Local Democracy Week 2008 ended on Sunday 19 October, and saw Green Councillors meeting and working with young people across the country to get them more interested in local politics and community action.
Research for the Local Government Association showed that just a quarter of 11-16 year olds believe their local councillor is the best person to approach if they want to change something in their community.
And when asked who they respect most outside their family, only 1% chose politicians - the same number who chose their dog.
The aim of Local Democracy Week 2008 was to change these attitudes by bringing politicians and young people closer together.
Adrian Ramsay, Green Deputy Leader and head of the largest group of Green Councillors in the UK on Norwich City Council, is 27 years old and has been a councillor since he was 21. This week, Norwich Green Councillors visited youth groups in the city to answer their questions and help change their views of what local councillors are like, and what they can do to help improve the lives of young people.
Councillor Ramsay said: “There is plenty of evidence that Councillors are seen as distant from the lives of young people in their wards. Along with my colleagues in Norwich this week, I’ve been working hard to bridge this gap and help make democracy relevant to young people again.”
Other Green Councillors have also been taking part in a range of events.
In Liverpool, Councillor John Coyne joined a ‘question time’ panel at the Town Hall, organised by young people.
In Lewisham, Councillor Sue Luxton and other Greens took part in a ‘Be a Councillor’ open evening and supported the borough’s fifth election for a Young Mayor, which saw 9,327 young people voting in a record turnout.
In Morpeth, Councillor Nic Best visited his local high school to talk to sixth form students about what inspired him to join the Green Party and get involved in local politics.