We are currently holding elections for Members of Youth Parliament (MYP) for Leeds and welcome applications from any young person who lives or goes to school in Leeds and who is aged between 11 and 18 years old (inclusive).
Members of Youth Parliament are elected in every part of the UK. There are currently over 600 MYPs and Deputy MYPs. Once elected MYPs meet with MPs and local councillors, organise events, run campaigns, make speeches, hold debates and ensure the views of young people are listened to by decision makers.
Read more to find out how to get involved.
You need to be aware of the following dates which you need to be available to attend. If you would like to apply but are unable to make any of the dates you need to let us know ASAP.
• 23rd January – deadline for applications
• 25th January – you will receive a phone call to inform you that you have been shortlisted.
Unsuccessful candidates will receive a letter and an invitation to attend the Leeds Youth Council meeting on 3rd March.
• 28th January: 10am-4pm – You need to attend a training and support day (180 Chapel Town Road)
• 13th February: 2pm-4pm – You will need to attend a support meeting (180 chapel Town Road)
• 1st March – City Wide Elections (poling stations in schools and youth centres)
• 16th March: 5pm-7pm – You will need to attend the Announcement Event (Civic Hall Banqueting Suite TBC)
• 19th March: 5pm-7pm – You will need to attend residential planning meeting (180 Chapel Town Road)
• 30/3/12-1/4/12– You will need to attend a Regional Training Residential weekend (Hollowford Centre, Castleton)
Members of Youth Parliament
Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) are elected in every part of the UK. There are currently over 600 MYPs and Deputy MYPs.
Once elected MYPs meet with MPs and local councillors, organise events, run campaigns, make speeches, hold debates and ensure the views of young people are listened to by decision makers.
The most important aspect of any MYP’s job is to make sure they represent the views of the young people in their constituency.
How do I become an MYP?
To become an MYP you have to be elected by other young people in an official UKYP election.
Any young person who is a resident of the UK, and aged between 11 and 18 years old (inclusive) has the right to stand for election as an MYP and the right to vote for their MYP.
Each Local Education Authority (LEA) in England represents a Youth Parliament Constituency. The number of MYPs allocated to each constituency varies depending upon the number of young people who live in that area. There are 4 MYP positions available and 2 Deputy MYP positions available in Leeds.
Over the past two years over one million young people have voted in UKYP elections.
What happens if I get elected?
Once you are elected you will be expected to find out the concerns and needs of other young people in your constituency, and represent these views to decision makers on a local, regional and national level.
During you term of office you will have the opportunity to get involved in a variety of events projects and campaigns.
Your MP will be keen to hear from you, and many MYPs develop a productive working relationship with their MP, often having regular meetings at the House of Commons and in the constituency.
In addition to working locally and regionally, the UKYP also undertakes to facilitate meetings between MYPs, Government Ministers and Government Departments on the issues that are raised in the UKYP Manifesto.
As an MYP you will also get an opportunity to attend between six and ten regional meetings during you term of office. Once a year the UKYP holds an Annual Sitting, which brings together all of the MYPs from across the whole of the UK, for a four day residential to receive training, plan campaigns, update the UKYP Manifesto and socialise!
How much time do I need to commit?
An MYP’s term of office lasts for two years. On average you will need to commit between one and five hours per week on UKYP activities.
What skills will I develop whilst being an MYP?
Each MYP’s experience is likely to be different from the next. But in general MYPs will develop a combination of the following skills:
Communication skills
Public speaking skills
Greater knowledge of politics and current affairs
The ability to look at an issue from someone else’s perspective
Debating skills
Teamwork skills
Leadership skills
Organisational skills
Negotiation skills
Read what ex-MYPs have said about their experience of UKYP
For more information about UKYP please visit the following website www.ukyp.org.uk
If you have any questions please feel free to give us a call on 01924 333 400 or send an email to Dmitry.Fedotov@youth-association.org
To download a nomination form please click below or click here. www.breezeleeds.org/myp
All forms must be received by 23rd January 2012.
Kirsty Beeston
Operations Manager
The Youth Association, 12 South Parade, Wakefield. WF1 1LR
T: 01924 333 400
M: 07989655095
Website: www.youth-association.org
