by Ali George
As part of consultation for their new ‘Youth Manifesto’, the Scottish Youth Parliament launched their ‘Picture the Change’ campaign with an installation and guest appearance from singer Amy MacDonald outside Holyrood yesterday.
They have created an 8 x 5ft ‘Living Room Picture’ where young people walk through a huge frame to sign, tag or leave a message in a totally white living room. The idea of this is to visually reinforce the message of changing the picture, which is what the final manifesto will do by telling politicians exactly what is affecting the lives of young people.
In the run up to the 2011 election, the SYP want to hear from an ambitious 15,000 young people across Scotland about their opinions on subjects as diverse as nuclear weapons and the minimum wage. Over the next few months they will be traveling to festivals, fresher’s fairs, schools and colleges across Scotland to consult with as many people as possible.
And everyone who agrees to give their input will be entered into a prize draw for a year’s supply of shoes, courtesy of Schuh!
Speaking about the campaign, SYP Chair Derek Couper said:
“The manifesto encapsulates everything that the SYP strives for. Put simply, it’s about connecting young people to their democracy.”
Young people are encouraged to follow the campaign on Facebook Bebo and Twitter and anyone who wants to get more directly involved with the consultation process – for example youth workers or schools – can download a pack from the picture the change website
Singer/songwriter Amy MacDonald (22) appealed to young people to participate, saying at the launch:
“It is important that young people get their chance to influence Scotland’s politicians, and the creation of a Manifesto by the Scottish Youth Parliament provides that chance. I am happy to help, and urge young people to get involved and have their voice heard in this positive way.”
