CIVIC LEADERS SHARE INSIGHTS AT ROCHDALE TOWN HALL EVENT

Youth Leads UK hosted the second in a series of ‘Your Turn to Lead’ Civic Panel events, where young people gained insight into decision-making roles in their community.

Decision-makers and young leaders gathered at Rochdale Town Hall for an afternoon of insight, conversations about civic roles, and networking.

The event was created and led by Civic Youth Leaders, participants of Youth Leads UK’s Civic Leadership Programme. The events are designed to inspire and support young people from underrepresented communities to step into civic leadership roles – from school governors to trustees and beyond. The programme aims to raise awareness of these opportunities and ensure young people can access them, so they have a real say in the decisions that shape their lives.

The panel consisted of Councillor Janet Emsley, Mayor of Rochdale, Magistrate Samina Ul-Haq JP, as well as Rochdale Member of Youth Parliament Mollie-Mae Pike, Student Governor Ola Lawal and Young Trustee Fatima Bangoura. They each shared their experiences of civic roles and their active involvement in their communities, discussing how their journey began, offering advice for other young people looking to get started, and providing insight into their decision-making process. 

The Mayor of Rochdale, Cllr Janet Emsley, shared her views on the importance of diversity and representation. She said:

“I have the benefit of meeting people from so many different backgrounds, and I take it as my duty to help people get their voices heard. I always ensure that people across the borough I represent feel included. Civic engagement ultimately is about inclusion and participation. That’s why we celebrate Black History Month, it’s why we do a community Iftar, it’s why we have a gin festival. It’s great being the Mayor because through my interactions with the community I serve, I understand where the gaps are, and I can take them to the relevant decision makers.” 

Fatima Bangoura, a Trustee at Ensemble Manchester, touched on how civic engagement does not have to be daunting. She said:

“Civic engagement is simpler than people realise. Discussing voting with friends or attending events like this are forms of civic engagement. My advice is don’t be scared; don’t think that you don’t have enough knowledge. Young people are needed in rooms where decisions are made. You won’t be expected to be an expert, and your own experience as a young person is enough. There is a civic role out there for any and everyone – just go out and interact with charities and organisations that you are interested in.”

Samina Ul-Haq JP, a Magistrate, discussed how underrepresentation is a problem in the magistracy. She said:

“We make decisions that affect people from all different types of backgrounds. I’ve found that there are many individuals within the magistracy who aren’t aware of the struggles young people face. I feel it’s important to actively go out of your way, to recruit young people and bring them into spaces where they can share their lived experience.”

Mollie-Mae Pike, a representative of the Rochdale Youth Cabinet, shared that her motivation for decision-making stems from her peers, and she actively thinks about how she can support them. She said:

“At Rochdale Youth Cabinet, we’re mindful that our group is made up of young people who are actively engaging in their communities and in decision-making spaces. But I always want to consider those young people who may be less engaged and involved, and how decisions might affect them as well. It’s important to have a holistic view and take everyone’s perspectives into account, not just those that are represented in the room.”

Ola Lawal, a Student Governor at Hopwood Hall College & University Centre, spoke about the importance of speaking out, despite the pressure you may feel. He said:

“The hardest thing for me is to balance the opinions, views, and values of everyone as a Student Governor. I have to touch base with over 3,500 students. I think it’s important to respect everyone’s opinions and ask the people around you for help if you need it. You may feel crowded out in a big boardroom where there are people with MBEs and Doctorates, but you need to remember that your purpose in those situations is to represent young people. Don’t feel discouraged by it – if you have something to say, say it.”

After the panel, audience members participated in a standing debate activity, discussing their views on issues related to education, youth, and civic roles. The afternoon ended with refreshments and networking. 

The event was hosted by Rochdale Youth Cabinet Members, Hussain and Sarah.

Youth Leads UK helps young people turn ideas into action and lead change in the real world. This event is the first step towards creating an engaged community of young people who are both knowledgeable and passionate about civic roles.