Robin Meltzer attends launch of The Scout Association's Active Citizens programme (Kensington and Chelsea Liberal Democrats)

Kensington and Chelsea Liberal Democrats <info@kensingtonandchelsealibdems.org.uk>

Robin Meltzer attends launch of The Scout Association's Active Citizens programme

March 20, 2010 3:00 PM

Robin Meltzer with some of the participants at the Active Citizens event

Robin Meltzer talks with participants at the Active Citizens event

Robin Meltzer, the Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for the new constituency of Kensington, today attended the London launch of Active Citizens, a special website designed to encourage first-time voters to participate in the upcoming General Election. The site was created by The Scout Association (TSA) in partnership with Oxfam GB and The Hansard Society.

Robin said: "This year, across the country, some 10,000 Scouts and Young Leaders will be eligible to vote for the first time and I am delighted to support The Scout Association's initiative to give them the tools and information they need not only on how to vote, but more importantly why they should vote."

The website - www.activecitizens.net - features general information about voting, campaigning and volunteering, as well as offering a number of practical tools including how to register to vote, how to start a campaign, and local volunteering opportunities. It also hosts a forum that will enable MPs, councillors and prospective local and national candidates to participate in online discussions; allowing them to directly engage with young people on issues of concern to them.

Activecitizens.net was launched in London at an event to encourage youth participation in local and national political activity. At the event Robin Meltzer met dozens of young people - many of them first time voters.

Participants at the Active Citizens event

Robin Meltzer said: "Talking to young people about the issues that affect them is the best way to understand how much needs to change to ensure we are giving everyone the best chance in life. The young people I spoke to had views on everything from university funding to the age at which different subjects should be made compulsory at school. In a media culture where too often young people are portrayed negatively, I applaud The Scout Association for fostering an environment where young people are not only involved in their local community but want to get actively involved in the political system to make their voices heard."

Wayne Bulpitt, The Scout Association's UK Chief Commissioner said: "We believe young people should have a voice on the issues that matter to them. So we've launched this programme to give them the support and tools they need to get active. In Scouting we believe it is extremely important for young people to engage in democracy. Every vote counts. We not only want our young Members to see why they should vote but how politics impacts on the causes and concerns that they have.

Amy Brunsdon a 'virgin voter', a Scout and student: "I think this is a really great idea. This year will be the first time that I will be able to vote and it's great that Scouting is helping out by offering everything I need to know about getting started. And it's not just about voting either, there's some really great information about campaigning too. So if you feel strongly about a particular issue you can find out how to lobby your local MP - or connect with other young people who feel the same."