In 2023, Brent Council’s Member Services team delivered a Local Democracy Week event aimed at engaging young people aged 11–18 in democratic processes.
Synopsis
The event featured a high-profile panel including local and regional representatives, offering valuable insights into government roles. Outreach was coordinated through the schools and youth networks, including officers working with the Youth Parliament. The initiative highlighted the importance of structured planning and resources for future youth engagement.
Background
Brent Council’s Member Services team stepped in to deliver a Local Democracy Week (LDW) event in 2023, with the aim of inspiring the next generation of community leaders. The initiative was designed to engage young people aged 11–18, including secondary and college students, in conversations about democracy and civic participation.
Objectives
The primary goal was to provide a platform for young people to hear directly from local elected representatives and understand how democratic processes impact their lives. The event sought to foster interest in civic leadership and encourage future engagement in local government.
Project set up and engagement
The event featured a dynamic panel chaired by an external facilitator from the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU). Speakers included a local MP, a London Assembly Member, a Youth Parliament representative, and three Cabinet Members from Brent Council. Outreach was coordinated via the Headteacher’s Bulletin, youth engagement teams, Youth Parliament officers, with additional promotion through Eventbrite.
The impact
The event successfully delivered meaningful dialogue and exposure to various tiers of government for a small group of young people. A write-up was later published on the LGiU website to showcase good practice and share Brent’s experience with a wider audience.
Lessons learned
Whilst the event was valuable for those who attended, there were challenges in engaging young people, particularly around scheduling and other school commitments.
Recommendations
Brent Council identified several resources that could support future delivery of youth democracy events:
- A template agenda to guide event structure.
- Example promotional materials for schools and community groups.
- A planning timeline to map key stages and deadlines.
- A contact guide for engaging schools, youth services, and community officers.
Reflections and future outlooks
Brent’s experience offers valuable insights for other councils considering similar initiatives and provides a template for future events.