Young People - Get Involved!

As the youngest MP in Westminster, it seems fitting that my website should have a page dedicated to young people. When I speak to young people in schools in East Dunbartonshire, a real sense of enthusiasm and interest in politics comes across. However, when it comes to getting involved in politics - be it through political parties, charities or other means - it seems interest often starts to wane.

Is this because young people really don't care about the future of politics in this country? Of course not! Often the problem can be knowing where to start, how to get involved, or how to figure out your own opinion on the big issues such as Iraq and the environment.

This page is intended as a starting point for the young people of East Dunbartonshire; an introduction to the possibilities that are out there for making real change happen. It is also a call to action - if you see a problem, look for a solution; if you have an opinion, make sure it's heard. In other words, don't hang around - get involved!

8 Most Recent Stories From Jo Swinson News Stories

Thu 27th Mar 2008:

Auchinairn pupils welcome Jo

Jo Swinson visited Auchinairn Primary today to speak to P6&7 pupils about her role as an MP.

Wed 5th Mar 2008:

Jo critical as SNP axe St Ninian's High scheme

Jo Swinson has criticised the SNP's plan to scrap the Schools of Ambition project. Under the project, St Ninian's High School in Kirkintilloch became one of the country's first Schools of Ambition.

Thu 28th Feb 2008:

Jo Swinson Champions Fairtrade Schools in East Dunbartonshire

Jo Swinson has today urged all local schools to sign up to the Fairtrade Schools scheme, during a visit to St Helen's Primary in Bishopbriggs.

Thu 14th Feb 2008:

Jo takes up Bishopbriggs pupil's classroom invitation

Jo Swinson accepted the invitation of one bright pupil at St Ninian's High School today, when she visited the school to speak to Standard Grade Modern Studies pupils.

Fri 11th Jan 2008:

Lenzie pupils quiz Jo for Higher projects

Two pupils from Lenzie Academy were given an insight into politics today, when they interviewed Jo Swinson for their Advanced Higher Modern Studies dissertations.

Wed 19th Dec 2007:

East Dunbartonshire Youth Senate quiz Jo on youth amenities

Jo Swinson met with members of the East Dunbartonshire Youth Senate in Bishopbriggs this evening, to discuss the provision of local amenities and other issues affecting young people. Commenting afterwards, Jo said:

Fri 16th Nov 2007:

Bearsden P7s get on course with free maps

Jo Swinson visited Primary 7 pupils at Bearsden Primary today, as the class enjoyed the use of free Ordnance Survey maps.

Thu 1st Nov 2007:

Torrance Primary pupils quiz Jo

Following their recent visit to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, pupils from Torrance Primary welcomed local MP Jo Swinson into their classroom today.

Earlier Stories

Complete archive on the official site

Jo Swinson News Stories, provided by Prater Raines Ltd http://www.praterraines.co.uk/.

(c) 2008 Jo Swinson

Educational Resources

The Internet has some great educational resources on offer. The following websites cover some crucial aspects of politics in Britain and are designed to be accessible to young and old alike. Politics need not be complicated!

• www.dopolitics.com - A site run by the Electoral Commision to encourage young people to get involved in democracy. Has some great resources as well as information about voters and voting.

• www.electoral-reform.org.uk - Website of the electoral reform society, an organisation dedicated campaigning for the widespread implementation of Single Transferable Voting. Explains the characteristics of different voting systems and outlines the case for Proportional Representation.

• www.theyworkforyou.com - Fantastic site which lets users view their MP's voting record, alerts them when they speak in Parliament and keeps a concise record of the business of both houses. Also features a handy glossary for getting to grips with Parliamentary terminology

• www.10downingstreet.gov.uk - Website of the Prime Minister's Office. Includes some good educational information on the Prime Minister and Cabinets' roles as well as guides to legislation and government.

• www.explore.parliament.uk - Website run by the Parliamentary Education Unit explaining what goes on inside Westminster

Competitions

There are currently no competitions.

Campaigns

Y-Vote

The Y-Vote campaign is an initiative set up to try and encourage young people from Scotland to vote in the upcoming Scottish Parliamentary elections on the 3rd May.

They are organising a concert in the Glasgow Carling Academy on Thursday 29th March and have famous names such as The Zutons and The MacDonald Bros from X-Factor, as well as a number of local unsigned bands coming along to play on the night

To find more out more about the campaign, visit www.y-vote.info.

Votes at 16

The time is right to lower the voting age to 16. The lives of 16 and 17-year olds are as rich and varied as at any other age, and involve considerable responsibilities and complex decisions that are unrecognised in their current democratic rights. I have recently called on the Government to use the Electoral Administration Bill to legislate to lower the voting age to 16 for all public elections in the UK.

Many youth-led organisations, such as Votes at 16, have been campaigning for a reduction in the voting age.

The Votes at 16 Campaign is targeted at the Government, but also seeks to influence Parliament, the devolved institutions, the Electoral Commission, local councils and councillors, the media, academics and the general public. The campaign believes that the most effective case for change is to be made by young people themselves and young people led organisations will be at the heart of the campaign. To find out more go to www.votesat16.org.uk

The 2009 Project

The 2009 Project has a simple aim; to get every eligible person under 35 to vote at the next general election. It's got the backing of nearly 50 MPs, but it needs more than that. The 2009 Project will only succeed if all 13 million voters under the age of 35 pledge to take part in the next general election.

The less young people vote, they more they can be ignored by the political system. Politicians won't make policies that appeal to young people if they don't feel there are votes to be won. There are plently of ways to get involved in politics, but to really make politicians think, nothing beats expressing discontent at the ballot box. So visit the www.the2009project.com and make the pledge to vote at the next General Election. If this project succeeds, it really will change politics for the better.

Young People Now - Positive Images Campaign

Young People Now holds annual positive image awards, which are open to youth groups, young people, local authorities and media outlets, and aim to "celebrate positive portrayals of young people in the media, and proactivity among youth groups and councils in promoting affirmative images of young people." To find out more, visit their website via the link below.

Edinburgh teenager Josie Vallely has been causing a stir as a young, energetic and outspoken campaigner on environmental issues. Josie has received praise from Bob Geldof for her charity work and was recently crowned CosmoGIRL 2005 after caring for African refugees in her own home. Check out Josie's site for adivice on doing your bit to look after the environment:

Help Yourselves!