YOUNG PEOPLE URGED TO STEP FORWARD FOR SCOTTISH YOUTH PARLIAMENT
Young people in Argyll and Bute are being urged to put their names forward for election to the Scottish Youth Parliament.
The area’s current two Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP), Eilidh McLaughlin and Kim Moore, are standing down later this year after several years flying the flag for Argyll and Bute, and the region now needs others to fill their shoes.
Elections will be held at the end of this month to find two young people to take up the posts.
Kim, who is in her final year at Lochgilphead High School, said: “It’s an amazing experience being an MSYP - anyone who gets the opportunity to stand should take it.
“It’s a great opportunity to make new friends, find out how other areas run things, and find new ways of making things better for young people.”
The role of a MSYP is to represent the views of other young people both locally and nationally. The successful candidates will attend sittings three times a year held throughout Scotland. Expenses will be covered.
To be an MSYP, you must be aged between 14 - 25 and live in Argyll and Bute. Helensburgh and Lomond have a nominated MSYP and are not taking part in elections at this time.
Argyll and Bute Council Leader Dick Walsh urged young people across the area to put their names forward.
“The Scottish Youth Parliament has been set up to act as the voice of young people across Scotland,” he said.
“In offering young people aged between 14 - 25 the chance to get involved in national decision-making, it is an extremely important part of the Scottish democratic process.
“This is Scotland’s leading rural area, and it is vital that we have an effective voice at all levels.
“I am sure that there are young people across Argyll and Bute who could make a very valuable contribution, and I urge them to put themselves forward for election.”
The Scottish Youth Parliament's vision is: "to have an inclusive Scotland in which young people realize their potential, become full and active citizens and play a key part in all decisions which affect their lives."
The SYP aims:
• To offer young people in Scotland a collective national youth voice.
• To make a difference in society by increasing young people's participation.
• To promote a positive image of young people.
• To connect the process of policy making and development with young people.
• To be an independent and youth-led organization free from influence where young people can give their views to policy makers without hindrance, fear or barriers.
If you think you could give up some of your free time to represent the views of young people in your area both locally and nationally then write Argyll and Bute Young Scot a note, and email it to youngscot@argyll-bute.gov.uk
If you have any questions about what is all involved in being an MSYP, please email Argyll and Bute Young Scot at the above address.
You can send your nominations in from now until Friday 22nd May.
Voting will be held during the election week, which will run from Monday 25th May until Sunday 31st May. Voting will be done electronically through the Argyll and Bute website. The results will be announced at the AGM of the Argyll and Bute Youth Forum on Friday 5th June.
To find out more about what the Scottish Youth Parliament does, how it works, and how you can get involved, visit the Scottish Youth Parliament website www.syp.org or for local information and contacts, visit the Argyll and Bute Young Scot website on www.youngscot.org/argyllandbute
