Applications open for Jersey’s Youth Parliament

Young people who want to shape the Island’s politics are being called upon to apply to become a member of Jersey’s Youth Parliament. 

Forty young people aged between 12 and 18 are required for the Youth Parliament which has been set up by Jersey Youth Service. It has been launched in response to the Independent Care Inquiry and will enable young people to campaign on issues that matter to them with the aim of getting the States Assembly to endorse their policies and bring about real change in the Island.

Applications for the Parliament opened on Friday 6 November and close on Friday 22 January. Anyone who wishes to apply to become a member or would like to find out more should log on to www.jyp.je. A panel made up of two Youth Workers, the States Greffe and a representative from the Welsh Youth Parliament will select the successful candidates to ensure a wide range of young people with different backgrounds are represented.

Members will be in post for 18 months and will meet on a monthly basis. The first sitting of the Youth Parliament will be held in the States Assembly in February during which members will decide which three policies they will campaign on during their term of office. They will then research their policies in smaller groups and gather the views of other young people before compiling a presentation which they will give to the Minister for Children and Housing and any other relevant Minister.

The Minister for Children and Housing will then lodge a proposition with the States Assembly to bring about the changes the Youth Parliament has called for.

The Youth Parliament is also looking for volunteers. Anyone who thinks they could be a mentor, help with the running of the Parliament or deliver training programmes to members can find out more at www.jyp.je.

Lisa Mansell, Senior Youth Worker who has helped set up Jersey Youth Parliament, said: “The Jersey Youth Parliament aims to give young people a real opportunity to make a difference in the Island. 

“There are so many different opportunities to be involved – you don’t necessarily have to enjoy public speaking or debating we need a whole range of young people to take part from aspiring politicians to those who are interested in dealing with the media and those who like running websites.”