COLIN WILKINSON SENIOR COMMUNITY EDUCATION WORKER COMMUNITY LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT WORK WITH YOUNG PEOPLE TEAM AREA SERVICES WEST LOTHIAN COUNCIL

SUGGESTED PROGRAMME 1. Quick Introductions. 2. Overview of West Lothian approach & Questions 3. Sharing & discussing practice a. Challenges & barriers b. Opportunities & possibilities 4. Possible ways forward 5. Quick verbal evaluation

STARTING POINT West Lothian Attainer rate 07/08 Total registered 1082 % registration 48.17% “Estimates show that young people were half as likely to vote as older age groups and estimated turnout among young people was lower than in 2001: according to MORI, it was 37% in 2005 compared to 39% four years ago ‟. Source - MORI (Electoral commission, P7 2005) Estimate by Electoral Commission of Euro 09 election turnout - 13% in 18 to 25 age group “If the youngest generations are not participating in politics because they lack sufficient social capital, education ought to be a necessary precondition for reinvigorating democracy. We would argue, however, that active citizenship comprises more than simply voting at elections: the whole range of participatory democracy needs to be covered by any citizenship programme ‟. Russell, A., Fieldhouse, E., Purdam, K. and Kalra, V. (2002) ‘Voter engagement and young people’, The Electoral Commission, London.

WHAT WE HAVE DONE Democracy Challenge 1 hour session to all S6’s. Involves 3 Community Educators in partnership with the ERO. Public stalls to promotion registration and awareness of elections e.g. Almondvale shopping centre, Skills Development Scotland Office, FE Colleges & relevant seminars, employers. ‘Learning for democracy courses’ 3 x 34 Hr course over 10 weeks - Course content includes: The development of Democracy, Introduction to key institutions, identification of important students issues & meeting with MSP

SOME RESULTS & OUTCOMES Democracy Challenge 08 – 213 registrations ( ) 09 – 307 registrations ( ) 10 – 260 registrations (still more to come in from ERO) Public stalls (totals) Including W/L College, Almondvale, SDS Offices, council Apprentices Euro 09 – 138 registrations Gen 10 – 186 registrations 06/0707/0808/0909/10 Total registered % registration59.98%48.17%55.55%55.79% Total registered as result of Democracy Challenge N/A % registration without DC59.98%48.17%47%44%

BUT DID THEY VOTE 6 TH MAY 2010? Eligible: 303Turnout: 160 (52.80%)

Participation in Council election promotion team Work alongside Council election administrators, Corporate Communications, equalities Officer to promote election, co-ordinate activity and target marginalised groups. Pupil Council Training & Support Helping Young people taking part in real democratic activity Youth Forum Training & Support Helping Young people taking part in real democratic activity Learning for democracy ‘Martini’ Anytime, any place any where! Sessions developing knowledge, skills and confidence. WIDER CONTEXT OF LEARNING & SUPPORT – BUILDING CAPACITY Co-ordinate activity amongst practitioners West Lothian Youth Participation Network – working together & sharing resources

3. Any Questions

3. Sharing & discussing practice a. Challenges & barriers b. Opportunities & possibilities