The Failing Voice of The Future

 22% of young people believe that those running the country listen to them.

This statistic from The Big Ambition’s March 2024 Survey shocked me. Out of 367,000 young people, only 22% felt they were heard by those in power.

Throughout the recent election, I’ve seen a real change in the youth’s behaviour towards politics and similar issues. Something I believe stems from the lack of support for us within the political system. Instead of encouraged, we are left to feel disheartened and lack any sense of determination. Maybe it’s the years of fight with no change. Maybe it’s the lack of diversity with those who claim to be our voice. But what is clear, is something must change.

The UK is at a crossroads. The country is grappling with issues that will shape the future of our nation for generations to come. And yet, the people who will be most affected by these decisions – the youth – are being left behind. The 16-24 year olds who make up nearly a quarter of the population are being ignored, dismissed, and disempowered.

Let's face it, we're the ones who will inherit this mess. We're the ones who will have to live with the consequences of decisions made today. And we're the ones who are already making a difference.

The youth are not just apathetic or disinterested; they're simply not being given a voice. They're not being taken seriously because they're seen as inexperienced or naive. But what is experience? Is it not gained through trial and error, through learning from mistakes, and through fighting for what you believe in? The youth have already shown that they're willing to take risks, to challenge the status quo, and to push for change.

Take climate change, for example. The youth are leading the charge on this issue, demanding action from governments and corporations alike. They're not waiting for permission to make a difference; they're taking matters into their own hands. And why shouldn't they? They're the ones who will inherit a planet that's increasingly hostile to human life.

Or take education. The youth are crying out for meaningful reforms that address inequality, exclusivity, and lack of opportunities. They're demanding more support for mental health, more resources for schools, and more access to higher education. And yet, their voices are being drowned out by the noise of politicians and special interest groups.

The truth is, our current political landscape is stuck in the past. It's dominated by fossils, with outdated views, more interested in clinging to power than actually making progress. And don't even get me started on the lack of representation for marginalised communities.

That's where we come in. Not bound by the same old ideologies and party lines. Instead, open to new ideas and willing to challenge problematic systems. We are the ones who are actually concerned about the future - our future.

And let's be real - we also need more diversity in politics. We need people from all walks of life, with all sorts of experiences and perspectives. We need people who have been marginalised or oppressed by the system to have a voice at the table. We need people who will fight for those voices to be heard and can represent via their own experiences.

The current system is broken. The UK's electoral system is biased towards older voters, who are more likely to turn out at the polls. Young people are disproportionately represented in low-income areas, with limited access to education and resources. This perpetuates a vicious cycle of poverty and disadvantage.

By amplifying youth voices, we can create a more inclusive democracy that reflects the diversity of modern Britain. We can address the systemic issues that affect young people most acutely: affordable housing, mental health services, and human rights.

So, what can we do to ensure young people have a voice?

1. Register to vote: Make sure you're registered to vote at 16 (or 18, if you're not 16 yet!). You can register online on the gov.uk website.

2. Get informed: Stay updated on current events, policies, and issues affecting young people in the UK. Follow reliable sources, such as news outlets, political parties, and youth-led organizations.

3. Join a political party: Many political parties have youth wings or branches, which offer opportunities to get involved, attend meetings, and participate in campaigns.

4. Attend youth-led events and conferences: Events like the UK Youth Parliament, Scottish Youth Parliament, or Welsh Youth Parliament provide a platform for young people to discuss issues and make their voices heard.

5. Volunteer for a campaign: Support a local or national campaign that aligns with your values. You can help with events, social media management, or voter registration drives.

6. Participate in online activism: Join online discussions, sign petitions, and use social media to raise awareness about issues that matter to you.

7. Get involved in local politics: Attend local council meetings, join a neighborhood association, or participate in community projects to make a difference at a grassroots level.

8. Take advantage of youth-focused initiatives: Organizations like the British Youth Council, National Union of Students (NUS), and the UK's Young People's Parliament offer opportunities for young people to get involved in policy-making and decision-making processes.

9. Meet your MP: Arrange a meeting with your local MP to discuss issues that affect you and your community.

10. Consider running for office: If you're passionate about making a difference, consider running for student union positions, local council seats, or even national office.

11. Mentorship programs: Look for mentorship programs that pair young people with experienced politicians or professionals to learn about politics and gain valuable skills.

12. Encourage friends and peers: Spread the word about the importance of getting involved in politics and encourage your friends to join you!

13. Use social media effectively: Utilise social media platforms to amplify your voice, share your opinions, and engage with others on political issues.

14. Take advantage of education resources: Use educational resources like political science courses, debate clubs, or model UN programs to develop your skills and knowledge.

15. Be patient and persistent: Building a career in politics takes time; be prepared to face challenges and setbacks along the way.

Some notable organizations that can help you get involved in UK politics:

-       British Youth Council (BYC): www.byc.org.uk

-       National Union of Students (NUS): www.nus.org.uk

-       UK Youth Parliament: www.ukyp.org.uk

-       Scottish Youth Parliament: www.syp.org.uk

-       Welsh Youth Parliament: www.wales.gov.uk/youthparliament