of The voice behind the hood: young people's views on anti-social behaviour, the media and older people can be downloaded via www.youthnet.org or www.byc.org.uk
2. BYC is the national youth council and voice for young people under 26 living in the UK. We represent and involve a unique coalition of young people through their involvement as individuals or through national, regional or local youth organisations.
3. BYC's coalition includes over 170 national youth organisations such as Girlguiding UK, campaigning organisations such as the National Union of Students (NUS) and youth wings of trade unions, political parties, faith and arts organisations. Also within our membership and network are 400 local youth councils and organisations representing specific groups such as lesbian, gay and bisexual and black and minority ethnic young people.
4. BYC works to ensure that young people are involved at every level of decision-making to allow them to be represented and to make their voices heard.
5. We aim to do four things: Provide a voice for young people; Promote equality for young people; Help young people be more involved in decisions that affect their lives; Advance young people's participation in society and civil life.
6. YouthNet is a online charity – founded by broadcaster Martyn Lewis in 1995 – which exists to create a socially inclusive environment where all young adults are engaged, informed and inspired to achieve their ambitions and dreams. We actively listen to young people, empower them to speak out and work with them to take action on the issues that they say affect them. We aim to inspire young people, earn their trust and respect and support them with empathy as they seek out their place in the world.