UKYP Elections 2006

Who do you want reppin' you? Your chance to vote for the UK Youth Parliament

So you want to make a difference in Hackney? And you’re between 11 and 18-years-old? Then this is your chance. Voting is taking place this week at Area Forums, 5-8pm:

25th Jan - Shoreditch Lion Youth Club, 140 Pitfield Street, N1
26th Jan - Parkside Youth Club, Woodberry Grove, N4
27th Jan - Hackney Town Hall, room 102, Mare Street, E8

Or you can vote by text message

Text A,B,C or D to vote for your candidate (see candidates below)
and send to 07781 486507

Representatives for the 2006 UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) have been nominated. In an unusual twist from the normal election format, all four candidates have decided to remain anonymous, preferring to let their words do the talking. They all want to be judged on their ideas for Hackney – with voters being asked to elect them on the strength of their manifestos.

Candidate A

I want to make sure that you, the young people of Hackney, are not only listened to, but taken seriously.
I want to make sure that young people stop getting targeted by adults and the police.
All young people should be involved in every process and decision that affects them.
I want there to be a campaign that is all about positive images. Telling the press that it’s unacceptable to call everyone that wears a hoodie, a ‘yob’ or a ‘thug’, etc.

Candidate B

I will create an image of young people in Hackney achieving and becoming recognised for the greatness that they have within them. I will make you proud that you grew up in Hackney.
I am not going to promise miracles, in the sense that I am not going to promise things that are realistically impossible, but what I am going to do is make sure your views are heard.
I want to make changes that you want to see happening and also strive to make your area a safer place. With the right amount of determination, drive and your support as one

Candidate C

My mission is to help improve safety in Hackney. I feel as young people, we need to pull together and end the madness. I stand as a point of contact with action.
It’s time for us to stop our mothers and fathers fearing for our safety, we need to realise that it affects us all and we are killing ourselves.
I will search high and low to find the root of your, or should I say OUR problems. I say ‘our’ because we are all one. I will make it my business to know what affects you.

Candidate D

I want the young people of Hackney to be able to walk around without the fear of being a victim of crime.
I want to be able to help meet your needs and get your views heard.
I believe the young people of Hackney deserve to have a say in any matter that affects them. Hackney has developed a bad image that doesn’t portray what it is really like, and that needs to be changed so people can see Hackney for what it really is.

What else do you need to know?

How do I vote?

Go along to one of the events this week and cast your vote. The venues are: Hackney Town Hall, the Lion Youth Club in Shoreditch, and Parkside Youth Club in Woodberry Grove (see ad for details). You will be asked to register your name and address and then fill in a secret ballot paper, selecting the candidate whose manifesto you think is the best.

What is the UK Youth Parliament?

The UKYP aims to give young people, aged 11 to 18, a voice which will be heard by local and national government, providers of services for young people, and other agencies who have an interest in the views and needs of young people. The UKYP has the support of Prime Minister, Tony Blair, and the Leader of the Opposition, David Cameron. The UKYP meets on an annual basis, and gives the young people of the UK a chance to express their views and concerns at the highest levels.

What does the Member of the Youth Parliament (MYP) do for Hackney?

The MYP represents all young people in Hackney for the London region. This involves, not only attending Hackney Youth Parliament meetings, but monthly UKYP London meetings, as well as conferences and other events. This is a great responsibility.

Who can vote in the elections?

Anyone in Hackney aged between 11 and 18.

How do I get involved in the UKYP?

Come along to one of the elections and you can find out all about the UKYP and the Hackney Youth Parliament (HYP). The HYP is the forum for young people in the borough. It aims to empower young people and get them to participate in decisions that affect them.

If you would like to get involved, then add the dates above to your diary. If you can’t make the elections, but want to get involved, or have any other questions, then call: 020 8356 7685 for more info, email hyp@hackney.gov.uk, or visit: www.hackneyyouthparliament.co.uk

Page updated: 28 Feb 2007