Author: Daisy Petrow, communications officer, the National Association of Local Councils (NALC)
Empowering young people is essential for building a sustainable and prosperous future. On International Youth Day, observed on 12 August, and all year long, we must commit to creating environments that nurture their potential, support their growth, and amplify their voices.
NALC believe that young people are the future of our communities, and supporting their development and livelihood is paramount to the growth of local councils. Visit our young people webpage to find out more about our work.
To celebrate International Youth Day, here’s how local (parish and town) councils can empower young people to build a brighter, more inclusive future.
Youth forums and workshops
One way to empower young people is to organise forums, networks, workshops, or groups where young people can voice their opinions on community issues. These sessions can provide valuable insights into the needs and desires of the young people in your community. Workshops on leadership, entrepreneurship, and other relevant topics can empower young people with skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
For young councillors seeking a network to connect and share ideas with other councillors around the country, NALC have a national network for young councillors aged 40 and under who are currently serving on a local council. Find out more about the network and how to join.
Community service projects
Another way is to encourage youth participation in community service projects. Whether it’s a clean-up campaign, or assisting the elderly, these activities help young people develop a sense of responsibility and pride in their community.
Social media campaigns
How about leveraging social media to highlight the achievements and stories of young people in your community. You can feature a different young person each day leading up to International Youth Day, or the days following. Use hashtags like #InternationalYouth day to join the global conversation and showcase young people’s talent on your social media platforms.
Celebrating young people’s contributions
Hosting an awards ceremony is a wonderful way to recognise and celebrate people’s talents and achievements. Categories can include academic excellence or community service. You could collaborate with local schools and youth organisations to identify nominees. Public recognition not only boosts the morale of the young winners but also inspires their peers.
NALC’s Star Council Awards Young Councillor of the Year category celebrates and recognises the achievements of the young councillors representing their communities. Submit a nomination for Young Councillor of the Year.
Youth-led initiatives
Finally, you can empower young people by supporting youth-led initiatives. Provide small grants or resources for projects led by young people. This not only fosters creativity and initiative but also gives young people a sense of ownership and accomplishment.
International Youth Day is a great opportunity to shine a light on the potential and achievements of young people/ By engaging with and supporting youth through various activities and recognition, local councils can build stronger, more vibrant communities.
The following blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional or legal advice. The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the National Association of Local Councils. Any links to external sources included in this blog post are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement or approval of those websites' content, products, services, or policies. Therefore, readers should use discretion and judgment when applying the information to their circumstances. Finally, this blog post may be updated or revised without notice.