People Directorate
RESOURCE PACKS : For Teachers and Youth Workers Information, support and practical ideas for citizenship sessions
VOTING DATES
Tuesday 6th March and Wednesday 7th March 2012
Support and Information Pack for Staff
This pack tells you about how to prepare your organisation and involve young people in the annual United Kingdom Youth Parliament (UKYP) election in Sefton. It provides activities as part of the citizenship curriculum.
This resource pack will enable you to get fully involved in the UKYP election process and enable young people to understand and see the benefits of voting and being candidates. Use this pack and the posters provided to tell young people how they can get involved in standing for the UKYP election in Sefton, how they can help on polling day and how they can vote. The work sheets and lesson plans are tried and tested resources that help teachers/youth workers guide young people through the election process, giving them a better understanding of how it all works. Taking part in the UKYP election enables young people to debate issues, take part in campaigning, make choices and experience the voting process. It is important however, that this sits within a broader context of active citizenship opportunities that are embedded in the life of the school, youth organisations and other related providers of services to young people. We live in a society where more young people vote for an ‘X-Factor’ contestant than on polling day and where more and more column inches are devoted to celebrity issues. We are fast becoming a nation of nonparticipants, where a high proportion of young people fail to take up their voting entitlement. This pack will assist you in engaging young people to take up their entitlement.
For further assistance, please call 0151 934 4899 / 4898 or email: Youth.Service@sefton.gov.uk 2
Contents Election Timetable 2011 - 2012.......................................................4 What is the United Kingdom Youth Parliament?...............................5 What is the Government?.................................................................6 Who is involved in UKYP?............................................................7 What impact does it have? .........................................................7 What happens in Sefton?.................................................................8 How do you and young people get involved?...................................9 Running the Election day ...............................................................10 Guidance for Presiding Officers...................................11 How do I vote?...............................................................................13 Preparing for the Elections ............................................................14 Supporting young people with additional needs............................22 Appendix 1: Self-Nomination Form ................................................23 Appendix 2: Curriculum Links ........................................................24 Appendix 3: Website Links and Further Resources........................25
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Nomination deadlines from organisations, schools, voluntary youth organisations, youth centres and young people’s self - nominations
Fri 13th Jan 2012
Workshops for nominated young people at Bootle and Southport Town Halls. Attendees to shortlist a total for 16 young people for elections. (Manifesto produced).
Week beginning 23rd January 2012
Manifestos and posters distributed to be displayed
Fri 10th Feb 2012
Voting Days within organisations, schools, youth centres etc
Tue 6th March Wed 7th March 2012
Ballot papers collected and votes counted
Thur 8th March and Fri 9th March 2012
Results announced. Newly elected young people at celebration event with parents and dignitaries – venue to be arranged 4
Mon 19th March 2012
The United Kingdom Youth Parliament (UKYP) comprises of nearly 400 young people from all over the UK. It is a national organisation that enables and encourages young people to campaign to make positive changes for other young people locally and nationally. They raise issues with national and local government and relevant organisation who are in a position to make a difference.
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I feel very honoured and excited to have been involved in the debate in the House of Commons along with other young people across the UK. Most people never get the opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament, let alone debate there and at the age of 14 to think ‘been there, done that’. In the future I hope to return to the Commons, not as an MYP but as an MP.
”
Eleanor Gleeson, Sefton MYP
Make YOUR Voice heard!
MYPs Heather Dickinson and Eleanor Gleeson represent Sefton at the UK Youth Parliament debate held at the House of Commons on November 4th 2011.
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n The Government is a group of Elected Members of Parliament who decide how the country should be run. n They decide lot of things such as what happens in schools and your local community. n When people are 18 years old they get to choose who is in the Government by voting for them.
n Youth Parliament is a gathering of young people who consult with Elected Members of Parliament to support them in the decision making processes regarding issues that affect young people. n Young people get to choose Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) by voting in UKYP election.
