Some say that young people are not interested in politics. Some say that they just don’t care. We’d like to prove them wrong!
We believe young people are very interested in the world around them. Whether that means education policy, provision of hospitals, youth services closing down, jobs for school leavers, or university tuition fees, we believe young people care. And we believe that the next great fresh ideas will come from future generations.
That’s why we have organised a ‘Dragon’s Policy Den’ on the evening (6pm-8pm) of the 30th September at the Mechanics Institute, Manchester.
This will give young people a chance to pitch their big ideas about policies or politics to a panel 
of MPs (including David Lammy, MP for Tottenham) and Councillors. They will have 4 minutes to pitch individually or as a group on whatever area of politics they feel strongly about. They can make a speech, sing a song or even show a short film, whatever their skills and resources lend themselves to.
They can talk about global issues such as international aid, climate change or the economy; or it can be on local issues, such as youth club funding, local policing or schools. Whether they think a windmill in every garden is the solution to climate change or funding for Free-running classes at their local youth club would make life better, no idea is too big or small.
The pitch will then be followed by a few questions from our (very friendly!) dragons. The dragons will then decide on the best policy suggestion of the evening and the winning group or individual will get the opportunity to come to London and present their idea to politicians and media at Westminster.
Politics is making change happen, and we’re really keen to see the next generation of voters excited about politics and feeling able to engage with it, whether on a local, national or international level. This event is a chance for them to see that it is possible to have their voices heard and that politicians will take them seriously.
It would be great if you could encourage young people you work with to get involved and come along to this event as well as helping them to think through their pitch before hand. It is an amazing opportunity for young people to use their creative abilities and make sure their voice is heard by MPs, discussing what they are passionate about, and beginning to make a difference.
If you have any young people who would like to take part or if you would simply like some more information, please e-mail thebigidea@thecsm.org.uk
