Our Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) are busy working on their campaigns and their duties as Members of Youth Parliament. But, did you know that our Members of Youth Parliament are also incredibly active in their schools and community? In this article, we look at some of the accomplishments achieved by Emma Brown, a Member of Youth Parliament, in the past couple of months.

School Student Diversity Panel

I chair a Student Diversity panel which is trying to help our school to become more inclusive. This term, we’re planning on promoting inspirational role models around school for people to look up to on our boards such as Marie Curie and Alan Turing. In addition, we are introducing suggestion boxes around our school to make sure everyone has a forum in which students can express their opinions or concerns safely and confidentially. If this sounds interesting, why don’t you try and set up a student diversity panel at your school?

School Debate Clubs

I also run my school’s debate club, and this month we have been debating about feminism, vaping and the voting age. Debating is a good way to shape your opinions and expand your knowledge and connections, I would fully recommend joining your school’s debate club or starting your own. This also lead to a debating competition that I participated in, called youth speaks; my school’s team were debating on Artificial Intelligence! What are your views on artificial intelligence?

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Recently I have completed my Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE). Yay! We camped for two nights on Exmoor. It was the nights that I found really challenging but I learned a lot and met some great people. DofE is a great way to get outside of your comfort zone. If you would like to know more about DofE and where its available, you can look on their website at www.dofe.org – and did you know that participating in youth voice groups like Youth Forum can go towards your DofE? If you would like to get involved with a youth voice group, send us an email at youthparliament@somerset.gov.uk.

Ten Tors

Recently I took part in this year’s ten tors, it consisted of walking 35 miles over three days, in adverse heat. Even though the finish had to be delayed all of our teams finished successfully! It was very physically challenging but allowed me to take a leadership role. I hope many more young people take part in Ten Tors to grow their experiences.

Cadets

Throughout Air Cadets, I have had the opportunity to expand my knowledge of the Air Force, first aid and leadership. I’ve also had the amazing experience of doing road marching, going camping and building a variety of skills, such as interviews and even learning how to react in certain situations. Cadets also implements a rank structure which allows you to gradually take on more responsibility. With Air Cadets I’ve even recently been flying and gliding at various bases, it has given me the opportunity to face my fear of heights and experience what flying a plane or glider is like.