Step-up Cymru! Partnership scheme aimed at widening democratic participation gets underway
07 October 2009
Step-up Cymru! Partnership scheme aimed at widening democratic participation gets underway
The journey for the 33 successful applicants of an innovative mentoring scheme aimed at widening participation in democracy begins today (October 7th) at its launch at the National Assembly for Wales.
’Step Up Cymru’ will give participants from under-represented groups in Wales the chance to shadow local Councillors and Assembly Members over the next six months, in a bid to increase their involvement in the democratic process and community activities.
The scheme was announced in July and has been developed collectively by the Welsh Local Government Association, the National Assembly for Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government.
Participants will gain first-hand insight into all areas of local and national decision making, through attending public meetings and observing their mentors’ roles.
The scheme will also enable them to share their experiences of being under-represented at the political level with their mentors.
Mentees will be offered training and development opportunities during the scheme and will log their experiences in a ‘day in the life of’ diary, to document their democratic journeys.
“Applications for Step Up Cymru came from people across Wales, from different walks of life and with different interests and dreams, and I’m delighted to see such a variety of successful participants,” said Presiding Officer Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas.
“I hope that the 33 Mentees who stand with us today find this experience fulfilling and enjoyable, and that they go away inspired to engage further in democracy and encourage others to do the same”.
Cllr Lindsay Whittle (Caerphilly), WLGA Equalities Spokesperson and Step Up Cymru mentor said: “This scheme is a real opportunity for local government and members of the community to step up and work together.
“The positive response to the scheme has been overwhelming and I’m confident it will show how building links with communities can bring about positive change through engaging with politicians and the democratic process.
“This scheme is an opportunity for everyone involved to gain new experiences and to learn from each other which can only increase participants’ confidence, and show that under-represented communities have the power to bring about positive change to local government in Wales.’
Ends
Notes to editors:-
1. Step-Up Cymru will be launched at the National Assembly for Wales on Wednesday October 7th at 6pm – 7.45. There will be speakers from all three partners – the Presiding Officer for the NAfW, Cllr Lindsay Whittle for the WLGA, and Leighton Andrews for the WAG. There will also be a performance from the South Wales Gay Men’s Chorus. For more information, a list of all AM Mentors/Mentees, or to enquire about interviews contact the National Assembly for Wales’ press office on 02920 898 171.
2. For Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) related queries, please contact Natasha Weeks, Press and PR Officer, on 02920 468 673
3. 79 applications to the scheme were received with 56 shortlisted applicants invited to attend an assessment centre day. Following that process, 33 candidates were selected to take the project forward. As far as possible, assessors tried to match participants according to political preference, location and areas of interest.
4. Successful candidates were those who demonstrated enthusiasm about politics / civic participation and did not have any previous political experience or political background.
5. Under-represented groups in Welsh politics include: ethnic minority groups; Lesbian, gay, bisexual people; disabled people; people of different religions/beliefs; young people; older people; transgender people and women
6. A ‘steering group’ has been involved in the design, promotion, implementation and monitoring of the scheme; as well as offering expertise where necessary. Members include:
• Welsh Local Government Association
• National Assembly for Wales
• Welsh Assembly Government
• All-Wales Ethnic Minority Association (AWEMA)
• Disability Wales
• Equality and Human Rights Commission
• Funky Dragon
• Interfaith Council
• Operation Black Vote
• Stonewall Cymru
• Wales Women’s National Coalition
• Women Making a Difference
• Help the Aged and Age Concern Cymru