Participation in Politics: "People often wrongly suggest young people don't care about politics."

Politics shapes everything around us from what young people learn in school to the world they meet when they leave school. However, our Youth Board feel their engagement and participation in politics is not largely encouraged through the curriculum. This year, there has been a large shift towards youth voice in all sectors, especially in politics. From the National Youth Strategy to reducing the voting age to 16, major strides have been taken to engage young people. My Life My Say is a charity leading this through democratic engagement. In this episode, we are joined by Dan Lawes, the CO-CEO of My Life My Say. Dan’s a public affairs, campaign strategy and external relations specialist, passionate about building national campaigns that create positive social impact. Whilst Campaign Director and Head of Partnerships for the charity, he project managed the ‘Give An X’ Campaign, the UK’s largest youth voter registration push for the 2024 General Election.   In this powerful discussion, our Youth Board hosts, Samiya and Huda speak with Dan about: His journey from engaging his school mates in politics to his position as CO-CEO at My Life My Say. The importance of mentoring, work experience and volunteering when building political participation. How education can teaching politics in school can build political knowledge, confidence and skills.  Responding to the recent far-right marches in London and across the UK.  The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests in this podcast are their own and do not reflect the Mayor's Fund for London. Find out more about the Mayor’s Fund for London: https://www.mayorsfundforlondon.org.uk/  Find out more about The Intersect: https://www.mayorsfundforlondon.org.uk/youth-engagement/the-intersect/ Find out more about My Life My Say: https://www.mylifemysay.org.uk/  For anyone looking for support the ongoing increase of Islamophobia and racism in the city we have put together a range of guidance: the ongoing increase of Islamophobia and racism in the city: https://www.mayorsfundforlondon.org.uk/we-stand-with-communities/  Edited by Courtney Brown.