Posted: 13/10/08
West Notts students burn the campaign trail
West Nottinghamshire College students Dan Fox and Troy Coalwood are stepping up their bids to join the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP).
The 17-year-olds will outline their manifestos to fellow students at the college’s Derby Road campus on Monday October 13 as part of a visit by Nottinghamshire County Council’s new mobile youth centre for Mansfield.
They will take to the staged area of the £83,500 vehicle to set out their plans to improve life and opportunities for young people throughout Nottinghamshire – and try to capture the votes needed to join the national body.
A total of 13 candidates from across the county are contesting four Members of Youth Parliament (MYP) positions for Nottinghamshire, with a further four deputy positions also up for grabs.
The successful candidates will represent the county on the national stage from 2008 to 2010.
On Monday, Dan, who is studying childcare, will outline his vision which includes giving young people a voice, respecting ethnic diversity, preserving the environment and promoting positive activities for young people in schools and youth clubs.
Meanwhile catering student Troy – who is also a candidate in Mansfield’s up-and-coming Youth Mayor elections – will set out his aims to secure more youth clubs throughout the county, combat bullying while providing better support to victims, and representing the views of young people who are afraid to speak out.
The UKYP was set up to give young people a voice which will be heard by local and national government. MYPs attend local, regional and national meetings to express their opinions and champion young peoples’ rights.
Nottinghamshire County Council’s youth service is spearheading the county MYP elections. Voting runs until October 24, with young people able to vote for their favoured candidate through a paper based-ballot, via the internet or by attending Citizenship Day on Saturday November 1 at County Hall, Nottingham, when the elections take place.
Website votes can be cast by visiting the county council’s Youthzone website at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/youthzone
