Got something to say?  Do something about it!
Stand for election!

Further details of how the Youth Council works are being updated, and will be published here soon.

What skills and experience do I need?

Particular skills and experience are not essential.  It's who you are not what you have done or how well you are doing at school or college.  Of course some experience may be helpful but being committed is the main quality required.

It is helpful if a candidate is:

• Committed and punctual
• Energetic
• Prepared to get involved with their local and wider communities
• Be able to listen to and respect the views of other young people
• Not afraid to speak their mind

PS...You don't have to want to become a politician!

I have never done anything like this before, does this matter?

• No!  You don't have to have done anything like this before, although it may help if you have.
• The Youth Council just needs committed people who are keen to see that other young peoples voices are heard.
• As a member there will be lots of opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and understanding as we go along.

If I was elected what would I have to do?

The main role of a Youth Councillor is to:

• To seek out the views and opinions held by other young people through meeting with them, doing surveys etc.
• To represent (i.e. stand for, describe) these views to others and wider audiences.

Other key roles:

• To be aware of and raise issues that affect young people - locally, county wide and nationally.
• To work alongside adults, decision makers and providers of services (such as health, leisure, education etc) to get young peoples voices heard.
• To make contact with local youth groups/forums.
• To attend regular meetings and events.
• To be consulted by others - i.e. the county council and people who have an interest in the needs and views of young people.
• To make things happen!
• To act responsibly when representing HYC and keep to the Code Of Conduct.

Meetings, events, activities:

As part of your role you will be expected to attend and get involved in a number of events and meetings throughout the year.  These meetings are an essential part of your job and although you are not expected to attend all of them, it is important you participate in at least 80%.

• 12 General Youth Council Meetings - approximately once a month.  Generally held at the Castle Green Training Centre, Hereford.
• 1 Youth Council Residential - This takes place over a weekend so that everyone can get to know each other, have some fun, and get to grips with the role of Youth Councillors and role of the Youth Council.
• Regular small Task Group Meetings - in between general meetings to work on specific issues and projects set by the youth council.  Not ALL youth council members will need to attend these, but these are where the real work of the YC gets done.
• Consultation Meetings/Surgeries - visit local venues and youth projects to meet and consult with young people.
• Local Meetings in your area - meet with young people and meet with others in the community.

Travel and support:

You will be expected to travel to meetings but transport costs can be repaid and help can be offered to organise this.  Your work on the Youth Council will be supported by Youth Service Youth Workers.

Other activities:

As well as these meetings there will be opportunities throughout the year to:

• Work on projects and ideas set by the Youth Council and it's members.
• Attend events and conferences.
• Take part in team building activities.
• Meet the people that matter.
• Promote the Youth Council- write new pieces for the website, press releases, design publicity etc.
• Meet and consult with young people of Herefordshire.
• Do radio broadcasts, interviews, press releases...and much more!