The October Somerset Youth Parliament meeting was a packed one, with discussions on Black History Month, events that members of the group have or will be attending, the future of Somerset Youth Parliament and the political values of the group.
Black History Month
As we begin Black History Month in the UK, it speaks volumes about the conflicting opinions about whether acknowledging the ‘same old’ names, stories and assumptions of Black and minority ethnic people and community experiences highlights more ignorance and does more harm than good. Especially when hate crime and racism is as prevalent as ever and rising especially in the South West. The fact remains that white people are unable to comprehend the impact of racism and the devastation it can cause. Rarely do schools teach anti-racism effectively or know how to embed values in the environment. That said, Youth Parliament have said several times over the years that it would be great if Council(s) could acknowledge Black History Month in the press – or even fly a flag, as they do for PRIDE.
Attending Events
At our October meeting, members focused on tasks and commitments to events coming up throughout October and November. Members have been asked to attend /facilitate and prepare for several conferences. Appearances and events take a degree of logistical planning and preparation but thanks to the current size and age range of the group, as well as their enthusiasm, it’s been possible to support these events.
Many of them offer insight into the work of councillors, volunteers and community projects, it’s a chance to network, build alliances, offer mutual support and network. It’s all about developing community resilience through mutual learning and understanding.
The members will be attending
- Somerset Parishes annual Conference – to set up a ‘marketplace stall to promote Youth parliament and network
- Active Bystanders project launch at Haygrove school – to showcase resources created by the group to promote Active Bystanders education
- Bristol ITV – to be interviewed live on the news regarding Youth Parliament locally and nationally
- Somerset Council Awards – to celebrate local achievements
- Somerset Youth Work Alliance Conference – to represent young people’s voice and priorities and also facilitate a professional adult Q&A
- Thrive Annual Conference – to represent youth voice and add to the housing crisis for young people conversation
- The Members of Youth Parliament (MYP) House of Commons event in January
Somerset Youth Parliament’s voices will continue to be heard
Members are mindful of the Government’s plans to stop UK Youth Parliament and have been reassured that their voices and work will continue to be supported and valued in Somerset – whatever the decision at Government level. They are also aware of the potential implications from critics and some UK statistics and data on costs to run as well as young people’s and school’s awareness of the group. Whilst the data doesn’t break down regional figures, we know that Somerset is acknowledged for being value for money, a worthwhile programme and 1,000’s of young people vote in elections every two years. The members feel confident about the future and are prepared to embrace change. In fact, the group are in a process of revising what works well for Somerset Youth Parliament, what could be better and what needs updating.
Somerset Youth Parliament on values
As part of the process the group discussed the concepts of ‘Left’ and ‘Right‘ wing values and how they equate to Youth Parliament. Although they are an apolitical group in terms of Party Politics, members may have leanings based on their experiences, exposure to social media and news, family values passed down or a natural inclination. However, apart from youth work and Youth Parliament being a group able to challenge and lobby for change, question the ‘establishment’, (which aligns naturally with some basic left wing values in the broadest sense) Members themselves may hold more right or centrist perspectives (with some who don’t identify with and ‘wing’ at all). Members were challenged to think about the group reputation and how they welcome and include differing views and values. Ultimately its about listening, learning, developing individually and collectively to be able to hold difference with respect and curiosity and then in terms of necessary action – it’s about how to form common ground to move forward and make change.
What members like about Somerset Youth Parliament
The group is always moving forward, driving projects and campaigns, promoting and supporting our October meeting was an ideal chance to reflect on what brings the group together. They were asked to identify five things they like about themselves.
Beyond a variety of diverse, and interesting personal skills and talents members responses included: gratitude, humour, determination, enthusiasm, resilience, empathy, care, Kindness, fairness and compassion, having a thirst for knowledge and a willingness to improve on ‘myself’.
They were then asked to identify what they liked about the Somerset Youth Parliament Group. This was particularly enlightening as it offered some insight into what being a member means to them and what the group is about. Responses included:
- They have great enthusiasm, super organised, they make great effort and the group ‘always surprises me’
- They’re well-rounded people with good intentions. They have ambition for what they want in the future. It’s easy to get to know one another – even with strangers and we have a good spirit
- Friendly, interesting and different perspectives!
- They are welcoming, interesting, some are well-experienced and passionate
- The group confidence, along with quieter members we have a number of people who aren’t afraid to speak up. They are busy people, who do loads of stuff and no one seems to complain about business either
- Despite the mixed ages and abilities, levels of confidence and experience- they’re incredibly well spoken, and not afraid to engage with adults using ‘big’ words
- They’re hopeful – otherwise they wouldn’t be here trying
Other business
The meeting wrapped up with a brief MYP campaign update, some exchanges about the French school student riots, thoughts about fears and scary things prompted by Halloween, planning our next meeting date, Christmas meeting ideas and group planning.
Which of these Awareness days or months ‘speaks’ to you and/or those young people around you?
Let us know your thoughts or experiences of these October events:
- Black History Month
- ADHD Awareness Month
- National Vegetarian Week – 1–7 October
- National Poetry Day – 2 October
- World Mental Health Day – 10 October
- National Coming Out Day – 11 October
- Halloween – 31 October
Not just elected members
Did you know that Somerset Youth Parliament isn’t just it’s elected members? Any young person in Somerset aged 10-25 years can become a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group.
For more information about becoming a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group and to join, visit our Join Us page.
