Scottish Youth Parliament Renfrewshire elections

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The Scottish Youth parliament is looking for new member of Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) candidates in the Renfrewshire area.

All interested young people, aged between 14 and 25, have to register by Friday 23 February to stand as a candidate in this year's elections. The elections will take place in March in all secondary schools in the area.

The Scottish Youth parliament meet four times a year in various locations across Scotland. Recent venues have included Glenrothes, Livingston, Shetland and Perth. All of Renfrewshire MSYPs' costs for weekends, including travel, accommodation and food are met by Renfrewshire Council. As well as attending the SYP meetings, MSYPs occasionally meet young people at youth groups, youth events, pupil councils and pupil forums to find out what young people are saying and the problems that affect them. They also need to attend the fortnightly meetings of 'Renfrewshire Youth Voice', a Renfrewshire wide youth forum that represents young people from across Renfrewshire and which is supported by the council’s youth services.

There are no special skills needed to become a MSYP, just some time (around four hours a week maximum), an interest in talking to young people and the ability to stand up for them and what they believe in. Being an MSYP gives young people the chance to meet lots of other young people from all over Scotland, visit great places and change things for the better for young people. As an MSYP, you also get the chance to meet up with various MSPs and MPs. Our MSYPs have even gone on to meet Jack McConnell, First Minister of Scotland. MSYPs serve for a total of two years before seeking re-election.

5 candidates will be chosen for the Renfrewshire area. They will cover the constituency areas of Paisley North(2), Paisley South(2) and West Renfrewshire(1).

Councillor Harte, Renfrewshire Council’s young peoples' champion, said: “I would urge all young people to consider standing as an MSYP. These positions offer a great opportunity to get out and meet different people and have a say in matters that affect young people at a local and national level. The council has enjoyed working with last year's MYSPs and is looking forward to meeting the new youth representatives.”

Scott Mackay, MSYP for Paisley South explains why it is so important for young people to get involved in the elections: “The Scottish Youth parliament is a great forum to get the voice and views of the young people in Scotland heard. From helping people locally, to our involvement in the smoking ban legislation, MSYPs really do have the power to make a difference. I have really enjoyed my time representing Paisley South, and am looking forward to the election in March.”

The deadline for candidates is Friday 23 February 2007. All interested young persons should contact Mark Conway on 0141 889 1110 or email
rys@renfrewshire.gov.uk before this date.

Press release: Wednesday 31 January 2007