Young people in Mid Ulster can now apply to be Youth Assembly Members

By Stanley Campbell
Published 10th Oct 2023, 10:37 BST
Updated 10th Oct 2023, 10:37 BST
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The Northern Ireland Youth Assembly is seeking young people from Mid Ulster in Years 9-12 to apply to become members of the 2023 -2025 Youth Assembly.

The Youth Assembly, which was founded in 2021, is an opportunity for young people to share their views on issues of importance to them and to directly influence decisions taken by the Northern Ireland Assembly and other key policy makers.

The Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Alex Maskey said: “I am delighted to announce that applications to the Youth Assembly are now open. It has been an absolute privilege for me to work with the inaugural Youth Assembly, which ran from 2021 -2023. During that time, I, and indeed many others, have been impressed by the enthusiasm with which the Youth Assembly Members grasped the platform they had, and the insights and fresh thinking they provided.

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“Our previous Youth Assembly Members worked tirelessly to explore, debate and make recommendations on a number of important societal issues such as climate change, education, mental health and the rights of children and young people. They provided the perspective of young people to a wide range of public bodies and decision makers and have certainly laid a positive path for the new intake of Members. I have no doubt that this new intake of young people will make the second Youth Assembly a resounding success.”

Young people who are selected to be part of the Youth Assembly will be offered a range of training and support. This will include learning about how the Assembly works, making presentations, conducting research and talking to experts about issues of concern. Credit: Google MapsYoung people who are selected to be part of the Youth Assembly will be offered a range of training and support. This will include learning about how the Assembly works, making presentations, conducting research and talking to experts about issues of concern. Credit: Google Maps
Young people who are selected to be part of the Youth Assembly will be offered a range of training and support. This will include learning about how the Assembly works, making presentations, conducting research and talking to experts about issues of concern. Credit: Google Maps
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During their two-year term, Youth Assembly Members will meet regularly in Parliament Buildings, in meetings chaired by the Assembly Speaker. They will also participate in focussed committee meetings to discuss their ideas, views and recommendations in greater detail.

Young people who are selected to be part of the Youth Assembly will be offered a range of training and support. This will include learning about how the Assembly works, making presentations, conducting research and talking to experts about issues of concern. Applications can be made online by visiting the NI Youth Assembly website, and close on October 16 at 5pm.

Selection of Youth Assembly members will ensure that young people from all constituencies and Section 75 categories are represented. Those who are not selected to become members will still be able to take part in the Youth Assembly Consultation Forum.