The world is facing a global climate change crisis. The UK is attempting to leave the European Union. The next few years may be the most important period in human history that shapes our future.
Getting involved in community decision making will ensure your voice is heard and respected and is reflected in policy change to create the future you want.
We have lots of links and activities for you to gain the knowledge required to join in on the conversation and engage in community decision making.
58%
of 18-24 year olds voted in the last general election
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42%
of 16-24 year olds state they have no interest in politics
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9/10
Local councils want young people more actively involved
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9/10
Local councils want more feedback from young people
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Greta Thunberg started a global youth movement in 2018 with her "School climate strike movement" at age 15. She started with a single action. Standing outside the Swedish parliament with a sign.
Shortly after more young people joined in, even creating their own movements. Everything was organised on Social Media and when the groups started going viral over a million young people got involved.
Greta has since spoke at Global UN climate change conferences and is shattering the opinion that young people cannot influence community decision making.
Boys' and Girls' Clubs of Wales is one of the oldest youth organisations in Wales. Formed in the early 1920's its links with the community were embedded in its relationship with the miners of Wales.
Today we are offering help and support to youth and sports clubs and young people in general. Boys' and Girls' Clubs of Wales is a registered charity (1009142)
We are also a member organisation of the Council for Wales of Voluntary Youth Services (CWVYS) which enables us to influence current policy. We currenly represent over 170 youth clubs around Wales.
Engage young people (14-21) who are currently disengaged with community decision making processes through education and empowerment activities.
Empower young people to participate in decision making communities within education, local politics and youth led decision making groups.
Encourage young people to pass on the knowledge through social media channels and peer led forums to engage more young people to improve quality of life for all young people in Wales.
Not The Usual Hustings was an event organised by young people under the Our voice, our community project. More than 100 young people and leaders participated in the event and six politicians came to represent their parties at the debate.
Starting at 6pm, visitors had the opportunity to visit a market place with stalls from different parties and youth organisations. Young people had an opportunity to showcase their ideas and policy decisions with people who have the power to implement them.
The event was a roaring success with young people addressing various major topics like homelessness and future financial cuts and a companion app was produced - "Politically correct" (available on all major app stores).
Not The Usual Hustings was just the start… This project is called OVOC – Our Voice our Community. We have held 3 Learning Residentials, 3 workshops & 3 forum events to help young people get involved in affecting policy in Wales & the UK.
But we intend to do more! Send us an email at BGC Wales for more information.
"Some young people are now out of the habit of voting. Younger age groups are much less likely to see voting as a civic duty than older age groups suggesting the beginning of a cohort effect."
Source: Electoral commission - 2005
You've seen the figures from the top of the page showing young people are the lowest demographic in terms of voting turnout out of any age group. 18-24 year olds also have the highest rates of not being interested at all in local or national politics.
We have been helping young people for decades. We see a potential for growth to get young people inspired and participating in community decision making to make Wales & the UK a better place for everyone.
Engage young people (14-21) who are currently disengaged with community decision making processes through education and empowerment activities.
READ MORE
Empower young people to participate in decision making communities within education, local politics and youth led decision making groups.
READ MORE
Encourage young people to pass on the knowledge through social media channels and peer led forums to engage more young people to improve quality of life for all young people in Wales.
READ MORE
So now you get what a big deal young people are in society. You won't just improve your lives. You will improve the lives for everyone. The world needs your unique perspective.
Lets change the world.