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Every Local Authority is entitled to representation in UKYP and the number of young people in the Authority determines how many Members of Youth Parliament they can have. Sefton is entitled to two members of the Youth Parliament, who can have 3-4 Deputies each. An election will be held in March 2012 when young people are given the opportunity to vote in school, college or other youth provision. Sefton Youth Service liaises with the Electoral Departments and the results will be announced by the Returning Officer from Sefton at a celebration event on Monday 19th March 2012.
The elected MYPs and Deputies go to regional meetings every 6 weeks and UKYP convenes once a year. There are also special issue meetings throughout the year. The North West Region has continued 5 campaigns: Citizenship; Youth Opportunities; Media, Police and Transport. Various decision makers have met regional MYPs and Deputy MYPs to consult around school nursing and influence the shape of those services across the region. Regional MYPs and Deputy MYPs are hopeful a positive decision will be made as a result of their hard work.
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Sefton MYPs and Deputies have an important role to play locally. They meet up with the young people from local area forums for South, Mid and North Sefton. They are members of the borough wide Youth Cabinet, with a remit to meet local Elected Councillors and MPs for Sefton. The MYPs have been engaged in the recruitment and selection processes, working closely with Sefton Council’s Personnel Department. They helped to appoint Peter Morgan, Strategic Director, People Directorate, Sefton Council and Mike McSorley, Head of Learning Support at Sefton Council. Deputy MYPs are representatives on the Making a Positive Contribution sub-group, contributing towards priorities being set within the Children and Young People’s Plan. MYPs are actively involved in regional campaigns that also effect the issues of local young people. Not so long ago, young people held a Shout It Out Louder conference involving young people from across Sefton. Out of this came the young people’s priorities, which are: 1. Media and positive images for young people A number of articles have been published in the local press containing positive stories about young people’s achievements. This development is ongoing. 2. Better communication between young people, Councillors and Senior Local Authority Officers Young people invited Senior Officers and Elected Members to feedback and share the priorities which young people are seeking to address in Sefton. This is a continual process. 3. Peer-led PSHE Lessons Young people are meeting to action plan with Healthy Schools and the Sexual Health Project with a view to having peer educators. 8
Schools, Colleges and youth projects will be sent publicity and information about the Youth Parliament. Young people who wish to stand will be invited to nominate themselves (see Page 23). Individuals not in school or college can also be nominated directly through Sefton Youth Service. Nomination deadline for organisations, schools, voluntary youth organisations, youth centres and young people’s self nomination is Friday 13th January 2012. Nominations need to be sent to Patricia.Wilson@sefton.gov.uk or Trish.Quinn@sefton.gov.uk Two area events: one at Bootle Town Hall and one at Southport Town Hall will take place, where nominees can find out more information, take part in workshops to write their manifestos (see Page 17) and receive help from current MYPs and Deputy MYPs. A total of sixteen young people will be chosen by their peers to go forward to take part in the official election days. These young people should have the opportunity to run their own election campaigns in the run up to voting days. Following the workshops, schools and colleges will be sent information and posters that detail all candidate manifestos and the dates for voting. On election days, polling stations should be available at all locations. Ballot boxes will be provided for polling days. A Presiding Officer should be appointed in all locations to oversee the process. Sealed ballot boxes are brought to a Youth Centre or Town Hall for the votes to be counted. UKYP can be promoted through assemblies, form time and citizenship lessons, as well as using the posters provided.
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The following model of best practise is particularly effective in involving all young people in the election process. As well as enabling the maximum number of young people to cast a vote, the model also provides opportunities for young people to take responsibility for the process and gain a greater understanding of the benefits of democracy.
Managing Election Days Sefton Youth Service will be available for information and support during the two voting days. Those schools who have a youth centre on site may ask the Youth Workers for support. Prior to the election days, a timetable should be developed for each class to be BROUGHT TO VOTE. This should consider any tests or assessments in progress, so as not to interfere.
