Barnet Youth Assembly
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About Barnet Youth Assembly
Youth Assembly meets approximately twice per term in the Council Chamber at Hendon Town Hall. It is the forum where young people get to meet and debate with elected members (councillors) on issues put forward by Barnet young people themselves. Youth Assembly is chaired by 3 elected young people and members meet online in between Assemblies to plan and chose topics. You can find more information here:
Being a member of Barnet Youth Assembly will give you the opportunity to
- Be part of the democratic and civic process in Barnet
- Meet local councillors and share your views with them
- Take part in debates and develop motions for the council to consider
- Get work experience opportunities by taking part in the work of the assembly including public speaking, writing media content and collaborating with council officers on policy development
What young people say
"My name is Ayaan and I am 13 years old. I attend school in Barnet and I am in Year 9. My parents informed me about the youth assembly and I was instantly interested.
On arrival at the October 2024 session, I was pleasantly greeted by the staff and other students. We were then directed upstairs to wait, snacking on delicious treats, where I met young people who were just as passionate about debating as I am.
We discussed some finance issues in Barnet, during a student's motion. This was important as I have lived in Barnet since birth, so all these problems have affected me and my family. When we were discussing, I finally felt as if children’s voices were heard, meaning we had a say in these problems, rather than being undermined due to our lack of age. It was then that I realised how incredible it was to have an opportunity at changing my hometown, leaving behind an impact to support our future generations.
I really enjoyed listening to the proposition of a student's motion and how people agreed and opposed to what he had spoken. This was not only really interesting, but in the end, it was not 1 voice but rather a great collection of everyone’s ideas in one motion. This wonderful opportunity had finally fulfilled my desire and I wish to carry on with my passion to not only to debate but rather to leave Barnet in a better situation without the word child being a hindrance."
Youth Assembly achievements
This month Barnet Youth Assembly has hosted its first session of the season with a record attendance of 52 young people. The meeting was also attended by local councillors and the Leader and Directors of Children’s Services and Education. We started by debating a motion proposed by Freddie, which passed, calling on the council to share more information about the current financial challenges and protect services to children and young people. We elected Vanshi as our third youth chair and got feedback on what members want to do for the rest of the year. Afterwards we got some really encouraging feedback from members:
“Youth assembly is very welcoming first of all. You feel free to give your opinion, your choice. You feel part of something, you feel you can actually make a change and impact” Elitsa, 14
“As soon as I entered, I felt I was going to be part of something where I had influence. I felt I could make a positive change for Barnet. I have lived here all my life and I think it’s important to give back”. Reema, 15
“I really enjoyed our first Barnet Youth Assembly meeting of the academic year, where we engaged in a lively debate on an important motion. It was inspiring to hear everyone's perspectives and witness the passion for making a difference. The energy in the room was contagious, setting a great tone for the year ahead!" Paarth, 15
Barnet Youth Assembly has also gone international with a mention at the United Nations! Watch a previous Youth Assembly Chair Ishaan Shah talk about his involvementExternal link in Barnet’s youth and democracy offer and his role in developing the My Say Matters strategy.
Ishaan said “In September 2024, I was back in New York at the UN where I was invited to speak at the UN Pre-Summit of the World Assembly of Local and Regional Governments.
Of course, since Barnet Youth Assembly and your support have been instrumental to my journey of civic participation and youth engagement, I had to speak about these and the accomplishments made at the local level.”
How to Apply
To join please complete the membership form. If you wish to join more than one forum, please select them at the top of the form.
If you have any questions, please email mysaymatters@barnet.gov.uk