About this Forum
‘Often, we as young people complain that nobody is listening to our opinions. Well this is YOUR chance get involved, let other people know what you think, and put your questions to the experts. We really do hope that you make the best use of this forum and engage in the subjects and with each other.’
Marcus Pollard, Chairman EYP UK
EYP Talk online forum
This is the first online forum held by the EYP in the UK. The aim of this forum is to give more young people the opportunity to take part in an EYP event, and to have the chance to put their questions and ideas to European politicians and experts in various fields.
Each discussion will be introduced by an expert, for example a Member of the European Parliament. You can ask the experts questions, or tell the forum what you think. The expert will not always be able to reply immediately to your question, but they will read them.
You might want to ask questions of other people taking part in the forum – everyone will have a different view on the subject being discussed. Because the forum is a public discussion space, we have set some rules to make sure that everyone can take part in a safe, lively and relevant debate. These rules are explained on the moderation policy.
What is the European Youth Parliament?
The EYP is a pan-European educational foundation that builds on the potential of young people through the strengthening of skills in communication, teambuilding, trust, understanding and working with others from very different backgrounds. We aim to promote the European dimension in education by giving students aged between 16 and 22 the opportunity to participate in practical, positive learning experience.
Through the programme of events at local, regional, national and international level in over 33 countries, we seek to foster an awareness of society and to for EYP to be used as part of Citizenship education for young people. Education is a concept too often left to the classroom and we seek to challenge that assumption.
We therefore act as a forum in which the young people of Europe can express their own opinions, without any political connotations and without reverting to role play. Students are encouraged to take an interest in current affairs and the democratic process, to practise independent thinking and to take personal initiatives.
What does the EYP do in the United Kingdom?
Here in the UK we organise a programme of events that aim to involve nearly two thousand young people annually. Fourteen one-day Regional Fora are held across the UK. The teams debate pre-written resolutions on a wide variety of current topics. Each forum attracts around 150 young people, as well as MPs, MEPs and other supporters.
Our National Session is held each September, where teams spend the weekend teambuilding as well as debating the resolutions that they themselves have written. Two teams are then selected to represent the UK at International Sessions of the EYP. In 2008 the UK will be hosting the 58th International Session of the EYP in Liverpool.
What is EYP Outreach?
The Outreach Programme is an EYPUK scheme funded by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office which aims to encourage students from schools and colleges within the state sector to become involved in the discussion of European politics and issues. The focus of the Outreach Programme is the provision of workshops and events in schools across the country. A typical Outreach visit will involve EYPUK Alumni exploring current European and citizenship issues with school students.
Workshops involve the discussion of issues surrounding European politics and European citizenship. Encouraging international perspectives and developing communication skills, EYPUK Outreach is more than just a debating workshop; it is a dynamic initiative bringing inclusiveness to the world of politics. As an introduction to EYP or a support to the curriculum, Outreach is an exciting programme that can be tailored to the needs of the school.
How do I get involved?
To take part in a regional forum you need to get together a team of 8 year 12s. To find out when a regional forum will be taking place in your area check our website www.eypuk.org where we regularly update our events news. To enter a team you can email regionalfora@eypuk.org with details of your school. All schools will need an accompanying teacher, so remember to ask your teacher first.
If you are unsure you want to take part in a regional forum but are interested in finding out more about EYP why don’t you arrange an Outreach visit. To arrange a visit please email outreach@eypuk.org
‘Digital Dialogues’ pilot
This online forum is being run within the Department for Constitutional Affairs’ Digital Dialogues pilot.
The pilot will explore the potential of information and communication technology to support central government communications and consultations. Support and evaluation is being provided by the Hansard Society, an independent, non-partisan charity.
More information about the Hansard Society and its work is available at www.hansardsociety.org.uk.