Dickson Encourages East Antrim Young People to Apply to the NI Youth Assembly

East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, has encouraged young people to consider applying to become members of the new NI Youth Assembly.

The initiative, developed by the NI Assembly Commission, will see 90 young people from throughout Northern Ireland, aged between 13 and 17 years old, join a dedicated forum for young people to have their say on the issues of the moment.

The Youth Assembly members will discuss the issues that they think are important and put forward their ideas. All the members will meet twice a year in Parliament Buildings in sessions chaired by the Speaker of the Assembly. They will also meet more regularly in smaller groups (committees) throughout the year to discuss the issues and their views in greater detail.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr Dickson said: “This is an excellent opportunity for our leaders of the future to engage in politics and current affairs in the ‘here and now’. The decisions we make in Stormont will have a direct effect on the futures of these young people, so hearing from them, and getting their take on the issues of the day, will benefit everyone.

“I strongly encourage anyone with an interest in government and politics, or who has a child that would be interested in the NI Youth Assembly, to make an application.”

To be eligible to apply, young people should be aged between 13-17 on 21 May 2021. Three young people will be selected from each constituency, with the remaining 36 young people selected at random to ensure diversity and balance.

Young people can apply:

· Online via: www.niyouthassembly.org,

· Request a postal version by emailing youthassembly@niassembly.gov.uk , or

· Apply over the phone by calling 02890 521777 and leaving a message.