Young people as Volunteers Please note that candidates cannot be volunteers, and should not be in the vicinity of the polling station, except to cast their vote. Two young volunteers manage the register and mark off voters. A further four young volunteers should assist at the polling booths to provide any support required and to ensure the smooth running of the operation. A further two volunteers should have the responsibility of collecting classes and escorting them to the polling areas.
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Candidates A poster displaying the manifestos of all candidates should be displayed in schools, youth centres and colleges.
Voters After the nomination stage, 16 candidates will be chosen by their peers to go forward for the elections. All schools, colleges and projects will then receive ballot papers containing details of individual candidate names and their manifestos. Every young person 11-18 studying or living in Sefton is entitled to vote. Voters have one vote and should place a cross in the box provided next to the relevant candidate. If they vote for more candidates than they are entitled to do, their ballot paper will not be counted. The election will be based on the system and the procedures for local government elections. The candidates who gain the most votes will become the new MYPs and Deputy MYPs. All young people will have the opportunity to join the Borough wide Youth Cabinet.
Roles and Responsibilities of the polling station team The role of polling station staff, including young people, is to ensure that voters are able to cast their vote in secret, free from influence and in a calm atmosphere.
Duties of Presiding Officer Presiding Officers are responsible for the conduct of all voters, young volunteers and staff in the polling stations and they must have knowledge of the voting procedures.
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Guidance for Presiding Officers (continued) The first job is to set up the polling station. The layout of the room or space is important. The ballot boxes and polling booths should be arranged to ensure that they are accessible for voters and yet fully visible to polling station staff. The needs of voters with a disability should be taken into account. They must also: n n n n n n
Organise the layout of the polling station. Instruct and supervise the work of the polling clerks and volunteers. Open and close the polling station on time. Act impartially. Issue ballot papers to voters. Monitor the activity of those around the polling station to ensure that they do no interfere with the voting process. n Ensure that all the signs and notices are clearly visible. Before the poll opens The Presiding Officer must ensure that they are at the polling station 30 minutes before the poll opens. Signs and notices The only notice to be displayed in the polling booth is the one that provides guidance on how to vote (example given on the following page). Voting procedures 1. Greet electors and ask them to confirm their names. 2. Mark the register by crossing off their name. 3. Call out the name of the elector for the volunteer to identify their ballot paper number. 4. Write this next to their name on the register. Last votes Last votes to be cast must end on: Day one at 9pm – Day two at 3pm
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You can help choose two young people from Sefton to be in UK Youth Parliament.
Lots of young people from other schools and youth organisations in Sefton will also help choose your representative.
You can see who wants to be in Youth Parliament by looking at the posters in your school and youth projects.
Your teacher, youth worker or a young volunteer will give you a ballot paper with all the names of the young people who want to be in UK Youth Parliament.
This is a confidential ballot and you do not have to tell anyone else who you vote for.
Make a mark next to the name of the person you think should be a Member of the UK Youth Parliament.
The person who gets the most votes will be in the UK Youth Parliament.
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UKYP WORKSHOPS WITH YOUNG PEOPLE SESSION 1 Activity 1 (10 minutes)
What is politics? Give young people post-its and ask them to write down what words come into their heads when you say politics. Ask them to stick the post-its on a board. Pick a few and discuss with the group. N.B. You can do this exercise again later and see if the words are different. Activity 2 (10 minutes)
What decisions do politicians make that affect me? Do this as a whole group writing their suggestions on the board. Activity 3 (20 minutes)
Agree/Disagree Continuum Put a large sign saying “Agree” at one end of the room and another saying “Disagree” at the other end. Ask the group to imagine that there is a line from one sign to the other. Explain to the group that you are going to read a statement and they should position themselves on the line in response to what you’ve said, so if they agree they will be very close to the “Agree” sign, whereas if they have mixed feelings they will be closer to the middle. If they disagree they’d be closer to that end of the room and so on. After you have read a statement and the young people have positioned themselves, you can ask individuals to share why they have stood in that particular place.
