Kingston Youth Council (KYC)
‘At KYC, I have learnt how to get my points across and how to speak out. I have gained more confidence.’
Yasmin Goksal.
Kingston Youth Council, or simply KYC, is a group that represents the young people of Kingston. Some describe KYC to be like the normal Kingston Council, but instead with young people.
It may sound like KYC is a very formal group and only for the most politically minded, but it's not! The reason for joining KYC for many of its members has not been due to the fact that they love politics, but because they want to show adults what young people really want.
KYC is made up of a variety of young people all from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds from the ages of 13 to 19. They meet once a month and basically discuss issues that they believe matter to young people, for example improving the engagement between young people and the Police; and creating a safe and social space for young people, like The Basement Cafe.
It may all sound like work, work, work, but the youth workers know that some members of KYC have school work and/or have a job so you can join in as much or as little as you want.
The chair of the KYC is Kingston's Member of Youth Parliament (MYP), for more information about the MYP, see the Member of Youth Parliament section.
Advantages to joining KYC
- You get to meet new and motivated young people.
- You get to enjoy social activities, and this may include weekends away.
- It is great to put on your CV and UCAS application.
- If you are doing the Duke of Edinburgh's award, KYC can contribute to your service section.
- You can get customised KYC merchandise.
- Get to be more involved in the decisions that are made on behalf of you.
- Opportunites for personal development. This may include training.
To join KYC get in touch:
Email: francis.taylor@rbk.kingston.gov.uk
MYP Visit to the House of Commons
On Friday the 23rd of November, Kingston’s Member of Youth Parliament, Georgia Bell attended the UK Youth Parliament annual sitting at The House of Commons. The purpose of the sitting was to bring together MYPs from all over the United Kingdom to debate what they think should be the manifesto for the UK Youth Parliament in 2013. Prior to the annual sitting, a huge consultation took place across the whole of the UK where approximately a quarter of a million young people voted on what they felt should be the top 5 issues to be debated.
The 5 issues identified were Public transport, getting ready for work, marriage for all, an equal National Minimum Wage for all and a curriculum to prepare us for life. Each issue was debated thoroughly throughout the day and a decision was made following a vote at the end of the debates. The outcome, UKYP will be campaigning for a better curriculum to prepare us for life. MYPs believe that the national curriculum should be radically overhauled through a youth led review that helps develop young people’s political knowledge, better sex and relationships education, cultural awareness, community cohesion, finance skills and sustainable living.
Children’s Minister Ed Timpson attended the event and stated that he had been humbled by the experience. He had listened to what the young people had said and will be supporting UKYP over the coming year.
Youth Recruits Crew
6-8pm, 4th Tuesday of every month,at Guildhall 1.
This is a spin off project from KYC where young people meet on a monthly basis with the aim of increasing young people’s involvement in RBK’s recruitment process for the Children’s Workforce. This project is for hardworking and committed young people who are passionate about making a change.
Also see:
- Member of Youth Parliament (MYP)
Find out what skills and qualities a Member of Youth Parliament should have and learn about what they do. - BYC - British Youth Council Magazine
See page 12 for an article about Kingston upon Thames