Become a Partner
The Scottish Youth Parliament is one of the most unique organisations of its type, being entirely youth-led and democratically elected. We are keen to work with other organisations to enhance this unique aspect of the organisation, providing our expertise in youth participation to sit alongside the skills of the particular partner.
Whilst we don't intend to provide an exhaustive list of partnership opportunities, we've given a range of areas where we can see obvious room for partners, however please contact us to discuss if you have any other ideas...
Sittings
The Scottish Youth Parliament has limited budgets for its Sitting and relies on partnerships with local authorities and organisations for the success of these events. What is clear is that there are many benefits for the hosting organisation.
A Sitting of the Scottish Youth Parliament provides an ideal opportunity to raise the profile of youth services and re-invigorate the interest of those involved in the sector, from youth workers and councillors, to young people themselves.
Consultation Events: The “speak:easy” series
A "speak:easy" is essentially an SYP consultation and outreach event with young people. Whilst the SYP has limited budgets, we recognise that this is often also true of small authorities and organisations – the major difference for a hosting authority/organisation is the reduced cost of a 1-day event. Hosting a “speakeasy” also more directly allows other young people to take part.
Like a Sitting of the Scottish Youth Parliament, a 'speak:easy' provides an opportunity to raise the profile of youth services or the organisation and re-invigorate the interest of those involved in the sector.
On a smaller scale the SYP can input to local youth conferences to offer the added dimension of national influence for the young people taking part.
Campaigns
The SYP are experts on the opinions of young people, but due to our size we can't possibly hope to be experts on every area of policy on which our young people have a view; we know there are organisations out there who would be keen to support the SYP in its campaign work, either through the provision of resources or expertise - we're keen, too! Even if it's not something we're currently discussing, let us know and we'll tell you whether it'd be of interest to our young people, whilst we can't guarantee it's something they'd be interested in, they're more than willing to talk!
Training & Events
The Scottish Youth Parliament always tries to maintain an innovative approach to its conferences, remembering that its members are not junior politicians in waiting, but a cross-section of today’s youth. The SYP sees potential involvement in this area as a quid pro quo arrangement and will assist those who provide input in a way which is mutually beneficial.
Publications & Promotion
To send just one piece of A4 paper to every young person eligible to participate in the Scottish Youth Parliament would cost somewhere around 20 times our annual marketing budget, making it difficult for us to really get our message out. Any assistance in the production of materials would be most welcome and, of course, we're more than happy to acknowledge...
Organisational Development
The Scottish Youth Parliament is a young organisation and as such, is a constant development cycle, focussing on the stability and future growth of the organisation. This process is led by young people and our small staff team, but there are often issues which require us to source external assistance. We often need legal, financial, human resources and other professional areas of experience, which costs the organisation money it can ill afford. Whether it's a business, organisation or even an individual, get in touch with us to discuss how you can help...
The Scottish Youth Parliament is keen to work in genuine partnership, we may not be rich in financial terms, but we have a diverse group of young people from across Scotland and an expertise in effectively involving people in decision-making processes. We are open to helping those who can help us - contact us to find out how you can assist...