Democratic Services

Young People & Democracy

We wish to encourage young people to become more actively involved in their local communities and at the same time, aware of the roles and responsibilities of local government.

Each year we hold a Conference during Local Democracy Week which is attended by between 60 and 70 local school children. Guest speakers in previous years have included the local MP, Kent Police, Friends of the Earth, the Summerhill School (the oldest democratically run school in the world) and members of the UK Youth Parliament. There has also been Question Time with District Councillors and problem solving on local issues with the District Council's staff.

We aim to support local schools in meeting the requirements of the national curriculum on "citizenship" and to help students who are studying for examinations in politics, government or related subjects who may be considering a career in public administration. Currently, the services/facilities we offer local schools/colleges are as follows:

• Reserved places at our Annual Conference for Young People.
• Use of our Council Chamber for debates.
• Question time with the Managing Director, the Chairman of the Council or a Panel of Councillors.
• Supervised class debates or class elections.
• Attendance at the counts for Local Government and Parliamentary Elections.
• Job shadowing/voluntary placement for up to a fortnight within the Democratic Services Section.
• Tailored support and assistance as required.

For further information please contact Pauline Hodding, Committees and Members Services Officer (telephone: 01304 872305).

E-mail: democraticservices@dover.gov.uk