Welcome to our monthly EMVY (East Midlands Voluntary Youth) e-bulletin. If you have any comments, would like to submit articles, events and other news for inclusion within later issues or would like to sign up to receive this e-bulletin, please get in touch by emailing emvy@one-em.org.uk.
View from the Chair
"Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time."
There is no desire to turn our EMVY newsletter into a political soap box but I cannot let the recent European Election results go without at least a small rant (which I should stress is my very own personal rant and not an official EMVY rant).
The pitifully low turnout at the European Elections of 33.8% means that two thirds of us (not including young people under 18, incardinated criminals and the Sovereign) could not be bothered to vote – so be it, but I do hope these members of the ‘silent majority’ realise they no right to criticise the election’s outcome.
Okay, I accept that ‘no right’ is a trifle harsh, and I do wish there was a box on the ballot paper where you could vote for ‘none of the above’, but I do feel strongly that we should vote – and think before we vote – not just slavishly vote for whoever you/your family/your mates have voted for in the past. I suspect there is a lost generation (or two) who have become so disillusioned about our politicians (both local or national) that they will probably never share my enthusiasm for voting.
Rather naively I believe that most people go into politics to make what they perceive as a positive difference to their community (community being used in the very widest context), I also suspect that some go into politics for the wrong reasons (megalomania, individual wealth creation etc.) and that even some of the first group (those who genuinely want to make a difference) are corrupted by the temptations once in power. However we owe it to ourselves to support our political ‘masters’ by vigorous debate and participation on the issues of the day, and voting wisely.
With the 2015 General Election in mind, EMVY are hoping to hold a ‘youth and democratic participation’ themed forum early next year – details to follow.
However every cloud has its silver lining – Nick Griffin lost his seat!
Simon Worsley, Chair of EMVY, Part of One East Midlands
Please hold the re-arranged date of Thursday 3 July for the next EMVY network forum event, which will focus on youth unemployment and will be free for EMVY members.
The Government has published the Social Mobility Business Compact, which was set up by the Deputy Prime Minister with the goal of making sure that all young people have fair and open access to employment opportunities.
The British Youth Council, Child Poverty Action Group, Kids Company and the National Union of Teachers have published The Costs of Going to School, from Young People's Perspectives.
The World Health Organisation has published Health for the World’s Adolescents.
Barnardo's has teamed up with Microsoft to launch a new app, entitled Wud U?, to educate children and young people about the dangers of child sexual exploitation.
Latest figures from the Ministry of Justice indicate that the rate of re-offending for young offenders leaving custody has fallen to its lowest level in a decade.
British Future has published research conducted with YouGov, entitled Voice of a Generation: What do 2015’s first-time voters think?
The Race Equality Foundation has produced a toolkit to identify key resources to support the children, young people’s and families VCS to use the Equality Act 2010 to effectively engage with equalities issues.
The National Children’s Bureau was commissioned by the Department for Education to carry out a brief survey of VCS organisations involved in supporting looked after children and care leavers.
NCVYS is looking for organisations to host up to five part-time NCVYS Young Facilitators who will support the delivery of Action Squads.
Now in their ninth year, the Children & Young People Now Awards recognise initiatives from the public, private and voluntary sector that work with children and young people from birth to adolescence as well as their families.
Eva Organization for Women in collaboration with the University of Leicester will be hosting a youth conference entitled Brighter Future on Saturday 11 June from 11am, aimed at young people aged 16 and above.
Following on from The Mighty Creatives’ inspiring summits focused on the Early and Primary Years, Summit #3: The Secondary Years (11-18) will take place on Wednesday 18 June at the Riverside Centre, Derby.
The Carers Trust is joining with The University of Nottingham, NUS and young adult carers to deliver this event at the University of Nottingham on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 June.
Taking place on Thursday 3 July at Snibston Discovery Museum, Coalville, this course focuses on the significant brain development that occurs between the ages of 11-25, and the impact that art and cultural experience can have at this time.
Taking place on Tuesday 15 July from 10am to 4.15pm at Lakeside Arts Centre, Nottingham, this course is aimed at anyone working in the arts and cultural sectors with children and young people.
Following the success of the Creative Collisions conference in 2013, which was attended by over 500 delegates, the second annual Creative Collisions conference will take place in London on Thursday 6 November.
The Jubilee Awards for Service, which recognises outstanding service in the public sector, have introduced a special category to recognise young people.
The Cabinet Office has announced £30 million to improve the lives of Britain's most vulnerable young people.
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