Your say, Your way – Assembly begins nationwide youth consultation
18 September 2013
How should the National Assembly for Wales engage with young people?
That is the focus of a Wales-wide survey of 11 to 18-year-olds which will open today, 18 September.
“If you’re aged between 11 and 18, we need your help,” said Rosemary Butler AM, Presiding Officer of the National Assembly.
“We want you to tell us what matters to you, what you expect from us and what we can do to make sure your voice is heard.
“We need you to tell us what the best ways would be for you to get involved in the Assembly’s work.”
Only 35 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds turned out to vote in the last Assembly election in 2011, and this disengagement among young people is supported by turnout in other elections, as well as wider research.
That’s why the Presiding Officer is making youth engagement one of the key priorities of the Fourth Assembly, as although people under the age of 18 aren’t eligible to vote, they can still have a say in how Wales is run by helping to shape laws and contribute to inquiries.
On the 16th anniversary of the referendum which saw the people of Wales vote to establish their own devolved legislature, a new website, www.yourassembly.org, has been launched to encourage young people to tell the Assembly what they care about and how they want to get involved.
The site features an online survey and offers the opportunity to hold group discussions organised by National Assembly staff where ideas can be proposed and exchanged.
As well as the survey and discussion groups young people are encouraged to express their views via @YourAssembly or using #YourAssembly on twitter, post to the Your Assembly Facebook page or submit videos.