Ross Robertson, a senior politician and Labour Party’s elected member of Parliament from the Manukau East Constituency and the Party’s List MP Dr Rajen Prasad have invited applications from young men and women to represent them at the ‘Youth Parliament,’ to be held in Wellington on July 16 and 17, 2013.
Applicants should be in the 16-18 age group at the time of the event.
Mr Robertson said that he was keen to receive applications from youngsters who are active in their community and region and committed to contributing their best for Youth Parliament 2013.
“They should also be passionate about youth issues, politics and/or social change and be able to seek views, opinions and ideas of their peers and represent them. They should also undertake the time commitment of being a Youth MP from May 1 to December 31, 2013,” he said.
Video Presentation
Prospective candidates should submit a five-minute video presentation and provide a written transcript to a three-judge selection panel.
The topic for the video presentation is, “Why is voter turnout so poor amongst 18-24 year olds? How can we stimulate interest in politics amongst young people, and get them actively involved in our democracy?”
Applicants who do not have access to video recorders may contact Michael Clatworthy at the office of Mr Robertson by phone (09) 2749231.
Applicants can (a) upload their video to YouTube.com and email with the link or (b) email their video clip to ross.robertson@parliament.govt.nz
“We are advised that applicants can make this a private YouTube clip if they wished when uploading . The video must be small enough to email,” Mr Robertson said.
The top five submissions will have a chance to meet Mr Robertson, who will be on the judging panel. These selected five applicants must be available to present their video at 4 pm on Monday, March 25, 2013 at his electorate office at 7 Fulton Crescent, Otara, Auckland. Further details can be obtained from Mr Clatworthy.
Email: michael.clatworthy@parliament.govt.nz
Applications close on Friday, March 8 at 3pm
Essay submission
Applicants keen on representing Dr Rajen Prasad should send him an essay of 500 words explaining why he or she should occupy his seat as MP in the forthcoming Youth Parliament.
“The ideal candidate would be interested in politics, with the ability to bring the voice of young people and their hopes and concerns from their community to Parliament. The selected candidate will hold the position from May 1 to December 31, 2013.
“I will support the selected person in his or her efforts to connect with the community during this period,” Dr Prasad said.
Dr Prasad said that apart from selecting young people for Youth Parliament, young aspiring political journalists, aged 16-24, would also have the opportunity to replicate the important role of the media in government.
“The Parliamentary Press Gallery will be selecting ten Youth Press Gallery members to report on the event for Youth Parliament 2013,” he said.
Candidates should send their essay with a copy of their CV to Bharat Jamnadas, Issues Assistant, Office of Dr Rajen Prasad, 503A, Mt Albert Road, Mt Roskill, Auckland 1042 by post or by email to bharat.jamnadas@parliament.govt.nz
Applications close on Monday, March 18, 2013
