Youth hustings have happened in Shipley, Bradford East, Keighley/Ilkley Constituency, the Scouts, Explores and Network members and their leaders have been taking part.
A husting is a meeting where election candidates or parties debate policies and answer questions from the audience. Husting provides an opportunity to hear the views of candidates or parties. At scout we do not promote any candidate or party because they all can speak and be questioned. The young people asked questions around key properties, support for Scouting, NHS, National Service and who they thought would win the Euros.
The young people who take part get a represent badge which forms part of the You Shape Award. They will also get the Changemaker blanket badge. Designed in collaboration with young people and volunteers, support the campaign and show you’re changemaker.
Toby Hammond- County Youth Commissioner and Husting Host- ‘It was a pleasure to be able to host this event, making sure our young people’s voices are heard during this election period. The young people did so well to come up with such a wide range of issues which directly affect them’.
Keighley Scout Leader- ‘ Scouting is all about giving young people skills for life, this Youth husting promoted democratic education and representation which is important. The young people really enjoyed this event’
Oliver Rhodes- District Youth Commissioner for Bradford North- ‘This evening allowed our young people to have a say and allowed them to bring issues to be heard that young people care about, they did so well to come up with such a wide range of issues. Despite not all candidates being able to attend the event provided the young people a chance to engage in democracy.’
This is in line with the launch of the Scout’s Manifesto calling for the government to support young people and volunteers in shaping a brighter future. Developed with young people and volunteers, it calls for policies to help young people and support our communities. Our manifesto is not about politicising Scouts or supporting any one party. It’s a tool for influencing the government to create a better tomorrow for our young people and volunteers. And we’re taking a cross-party approach to make it happen.