Salmo to Host Regional BC Youth Parliament in June
By Contributor
The Village of Salmo is rolling out the red carpet the ninth Southern Interior Youth Parliament (SIYP) at the Salmo Valley Youth and Community Centre from June 3-5.
The British Columbia Youth Parliament is a Youth Service non-profit organization dedicated to promoting democratic political engagement and fulfilling its motto of “Youth Serving Youth”, said Salmo Secondary School Student Victoria Sukra.
The SIYP was originally named “the Older Boys Parliament”, later becoming the British Columbia Youth Parliament (BCYP) to include both young women and men.
Each year, 95 youth leaders from around the province and between the ages of 16 to 21, are selected and given the opportunity to meet in the Legislative Buildings in Victoria to debate legislation that outlines projects that will then be put on by the members of the youth parliament.
This incredible experience teaches citizenship skills through participation in community service and parliamentary sessions throughout the year.
The Southern Interior Youth Parliament (SIYP) is one of six regional youth parliaments held across the province by BCYP members.
The main goal is to get younger teens (ages 14-18) involved in a similar, but smaller version of the youth parliament that happens in Victoria and to also promote giving back to our respective communities.
BCYP holds community service projects, fundraisers and social events throughout the year to fulfill our motto of “Youth serving Youth”.
The main difference between BCYP and the regional parliaments is that teens have a greater opportunity to get involved at the cabinet level.
It could take two to three years at BCYP before youth can get involved at that level, but during regionals there’s not only more of a chance to speak and get involved but to also write and create “Personal Member Resolutions” (PMRs).
Personal member’s resolutions are amazing for stating your thoughts and views, which will then get the chance to be debated and talked about during sessions!
This year Salmo has the honor of hosting the 9th Southern Interior Youth Parliament (SIYP) at the Salmo Valley Youth and Community Centre from June 3-5.
Accommodation will be provided at the youth centre. Any interested youth between the ages of 14-18 from the region are encouraged to apply to participate.
Contact sukravictoria@gmail.com for an application.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience parliamentary procedures while also connecting with youth from all over the Southern Interior,” Sukra said.
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