CHANGEMAKERS IN ACTION: CIVIC LEADERS SHARE INSIGHTS AT PANEL EVENT

Youth Leads UK hosted its first ‘Your Turn to Lead’ Civic Panel event, where young people gained insight into decision-making roles in their community.

Decision-makers and young leaders gathered at The Albert Halls in Bolton for an evening of insight, conversations about civic roles, and networking at Youth Leads UK’s first ‘Your Turn to Lead’ Civic Panel event.

The event was created and led by Youth Civic Leaders as part of Youth Leads UK’s Civic Leadership Programme. This was the first in a planned series of Civic Panel events 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’s aim is 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 Councillors Rabiya Jiva and Rob Morissey, as well as Youth Civic Leaders Sami Gichki, Rorey Scriven, and Maisha Lorgat. They each shared their experiences with 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.

Councillor Rabiya Jiva spoke about her experience as a woman from a Global Majority background, and her advice for others in the same position was to keep pushing to achieve their goals. She said:

“As Councillors, we can do simple things like opening up our great civic buildings and inviting people into the Council Chamber. If you’re currently a young changemaker and believe in improving your community, keep doing what you’re doing. Engage with decision-makers and never take ‘no’ as an answer. Keep asking questions and stay inquisitive.”

Councillor Rob Morrisey shared that he got involved in civic roles because he felt that community leaders often made decisions without justifying their reasoning. He said:

“Politicians don’t explain decisions enough. You must make difficult decisions, but it’s essential to explain them to the people you serve. That’s what I do when I’m making decisions – I always try to explain why, but it isn’t always easy.”

Sami Gichki, Youth Civic Leader and a School Governor, shared how his identity created barriers for him, but he never stopped trying. He said:

“I started fighting for a seat at the table once I realised that so many decisions were being made for me. Because I’ve made my voice heard, organisations now reach out to me and ask me to tell my story. I think you should be proud of who you are and where you come from. Don’t let anyone else tell your story – that should be reserved for you”

Maisha Lorgat, Civic Youth Leader and charity Trustee, encouraged young people to take up space and get involved, even if it may feel like they don’t belong. She said:

“Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something. People assume a lack of experience, but lived experience is its own expertise. I’ve built confidence in speaking up in rooms full of experienced professionals.”

Rorey Scriven, Civic Youth Leader and youth voice advocate, shared how mentorship is the key to becoming a strong leader. He said:

“To become an effective Trustee and advocate, charity boards need to offer mentorship, training, support and time. There’s a lot of work to do, but the charity will benefit and reap the rewards of a fresh perspective and more inclusive decision-making.”

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

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.