Stratford youth making a difference

In cities, towns and districts around New Zealand, youth councils are aiming to make their place better for youth, in whatever way they can.

In some places the youth council simply reads information then gives their opinion. In areas like Stratford, however, the youth council makes Stratford a better place for youth by creating a series of local youth-focussed events.

Some of the events are low-key, like Get On the Bus, which is a quarterly event taking kids to a fun location. Other events are bigger, such as Family Movie Day which was held for the first time in March and encouraged families to spend time together in Victoria Park.

Whatever event takes place, it is thanks to the hard work of the Stratford District Youth Councillors.

In addition to events, the Youth Council has the opportunity to put their points of view forward with people who impact the lives of youth. “We talk with local health providers, District Councillors, police, lots of people who matter,” says current Chairman Jayne Gulliver.

In their applications to become Youth Councillors, the young people are required to be interviewed as if they were applying for a job. “This method allows us to explore the reasons people want to become Youth Councillors,” says Stratford District Council Community Development Advisor Pauline James, who is one of the people who interviews applicants. “And it also teaches the applicants interview techniques.”

“From there the successful applicants are appointed to the Youth Council for a term of up to two years. If they wish to stay there for longer they need to reapply,” Pauline says.

The Youth Council is made up of 15 people aged 12-24 who live, work or go to school in the Stratford District. They meet twice a month in one formal, and one informal meeting.

Pauline says “applications are now being taken for new Youth Councillors. Information and forms can be picked up from the Council offices on Miranda Street, or from our website www.stratfordyouthcouncil.com. If you’re aged between 12 and 24 and would like to make a difference to youth in the Stratford District, apply to become a Stratford District Youth Councillor!”