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You may want to use all or some of these statements or you may want to design your own: n Bus fares for young people should be lower n Young people should be in education until they’re 18 n Parents should be allowed to smack their children n Schools should abolish uniforms n Voting at elections should be compulsory n Young people are not interested in politics n Politicians should be made to retire at the age of 60 n There should be an equal number of male and female politicians n People should be able to vote by text n There should be more youth clubs in Sefton n Leisure activities should be cheaper for young people n Young people care more about what happens on the X-Factor than in elections n Young people should have to learn a foreign language n The voting age should be lowered to 16
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UKYP WORKSHOPS WITH YOUNG PEOPLE SESSION 2 Activity 1 (30-60 minutes)
Political Parties Split the young people into groups of about 4 or 5. Ask each group to form a political party. As a group they must: n Decide what their Party is going to be called. n Design a logo that the party can use. n Decide who, if anyone is going to be the Party Leader. n Decide on 3 main policies and 3 actions you would take if elected and put them into a manifesto. (Example on next page). n Plan tactics for an election campaign. n Plan ways of encouraging people to join your Party. n Create a campaign poster. Activity 2 (15-30 minutes)
Who would you vote for? Each group has a few minutes to present their Party’s manifesto. Everyone then has the chance to vote for their favourite Party.
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EXAMPLE MANIFESTO Candidate 1
My priorities are: I’m running for Youth Parliament because I feel there are lots of things that need improving for Sefton’s youth and we’re sometimes overlooked. I am already an active member of a youth project and I have helped organise two conferences for young people. I’m open minded to all options and views, hard working and very responsible. If I was elected I would work tirelessly for Sefton’s young people because I know how much it needs changing. I am the right person for the job.
Candidate 2
My policies are centred on saving the environment I would like to be an MYP because I think we as young people should have a say in everything from how the country is run to what we can do about climate change. I believe that people need to do their best to reduce pollution now, so that when we become adults and have families of our own we can still have clean air to breathe. It is important that issues such as easily affordable solar panels, cleaner, safer, cheaper transport for young people and safer places for kids to hang out are recognised by the Government.
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UKYP WORKSHOPS WITH YOUNG PEOPLE SESSION 3 Activity 1 (10 minutes)
The Young People’s Parliament Use the notes from this pack to explain the role of UKYP. Activity 2 (10 minutes)
True or False? Split young people into pairs or small groups. Hand out the worksheet provided and ask young people to cut out the statements. They must then put the statements into columns, True or False. When everyone is happy with where they have placed their statements, inform all the group that in fact, all the statements are true. Statements n The UKYP have successfully campaigned and achieved free or subsidised travel for young people in some areas of the country. n The UKYP wants to help all young people no matter who the are, where they come from or what they have done. n The UKYP have pushed the Government into spending more money on Sex and Relationship Education. n MYPs have met the Prime Minister. n MYPs took a campaign to Downing Street and their report forced the Government to change policy and make Sex and Relationship Education compulsory in all schools.
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n The UKYP held a debate in the House of Lords. n Over 10,000 young people voted in Seftons UKYP election in 2010/2011. n UKYP campaigns are discussed by the Prime Minister in the House of Parliament. n Nearly 400,000 young people across the country have voted in UKYP elections. n The more young people who vote in the UKYP elections, the more influence UKYP will have. n Every young person aged 11-18 has the right to vote for their UKYP representative. n Ministers have stated that they want to work with UKYP.
The following statements are about UKYP. You must decide which ones are true and which ones are false. Cut out the statements and split them into two columns True or False: The UKYP have successfully campaigned and achieved free or subsidised travel for young people in some areas of the country.
The UKYP wants to help all young people no matter who the are, where they come from or what they have done.
The UKYP have pushed the Government into spending more money on Sex and Relationship Education.
MYPs have met the Prime Minister.
MYPs took a campaign to Downing Street and their report forced the Government to change policy and make Sex and Relationship Education compulsory in all schools.
The UKYP held a debate in the House of Lords.
Over 10,000 young people voted in Seftons UKYP election in 2010/2011.
UKYP campaigns are discussed by the Prime Minister in the House of Parliament.
