Citizenship champions
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Bath & North East Somerset Youth Service
Post-16 Citizenship activity at Bath & North East Somerset Youth Service, Democratic Action For B&NES Youth (DAFBY)
DAFBY is an active citizenship project that is underpinned by Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states that young people have the right to have their voices heard in decisions that affect them directly and indirectly.
The project promotes young people's rights and the participation of young people in democratic decision-making in the development of services throughout B&NES council and its major partner service providers. Young people are involved in local and strategic decision-making, including regular meetings with B&NES Executive Members, Councillors, Officers and the Chief Executive. They are also leading on the participation of young people in the development of Children's Trust arrangements in B&NES.
DAFBY is responsible for facilitating the UK Youth Parliament elections for B&NES Member of Youth Parliament and deputy and provides support for them throughout their term of office.
The project is open to all young people, has an inclusive ethos where young people are a co-operative and everyone's involvement is valued, and works to youth work principles by empowering young people to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding to make informed choices and by providing a supported environment where young people are able to take risks, make mistakes and have fun.
Transport is provided whenever the group meets, to support the inclusive ethos.
Citizenship coordinator's top tips for setting up post-16 citizenship activity:
- Young people should lead the development of the project with support from staff - 'for young people by young people'
- Training must be provided to develop the young people's knowledge, skills and understanding of active citizenship
- Sufficient funding should be secured to ensure the project is inclusive
- Celebrate the young people's achievements
- Make full use of the support available from the LSN
How this organisation could help you:
- Sharing failures and successes
- Sharing citizenship training/activity resources
- Visits to/ from other projects
- Facilitating training for other project staff/young people by DAFBY young people and staff
- Providing on-line support
Contact information
Name of citizenship coordinator: Kate Scully
Citizenship coordinator’s telephone: 01761 300302
Citizenship coordinator’s email: kate_scully@bathnes.gov.uk
Organisation website: www.dafby.com
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