THE NATIONAL YOUTH AGENCY: Comment - A lesson to us all

Again and again we heard examples of pressing local issues which generated local activism, dialogue, and changes to structures and language.

Speaker after speaker, including Margaret Hodge, gave a commitment to listen to young people and to work to involve them in decision-making that affects them. But I couldn't help thinking that surely listening is fundamental to democracy, for everyone, not just young people. And secondly, if they could crack the involvement of young people, then the improvements they propose would undoubtedly benefit us all. Some delegates felt that approaches designed for young people must be different from those for other citizens because, we, the older generation, have a better understanding of voting and politics. Personally, I didn't undergo any citizenship education and I wonder whether most adults really do have a better grasp of the issues. Few of us, it seems, display the passion and knowledge shown by these young people. While youth involvement enjoys its present high profile, its potential to effect change will pay dividends for the overall health of democracy. Politicians, local and national, should get wise to this.