Young People - Get Involved!

I first got involved in politcs at the age of 17. I was elected as the youngest Weston Town Councillor in 2000 aged 27. So it seems fitting that my website should have a page dedicated to young people. When I speak to young people in Weston-super-Mare and across North Somerset, 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 Weston-super-Mare and North Somerset; 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!

Liberal Youth

Liberal Youth is the wing of the Liberal Democrat party for all young people and students in the UK. They're a wholly autonomous organisation, so they set their own policy, run their own campaigns and speak their own minds.

Liberal Youth is run by its members for its members. They have an executive and conference, policy and international committees who deal with certain areas of Liberal Youth, but they are always accountable to the members of Liberal Youth, who can vote for the executive and committees, propose and approve policy and hold the whole organisation to account. You won't find a more democratic youth party.

Visit their website to find out the latest news on Liberal Youth, get involved in their current campaigns and events, see what they stand for, see who they are and chat with members on their forums.

* Liberal Youth.

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.

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.

* Votes at 16 Campaign.

* British Youth Council - Votes at 16.

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 2009 Project website and make the pledge to vote at the next General Election. If this project succeeds, it really will change politics for the better.

* The 2009 Project.

I Want To Change The World

Scottish 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 crowned CosmoGIRL 2005 after caring for African refugees in her own home. Check out Josie's site for advice on doing your bit to look after the environment:

* I Want To Change The World.