The more young people who vote in the UKYP elections, the more influence UKYP will have.
Nearly 400,000 young people across the country have voted in UKYP elections.
Every young person aged 11-18 has the right to vote for their UKYP representative.
Ministers have stated that they want to work with UKYP.
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UKYP WORKSHOPS WITH YOUNG PEOPLE
SESSION 3 Activity 3 (15-25 minutes)
Ideal MYP Split the young people into groups of 4-5. Give each group 2 pieces of flip chart paper stuck together. Ask the group to draw around one member of the group. This outline will be the ideal member of the Youth Parliament. The groups then have to draw and write on attributes that would make a good MYP. e.g. big ears for listening or a watch because they are punctual. Then ask the groups to feedback to each other. Activity 4 (10-20 minutes)
Want to get involved? Use this pack to tell young people how they can get involved in standing in the UKYP election in Sefton, how they can help on polling day and how they can vote!
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UKYP WORKSHOPS WITH YOUNG PEOPLE SESSION 4 Activity 1 (10-20 minutes)
What is the Youth Parliament? Copy and distribute this sheet for participants to circle their answers 1.
What is the Government a. A group of young people b. A group of teachers c. A group of adults who decide how the country should be run
2.
Who chooses who is in Government? a. No one, they just choose themselves b. Other adults choose by voting c. Children and young people to pick
3.
What is Youth Parliament? a. A group of young people who help the Government make decisions b. A group of pop stars c. A group of teachers
4.
Who chooses who is in the Youth Parliament? a. Adults in the Government b. Young people can vote for who they want c. Teachers choose young people
5.
How many young people can you vote for in Sefton? a. 1 b. 2 c. 3
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Supporting Students with Additional Needs to become involved in the UKYP process
We recognise that young people have a wide range of needs and some may need additional support to have the opportunity of taking part in the UKYP process. If you are working with young people who have additional needs please fell free to run sessions for the elections in a manner that best suits your groups. All young people have the right to keep their votes secret: however, it’s recognised this will not always be possible when supporting young people with additional needs. If this is the case, please try and remain as neutral as possible.
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APPENDIX 1
Self-Nomination Form Member of the UK Youth Parliament Would you like to be elected as a Member of the UK Youth Parliament for the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton? If so, please complete and submit the form below: Name:
Date of Birth:
Address:
Post code: School (If not at a school is there a relevant organisation/group you belong to?)
Tel No:
Mobile No:
E-mail (please write clearly): Why do you want to be Sefton MYP and why should young people vote for you? Please do not make reference to your school in this section (150 words max.)
Closing Date: 13th January 2012 Please email: Trish.Quinn@sefton.gov.uk or Patricia.Wilson@sefton.gov.uk with your completed form. If you have any queries contact Sefton Youth Service on 0151 934 4899 / 4898 or by email: Patricia.Wilson@sefton.gov.uk / Trish.Quinn@sefton.gov.uk If you need to post your form, send it to Sefton Youth Service, Cambridge Road, Seaforth. L21 1EZ.
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APPENDIX 2 Curriculum Links The activities in this resource pack support the delivery of the Citizenship Curriculum at Key Stages 3 and 4; in particular the key concept below. Further guidance can be found at: http://curriculum.qca.org.uk/key-stages-3-and4/subjects/citizenship
1.1
Democracy and Justice as part of Citizenship
1. Participating actively in different kinds of decision making and voting in order to influence public life. 2. Weighing up what is fair and unfair in different situations, understanding that justice is fundamental to a democratic society and exploring the role of law in maintaining order and resolving conflict. 3. Considering how democracy, justice, diversity, tolerance, respect and freedom are valued by people with different beliefs, backgrounds and traditions within the changing democratic society. 4. Understanding and exploring the roles of citizens and Parliament in holding Government and those in power to account.
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APPENDIX 3 Website Links and Further Resources Move it Sefton
www.moveitsefton.co.uk
This will enable young people to access Sefton Youth Service and services/activities the Youth Service can offer them, as well as accessing UKYP information.
