On 29th and 30th October, Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) from all over Scotland gathered in Saltcoats at St Michaels Academy for the 48th sitting of the Scottish Youth Parliament. The theme of the Sitting was "Motivate and Inspire‟. The SYP vision is of a stronger, more inclusive Scotland that empowers young people by involving them in the decision making process.
Every year three national meetings (Sittings) are held where issues which affect young people are discussed and solutions to these issues are sought. SYP provides a national platform, working towards its aims by promoting the values of democracy, inclusion, political independence and passion.
Kenna Barrow, MSYP from Oban and guest MSYP Megan Gorman from Helensburgh attended the event which quickly became a weekend which was both extremely productive and fun. For many, this sitting was their first experience of the Youth Parliament and it was fantastic to meet so many newly elected MSYPs who possessed huge enthusiasm and ambition.
The weekend kicked off with an inspirational presentation by the "Real David Cameron", followed by Members Motions – where MSYPs can raise issues onto the SYP‟s agenda. They are intended to allow MSYPs to highlight issues which have come to their attention, either through their personal circumstances or through discussion with constituents.
On Saturday afternoon MSYPs were joined by Rt. Hon Michael Moore MP, Secretary of State for Scotland.
Mr Moore addressed the membership and then opened the floor to questions. This was a key opportunity for members to engage with the Scotland Office and address key youth issues such as education and employment.
As the sitting fell on Halloween, it was only right to have a Halloween fancy dress party in the evening, complete with food, games, music and dancing.
On Sunday morning MSYPs broke out into Subject Committees. SYP is made up of 10 Convener Groups; Education and Lifelong Learning; Enterprise, Employment and Training; Health and Well-being; Culture and Media; Equalities; External Affairs; Justice; Social Justice; Sports and Leisure; Transport, Environment and Rural Affairs. Kenna was voted as Convener of the External Affairs committee, a fantastic achievement at only her second sitting.
Sunday afternoon was completely dedicated to Love Equally – SYP‟s campaign for marriage equality!! MSYPs heard from Tim Hopkins, Director of the Equality Network who has been campaigning for marriage equality for over 10 years. After the Q&A session the membership took part in a campaign workshop session, aiming to ensure every MSYP has responded to the government consultation on same-sex marriage but also to teach MSYPs how to deliver a campaign session with other young people in their local area.
Roanna Clark, Young Scot Coordinator said,
" I am extremely proud of our local MSYPs, both Kenna and Megan did a great job representing the young people of Argyll and Bute on the national forum and I am glad to see young people taking such a proactive role in our community."
To find out more about Argyll and Bute's MSYPs, visit Scottish Youth Parliament or contact Roanna on youngscot@argyll-bute.gov.uk.