v to launch Big Society Youth Inquiry

Wednesday, 1 December 2010 12:00 AM

Speaking today from a platform at GovNet's 'Building the Big Society' conference, v's Chief Executive, Terry Ryall announced plans to launch a Big Society Youth Inquiry.

The Inquiry aims to engage thousands of young people on their own terms, and in digital and community spaces, to discuss and shape their vision for the Big Society. Welcoming the Government's renewed focus on volunteering and social action, Ryall outlined the critical importance of engaging young people in devising social action projects that will turn the Big Society from rhetoric to reality.

"At v, we believe that young people are society's most powerful assets. No Big Society is complete without them. That's why I am delighted to announce that v is launching a Big Society Youth Inquiry, to give young people the opportunity to define and shape their Big Society. Through our innovative digital platform, we'll be engaging thousands of young people in the debate, generating ideas and solutions for some of society's most serious problems." Terry Ryall commented.

Keen to avoid setting up another Big Society talking shop, Ryall explained that the emphasis will be on enabling young people to take action.

"We'll be heading out to the streets - meeting young people wherever they are - in schools, youth centres, shopping malls, cinemas, skate parks and community spaces. We'll be helping them to turn their ideas for a bigger, better society into action."

The Inquiry is set to launch in January 2011.

** Ends **

Notes to Editors: about v

v, The National Young Volunteers Service aims to inspire a new generation of volunteers (aged 16-25) in England. It does this by funding voluntary organisations all over England to create inspiring, diverse opportunities and by helping to overcome barriers that stop people from taking action to improve lives, communities and the planet. v's aim is to create a culture where volunteering comes naturally and where the benefits of volunteering are understood and celebrated.

v is an independent charity launched in May 2006.

The conference, 'Social Reform in the UK: Building the Big Society' chaired by Lord Archy Kirkwood, featured a keynote address from Lord Wei, Government Adviser on Big Society and range of contributions from leaders of civil society including Sir Stuart Etherington, CEO, NCVO; Stephen Bubb, Chair, Social Investment Business. Terry Ryall spoke together with Vanessa Sanyauke, v trustee and member of v20 Youth Advisory Board about the role young people could play in building the Big Society.

For more information please contact: Paul Werb - paul.werb@vinspired.com 0207 960 7000

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