My Vision for the Scottish Youth Parliament

Hello.

My name is Austin Sheridan and I am running for chair of the SYP. I will be using this blog to tell MSYPs about the vision I have for the SYP and inform MSYPs about changes that I think are necessary.

The SYP has been moving from strength to strength since it was created in 1999. I am running for chair to ensure that the good work continues.

Since I was elected in 2009 I have seen massive changes within the SYP. The SYP has become more efficient internally and the structure is much better but make no mistake it could be improved even more.

Now that the SYP has been reformed from the inside by MSYPs now is the time to change our image in Scotland and even the world. My main goal is to make the SYP known to most young people by 2013. We can do this by working with the media and taking part in more high profile campaigns.

The Scottish Youth Parliament has a fantastic manifesto. This sets out the vision for the SYP that MSYPs and young people across Scotland have agreed. Now that the Scottish Government has a majority we need to work even harder to ensure that the young people are heard. We also need to protect young people from UK Government cuts. I have lead the debates against the VAT rise that damages young people, against the 'Big Society' that would see young people forced to work for free and take advantage of charities such as the SYP. I have been leading the way on the side of the majority of MSYPs and young people. It is a shame that not every candidate in these elections can say the same.

I want to work with organisations such as the National Union for Students (NUS), trade unions and political parties, especially the youth wings of political parties, to ensure that pressure is being put on all politicians from all parties to deliver the best deal for the young people of Scotland and stop the butchering of youth services which are at the heart of the cuts. The SYP should also highlight where politicians break promises they have made that would have benefited young people.

Even the SYP could be cut in the future. We really don't know what can happen to funding even though we have had an assurance that it will continue. That is why I will look at new sources of funding for the SYP if elected Chair such as more corporate funding to ensure that the SYP is protected from any cuts that we may face. Protecting and sourcing new funding is an obligation that any Chair and Trustee has to look at and act on. I am the one that wants to take action sooner rather than later so that we are already prepared for the worst scenario if it happens.

I will do my best to ensure that all MSYPs are informed and consulted on important decisions being made. I will not allow major decisions to be made without the consent of MSYPs. That will be the first thing scrapped.

If you elect me as Chair, I will not dominate the organisation with my own agenda. The SYP Manifesto is the SYPs agenda and we need to make sure that we don't go off track. If you choose me to become Chair of the SYP I will do my very best to promote and implement as much of the manifesto as possible by working with the Scottish Government, UK Government and political parties.

The SYP is at a turning point and we need to make sure we get it right. Stand up and be counted on June 12 and elect me as your chair that will work for you.

Vote Austin Sheridan Number 1 on both Chair & Trustee ballot papers.

Austin Sheridan for Chair: 1

Austin Sheridan for Trustee: 1

Thanks,

Austin.