When Two Chairs Meet
And yet those of us who have had the chance to work with, or be parents of, such people know that this anti-teen bias is often as far from the truth as possible. I was delighted therefore just before Christmas to be able to interview the lovely Priya Rogers, chairperson of the Brighton and Hove Youth Council, and ask her a few questions about the things that she and the Youth Council get up to.
I started by asking Priya to tell me a bit about herself and how she came to be living in the city.
PR: I'm 17 years old, currently studying for my first year of A-levels. We've lived here for about 10 years now, but previously we lived in North Wales for 3 years, and originally came from Trinidad when I was 4. I live with my parents and my twin sister, Rekha.
AJ: That's quite a background! Has changing schools so much been a problem?
PR: Not really - I've been lucky and always enjoyed the challenge.
AJ: And now you are the chair of the Youth Council. Explain to any parents what the Youth Council actually is!
PR: Well I think it's changed quite a bit. It is all about young people having a say and voicing opinions and address matters that are important to them, like transport, leisure facilities, environmental issues, politics and so on.
AJ: And is it all teenagers?
PR: Largely, but I have even seen some Year 7 people at meetings and they get on really well.
AJ: So are young people really interested in politics?
PR: Some are, and I think that more are interested since the recession has hit, as we can see the effects and want to know how it happened and what will happen next. For example, two of us, Claire and Kenya, are part of the UK Youth Parliament, and I went to the recent Labour Conference in Brighton and had conversations with several people about loads of issues.
(I am secretly impressed at this as I have never been to any party conference in my life, though I did think it would be funny to march up and down outside one with a big placard saying ‘BAN PROTESTS NOW!'. This pretty much tells you all you need to know about my level of political awareness.)
AJ: So do you think you might be interested in politics as a career?
PR: Possibly, but not at first. I think I'd want a different job first to get some experience. I was only at the Labour Conference for one day though, because my school only let those studying politics go during the week.
AJ: Despite you being chair of the Youth Council?! Not very forward-thinking of them! Anyway, what first made you get involved with the Youth Council? Were you invited, or was it your own idea?
PR: A bit of both actually! My twin sister joined before me. She was on 2 years ago when it was set up, and it was a bit different then. I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet different people in the council and have a say about what goes on, and that I'd get a chance to know more about how everything worked, quite interested in politics and this might help me decide - so I persuaded my sister to run instead!
AJ: very devious; sounds like you're already a politician! Who listens to the Youth Council's views?
PR: Oh lots of people hopefully. Particularly local councillors and hopefully the CYPT board. I even got to speak to the Fire Service at the recent ‘Get Involved' event, and told them about my idea to start a campaign about safe driving in the city and they would be happy to support it.
AJ: That sounds like a good opportunity. Who else have you met?
PR: I was very pleased that Di Smith came to our recent event where we met with the newly elected Youth Councillors. We currently have 58 elected members but now have annual elections, done through schools and youth groups. You can become a member of Youth Council from Year 7 onwards. Most are Year 10 to Year 13. Initially it was formed only of pupils in Year 11-Year 13 but now I feel there's a better spread of ages.
AJ: You mentioned the safe driving campaign idea; what else are you currently working on?
PR: The idea that I am interested in at the moment is the 3 in 1 card; it would replace the current need for young people to carry 3 cards (discount, bus id, and library). Others in the YC are working on a range of individual portfolios. (Priya hands me a typed list with the names of an impressive set of projects ranging from housing to health, tourism to transport, and education to environment - ignore these people and their plans at your peril!) As you can see, there are a wide range of interests. The idea is that when you join, you choose which area interests you most and see what you can do to help or run a campaign. For example, when my sister was on YC, she organised a Battle of The Bands and raised money for local a local children's charity.
AJ: It all sounds very democratic; is it really?
PR: Absolutely; everyone takes it in turn to lead meetings, and you have to be voted for to represent the YC at board level.
AJ: So, if you had a magic wand and could change one thing about the city, what would it be?
PR: Gosh - I think I would want more facilities to occupy young people - or failing that, that the council better promoted the ones that exist to the people who would most benefit from them.
AJ: Interesting - I feel the same way about stuff for Dads sometimes! What's the best thing you have done since becoming Chair of the Youth Council?
PR: Probably some of the most recent things, as I have more responsibility now I've been there longer. I guess I am more confident and independent - contacts take time but now I can get things done without resorting to going through others. The recent meeting with the Firemen is a good example, and I asked, Councillor Fallon-Khan to come to speak about politics at my school - I feel proud that I could set that up. I don't wait around now - I just do it now which is really liberating!
AJ: Great answer! On a much more important note - what do you want for Christmas?
PR: (Laughs) Clothes and a new viola bow. Ooh, and maybe a new camera.
AJ: What else do you hope to achieve in your time serving on the Youth Council?
PR: Well the term of office is 2 years but I think you can stay on as a consultant for longer, so I'd like to stay on to help it blossom. It has changed so much since 2006 and it would be such a good opportunity.
AJ: What do you think of CYPT Board meetings? (Priya sits next to me at these meetings so I am interested to see whether she sees them the same eyes!)
PR: Better than I heard they used to be! If you make the effort to listen and flick through the papers beforehand they can be very informative. They can seem heavy and I do wonder where some of the statistics come from as they seem a little surprising, but they are always interesting. (Hmmm...very diplomatic - surely a glittering political career awaits, methinks.)
AJ: I have one final question for you. Given the amount of apathy that exists, what would you say to any parents reading this to encourage their younger family members to get involved with the Youth Council?
PR: Just tell them they meet great people, get so many opportunities that don't arrive anywhere else (and it looks great on University Application forms!). But seriously you feel important and feel listened to and get a real chance to make a difference. Making young people more aware of what goes in the city and making your presence felt is really exciting.
AJ: Who can argue with that?! Thank you Priya. I know you are happy for people to contact you via email so we'll make sure we put your address at the end.
Thanks so much for your time - it's been very informative, and I'm sure people will be impressed when they see for themselves; I hope you get some keen new members as a result!
PR: Thank you - I've really enjoyed it!
To contact Priya, email her on priyarogers@hotmail.co.uk, or visit http://www.bhyap.org.uk/youthcouncilelection.html for further information.
Andrew JeffreyBrighton and Hove Parents' Forum e-newsletter
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