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Approaches to youth engagement in democracy

This section summarises some of the many techniques and approaches that are used by local authorities to engage young people in democracy. For each it outlines the approach in general terms, highlights published case studies or examples of practice, and signposts to additional information and support available for that approach.

If you have an approach that you would like to share with other local authorities please let us know by emailing jen.wingate@idea.gov.uk . You can also share your work and find more examples of good practice on the Better Engagement and Empowerment Community of Practice.

 

 

Approaches

  • Young advisors Last updated 23 March 2010

    Young advisors are trained young people (ages between 15 and 21 years old) who show organisations how to engage young people. Here you can find out more about the roles of young advisors and how they have worked with local authorities.

  • Young mayors Last updated 23 March 2010

    Young mayors are elected by young people in the area to represent them. Here you can find out more about the approaches taken and support available.

  • Youth cabinets Last updated 5 May 2010

    Youth cabinets exist in many local authorities, and consist of young people who have been elected by their peers to represent them by shaping and making decisions in the local authority area. Here you can find out more on the approaches taken and support available.

  • Youth councils Last updated 23 March 2010

    A local youth council is a democratic organisation created, run and developed by and for young people. They represent the views of young people at a local level giving young people the opportunity to have a voice, to discuss relevant issues, engage with decision-makers and contribute to improving the lives of young people within their community.

  • UK Youth Parliament Last updated 23 March 2010

    The UK Youth Parliament aims to give young people aged between 11 and 18 years old, a voice. They seek for this voice to be heard by local and national government and services providers. The UK Youth Parliament consists of 600 Members of Youth Parliament (MYP), who are elected young people from across the country. MYPs organise events, campaigns and influence decision makers. In a number of areas MYPs work with youth councils or youth cabinets or young mayors in the area.

  • Other approaches Last updated 23 March 2010

    There are many approaches to engaging young people in local democracy that go beyond the more formal elected roles. These approaches can often reach young people who are less likely to stand for office. The following highlights some examples of practical ways in which young people have been engaged.

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