Salmo will host the ninth Southern Interior Youth Parliament at the Salmo Valley Youth and Community Centre from June 3 to 5.
The BC Youth Parliament is a youth service non-profit organization dedicated to promoting democratic political engagement and fulfilling its motto of “Youth Serving Youth.”
It was originally named “the Older Boys Parliament,” later becoming the BC Youth Parliament to include both young women and men. Each year, 95 youth leaders from around the province 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 to be put on by the members of the youth parliament. This experience teaches citizenship skills through participation in community service and parliamentary sessions throughout the year.
The Southern Interior Youth Parliament is one of six regional youth parliaments held across the province. The main goal is to get teens ages 14 to 18 involved in a similar but smaller version of the youth parliament that happens in Victoria and to also promote giving back to their respective communities. BC Youth Parliament holds community service projects, fundraisers and social events throughout the year.
The main difference between BC Youth Parliament 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 BC Youth Parliament 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 in which they can state their thoughts and views, which will then get the chance to be debated and talked about during sessions.
Accommodation will be provided at the Salmo youth centre. Any interested youth between the ages of 14 and 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.