UK Parliament
www.parliament.uk
Official UK Parliament website – contains everything you need to know about the world of Westminster!
Number 10 Downing Street
www.youngpeople.pm.gov.uk
Number 10 website for young people. You can see what’s behind the famous door, learn about the history of the building and the people who have lived in it, and get in touch with the Prime Minister.
The British Youth Council (BYC)
www.byc.org.uk
The British Youth Council (BYC) represents and involves a unique coalition of young people through their involvement as individuals or through their youth organisations.
Catch 21
www.catch21.co.uk
The aim of Catch 21 is to kick-start a revolution of participation in British politics by changing the way it is perceived by the public. Catch 21 seeks to achieve this by putting on debates and shows all over the UK, which will attract young people – those who are seen as the least likely to be interested in the traditional style of politics by including well known public faces.
Envision
www.envision.org.uk
Envision is youth empowerment charity that enables young people to realise their capacity to make a difference. Envision works in schools and colleges across the UK, and helps 16-19 year olds to develop their own social and environmental projects.
Headliners
www.headliners.org
Headliners is a UK – wide news agency producing news, features and comment by young people for everyone. Through a unique learning journalism programme, young people aged 8-19 research and write stories on issues that are important to them for publication in national and local newspapers, magazines, television and radio.
The National Children’s Bureau (NCB)
www.ncb.org.uk
The National Children's Bureau (NCB) promotes the voices, interests and well-being of all young people across every aspect of their lives. As an umbrella body for the children’s sector in England and Northern Ireland, the NCB provide essential information on policy, research and better practice for all partner organisations.
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APPENDIX 3 The National Children’s Bureau (NCB)
www.ncb.org.uk
The National Children's Bureau (NCB) promotes the voices, interests and well-being of all young people across every aspect of their lives. As an umbrella body for the children’s sector in England and Northern Ireland, the NCB provide essential information on policy, research and better practice for all partner organisations.
The National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS)
www.ncvys.org.uk
The National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS) is the independent voice of the voluntary sector in England. A diverse network of over 160 national voluntary youth organisations and regional and local networks. NCVYS has been working since 1936 to support voluntary and community organisations that work with young people.
Association for Citizenship Teaching (ACT)
www.teachingcitizenship.co.uk
The Association of Citizenship Teaching (ACT) is the professional subject association for those involved in citizenship education.
Participation Works
www.participationworks.org.uk
Participation works is an online gateway for youth participation. This is your hub for information, resources, news and networking on the involvement of young people dialogue, decision making and influence across a wide range of settings.
National Youth Agency (NYA)
www.nya.org.uk
The National Youth Agency (NYA) supports those involved in young people’s personal and social development and works to enable young people to fulfil their potential within a just society.
Citizenship Foundation
www.citizenshipfoundation.org.uk
The Citizenship Foundation is an independent charity which aims to empower individuals to engage in the wider community through education about the law, democracy and society.
School Councils UK
www.schoolcouncils.org
School Councils UK is an independent charity which promotes and facilitates effective structures for pupil participation in every school. Their vision is of young people as decision makers, stakeholders and partners in their schools and communities.
School Poll
www.schoolpoll.com
Leading software for online school polls, survey, questionnaires and elections. Fully hosted web-based service. Run secure online polls for students and parents.
Time for Citizenship
www.timeforcitizenship.org
This website is run by primary schools in the UK and Ireland. Registration allows you to view/download the lesson plans (Teachers page), submit entries for termly art competitions, and win fabulous prizes for your school, as well as building up a very valuable resource for all schools to share.
Do Politics The Do Politics centre is an initiative developed by the Electoral Commission. This online resource contains practical materials, advice and guidance for all practitioners from electoral administrators to youth workers and teachers aiming to increase voter awareness and registration.
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www.dopolitics.org.uk
People Directorate If you need this document in a different format or another language, please contact us on:
0845 140 0845 www.sefton.gov.uk
Nov. 2011