A new nationwide Local Councillor shadowing scheme is being established as a part of new National Body for Youth Leadership, the British Youth Council will be leading on running a 2 year programme for over 1000 young people to spend a week shadowing local councillors.
As the Councillors’ Commission report (December 2007), evidenced, there is a real lack of understanding of the role of Local Councillors and local democracy. It also provided evidence that people are likely to value Councillors more highly if they have met and dealt with them face to face on real issues.
The aim of our programme is to engage young people in their local democracy and their local communities. As part of the development of this new programme we are running a consultation event with young people and Local Councillors to turn this programme into a practical reality.
If you are interested in taking part in this consultation and are able to attend an event in London on the 17th April 2009 between 11am to 3pm, then please email your details to Tim Pickstone at ALDC – there are a limited number of places for Liberal Democrat Councillors – BYC is able to cover reasonable travel costs for Councillors to attend. If you would like more information please contact David Clark at the British Youth Council on david.clark@byc.org.uk or 020 7785 64 61