SHADOW YOUTH COUNCIL

Tuesday 26 August 08

Shadow Youth Councils across Northern Ireland have been forming over the past few months, and Newtownabbey Borough Council have succeeded. A special barbecue has been held in celebration of their success. Newtownabbey Borough Council established the council to develop and promote a democratic youth voice, build confidence and promote civic leadership within local young people.

The mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Victor Robinson, had this to say;
"We aimed to encourage the active participation of young people from different backgrounds in youth-led community actions that would be beneficial not only to their communities but the borough as a whole,"

25 young people were elected to serve in office for a period of two years. During their time before the election, they were able to generate a more open environment for people their age yet get them involved in politics at the same time. This gave young people the chance to see how an election process took place and showed them that the young people running for the Shadow Youth Council were both committed and devoted to what they were doing. This may have influenced more young people to get more involved with their local community.

If you are interested in setting up or joining your own local Shadow Youth Council please contact WIMPS for more information.