Reading Youth Cabinet – make a difference #rdg #rdguk

I'm always impressed by the young people from across our borough who are elected to represent their peers, although this year's group have been particularly active (I'm looking forward to another event later this week that they have organised). 

Nominations have just opened for the new youth cabinet and I'd encourage any young person to stand for this role who wants to make a difference to our town.  It's a position of real responsibility and makes a genuine difference and of course develop important skills as well.

Council press release including details of how to stand is below: 

Nominations Open for the Reading Youth Cabinet

21/10/2013
Reading Borough Council Press Release

YOUNG people who want to make a difference can stand in the Reading Youth Cabinet elections this November.

The Cabinet is an elected group of 11-18 year olds who represent their peers, ensure they have a strong and meaningful voice and work to make Reading a better place for young people.

They work closely with councillors, council officers and other agencies including the police and healthcare providers to ensure the needs of young people are considered in how services are delivered. They also work on their own campaigns, which this year focussed on mental health issues and careers guidance.

Reading Youth Cabinet meets every other Tuesday in the Civic Centre from 4.30-6.30pm and members set the agenda. Fun activities are incorporated into the Cabinet work, including celebration events.

Young people aged between 11 and 18 years can register as a candidate until 1st November for elections taking place between 2nd – 13th December. Ballot boxes will be available in schools and venues for young people across Reading, and the winners announced on 17th December at the Civic Centre.

Jan Gavin, Lead Councillor for Children’s Services and Families, said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Reading’s young people to learn new skills, gain accreditations, get their voice heard, and bring about genuine change. We provide excellent support for candidates, including help with publicity and manifesto writing, to ensure that they get the most out of the experience.”

Ellie, Chair of Reading Youth Council, said:

“I have loved being a member and the chair of Reading Youth Cabinet, I have learnt so many skills which I know I will use when I leave school! I've met new people, become more organised and have become more confident”

To register as a candidate, please visit http://www.readingyouth.com/voice/youth-cabinet/elections2013/ and complete the nomination form.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

Media Contact: Anna Fowler
Tel: 0118 937 3957