BYC empowers young people to shape policy online

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Thursday, 08, Nov 2007 12:00

The British Youth Council (BYC) this week launched an innovative new policy making process whereby young people can shape BYC policy online.

Until now, BYC decided policy at its AGM in which young representatives from BYC member organisations voted on policies suggested by BYC members.

However, now BYC policy has become even more interactive.

BYC spokesperson, Rocky Lorusso (21) said: “BYC now has a brand new online rolling Youth Manifesto to allow more young people to have an impact on its policies.

“The rolling Youth Manifesto sets out the areas that young people currently think BYC should concentrate its campaigns on and allows them to have their say to shape what direction BYC’s work should go in next.”

In particular BYC wants to hear young people’s views on four important topics: the Government’s plans to raise the age at which young people can leave education or training to 18 years old; the Climate Change Bill; the need for an equal national minimum wage; and lowering the voting age to 16.

Ends.

Notes to Editors:

For further information please contact:

Young people can influence BYC’s policy by visiting the ‘Shape BYC Policy’ web page on the BYC website

BYC is the national youth council and voice for young people under 26 living in the UK.

We represent and involve a unique coalition of young people through their involvement as individuals or through national, regional or local youth organisations.

BYC’s coalition includes over 170 national youth organisations such as Girlguiding UK, campaigning organisations such as the National Union of Students (NUS) and youth wings of trade unions, political parties, faith and arts organisations. Also within our membership and network are 400 local youth councils and organisations representing specific groups such as lesbian, gay and bisexual and black and minority ethnic young people.

BYC works to ensure that young people are involved at every level of decision-making to allow them to be represented and to make their voices heard.

We aim to do four things: Provide a voice for young people; Promote equality for young people; Help young people be more involved in decisions that affect their lives; Advance young people’s participation in society and civil life.

Helen Deakin

Press and Policy Intern

British Youth Council

Mezzanine 2

1 London Bridge

London SE1 9BG

Tel: 084 5458 1489

Direct Tel: 020 7022 1974

press@byc.org.uk

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