• What is the UK Youth Parliament?
• Who Does It Aim To Represent?
• What Does The UKYP Do?
• How Does The UKYP Ensure That It Isnt Taken Over By Political Parties And/Or Pressure Groups?
• How Can I Become An MYP?
• How Can I Get Involved If I Dont Want To Be An MYP?
• How Is The UKYP Run?
• How can I get in contact?

What is the UK Youth Parliament?
The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) aims to give the young people of the UK between the ages of 11 and 18 a voice, which will be heard and listened to 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.  It is an independent, national charity, that has a rolling programme of activities across the year.  This includes an Annual Sitting, Regional Meetings, regular dialogue with Ministers, including the Prime Minister and Opposition Spokespeople and inputs to policy and programme development.

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Who Does It Aim To Represent?
Every young person resident in the UK up to the age of 18 years old (inclusive).  Those aged between 11 and 18, can stand for election to the UKYP, and have the right to vote for the Member of the Youth Parliament (MYP).

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What Does The UKYP Do?
The UKYP supports MYPs in making the Government, Charities, Companies and other organisations take the views of young people seriously. We produce a document called The Manifesto which is created by the MYPs at the UKYPs Annual Sitting and gives a broad description of what action young people would like to be taken by the Government and other agencies, and what young people think about a variety of issues.

In addition to this, MYPs work locally to represent the views of their peer group to their adult councils and regional assembly, leading campaigns to improve recreation and leisure facilities, transport services, the supply of fairtrade products in schools, etc.

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How Does The UKYP Ensure That It Isnt Taken Over By Political Parties And/Or Pressure Groups?
The UKYP has a clear Code of Conduct for young people becoming MYPs which emphasises the UKYPs independence from political parties and pressure groups, whilst stressing that it is the responsibility of the MYP to represent the views of all their constituents.

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How Can I Become An MYP?
Each Local Education Authority in England represents a UKYP constituency.  There are varying numbers of MYPs in each constituency depending upon the number of young people who live in that area.  The minimum number of MYPs an authority can have is one, whilst the maximum number is seven.

To become an MYP you must stand for election.  Your local authority's youth service should hold annual elections to the UKYP, between November and January each year.  Elected MYPs serve a one year term of office which commences on 1 February.

To stand for election, you need to contact your local youth service and let them know that you are keen to become an MYP, they will then be able to include you in the election process for your area.

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How Can I Get Involved If I Dont Want To Be An MYP?
If you are aged between 11 and 18 you have the right to vote for your MYP.  Find out who the candidates are and vote for the person you think will best represent your views.  Each additional vote we get makes the Government take young peoples opinions more seriously and recognise that young people have a great part to play in the democratic process

You don't have to be an MYP to take part in UKYP campaigns and activities.  Many  MYPs organise local events for young people to take part in, or hold joint surgeries with their MP.  Check local noticeboards in your youth club and schools to find out what your MYP is doing, or have a look at the UKYPs website to see whether there are any national events taking place that you can take part in.  However, please always remember to make sure that your parents/guardians are aware of what you are doing and where you are going.

In a democracy everyone's views are important. Its not just about having a vote, but what happens AFTER the vote that really matters. Tell your elected MYP what you think should be done in your area and find out how you can help.

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How Is The UKYP Run?
The UKYP is a organisation which is run by young people for young people.

The UKYP has a Board of Trustees who have legal and financial responsibility for the organisation.  51% of the members of the Board, are made up of young people aged between 18 and 25, who are elected by the regional groups of MYPs, and the three UK nations to represent their regions views on the Board.

The UKYP also has a Procedures Group, made up of two MYPs from each English region and the three UK nations, which is responsible for overseeing the organisations day to day growth and development, e.g. – the Procedures Group determine the itinerary for the UKYPs Annual Sitting  and how the event should be run.

The UKYP employs members of staff to support the MYPs and their work, undertake the day to day administrative duties associated with running a national organisation, and organise events and meetings as determined by the MYPs.

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How can I get in contact?

If you have any questions or comments about the UKYP in Torbay, or you want more information on any  aspect of our work please get in touch!

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