Why a Young Mayor?
Lewisham as a borough has a very credible history of encouraging children and young people’s participation in local democracy thanks to the strong commitment of the Mayor, Steve Bullock, councillors, and officers.
There are a range of different programmes and forums for engaging children and young people in citizenship activities, including a Young Citizen’s Panel of over 600 young people including young people from:
- school councils
- young people’s forums
- youth participation projects.
To provide a focus and a channel for young people’s views and opinion to be heard by decision makers, it was proposed by the Mayor of Lewisham, Steve Bullock, to have a Young Mayor, supported by a Youth Advisors' Group and a Young Citizens' Panel, who would have access to the full range of young people’s forums and networks in addition to school councils.
Nationally Lewisham has the longest established Young Mayor’s Programme, in October 2009 electing the sixth young mayor. The Young Mayor is democratically elected every year through Lewisham’s schools and colleges.
As such the programme has been influential locally and nationally in encouraging other boroughs to provide this opportunity for young people.
What is the remit of the Young Mayor?
The Young Mayor will serve a one year term and:
- will support and be a spokesperson for the borough’s young people
- inform and advise the current Mayor Steve Bullock on issues relating to young people
- work with the Young Advisors and Young Citizens' Panel to inform the work of the Mayor, Council and other decision-making bodies
- oversee a budget of at least £25,000.
How can I stand to be Young Mayor?
To stand for Young Mayor you need to between 14 and 17 years old at the time of the election, usually in mid-October every year. You need to live or go to school or college in Lewisham.
Then you need to fill in a candidate pack, which includes getting 50 other young people to sign to say they support you. Then get a parent or carer and a teacher to sign your pack, so they know that you intend to stand. Next write a statement about why other young people should vote for you!
Then all you have to do is send in your pack to the Young Mayor's Office by the closing date.
The 2009 closing date is 18th September 2009.
You can get a candidate pack by visiting the Young Mayor’s website or contacting the Young Mayor’s Office – see contact details below.
If you stand you will get support for your campaign and throughout your year in office.
How to vote for the Young Mayor?
If you are in secondary school or college in Lewisham at the time of the election then you can vote for the candidate of your choice. Manifestos will be available from your school/college so you can find out what each candidate is standing for.
If you live in Lewisham but go to school or college outside the borough then get in touch so you can do a postal vote.
How can I find out what the Young Mayor has been doing?
Visit the Young Mayor's website or contact the Young Mayor's Office.
The Young Mayor has a team of Young Advisors to help him or her represent the views and interests of young people in Lewisham. If you would like to visit the group or ask them any questions, if you have an issue you would like to raise, or you would like the Young Mayor or his advisors to visit your school or group then contact the Young Mayor’s Office (details below).
How else can I get involved in decision making in Lewisham?
The Young Citizens' Panel which is open to all young people in Lewisham. You will be able to take part in online surveys and questionnaires, join in discussions on Facebook and Twitter and attend live events at the Civic Suite to address issues important to young people.
More about the Young Citizens' Panel on the Young Mayor's website.