Candidate Manifestos 2008 - Young Hackney

IntroductionWelcome...Welcome to the candidate booklet for the Hackney YouthParliament Elections 2008.The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child acknowledges thatthose under 18 years of age have the ability and, therefore, the rightto be involved in decision-making. Over the next few years, every localauthority will be working with its partners to find out what works bestfor children and young people in its area and act on it. Hackney YouthParliament is our central body for young people’s involvement andgives young people in the borough the opportunity to meet withCouncillors and agencies working with and on behalf of youngpeople in order to discuss their aspirations, issues and concerns.These elections mark the end of an intense period of work for all thecandidates in bringing their manifestos to life and preparing to standfor election. All of the candidates should be congratulated for beingprepared to play an active role in their community and promote young people’s involvement in democracylocally, nationally and globally. All of the candidates listed are offering you their commitment to working toimprove the voice of young people in Hackney. As the Council’s Youth Participation Team we are alsocommitted to ensuring that young people can have meaningful opportunities to be involved and heard. Webelieve that involving young people in decision-making will result in a balanced, representative and democraticcommunity that ultimately benefits all residents. You can be assured that we’ll be working with the electedYouth Parliament members to support them to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to carry out theirresponsibilities.Please read the manifestos enclosed and use your vote as it is important to elect those who can best representthe wider youth population. Remember, decisions are made by those who show up, so please vote.For further information on the Hackney Youth Parliament or Neighbourhood Forums please contact the YouthParticipation Team on 020 8986 0285.Michael ConnorsYouth Participation ManagerThis booklet has been produced by Hackney Council Youth Service.