Working in a Girls Secondary School, I hear a lot of girls complain about things, but never wanting to do anything about it; moaning but never trying to come with a solution (unless pushed); ready to blame someone else but never wanting to take responsibility.
I am really pleased that we live in a country that advocates for free speech, where by our Youth have the Rights to many things (despite what they may think). The balance that I always try to teach my Mentees is that Rights go had in hand with Responsibilities.
Rights/ Human Rights/ Civil Rights etc:
- Having the right to be Safe and Protected
- Having the Rights not to be discriminated against
- Have the right to Vote in a Public Election at 18yrs old
- Have the right to Drive from the age of 17... etc
Responsibilities, being answeble to thier actions or behaviours:
- there are (good or bad) consequences to your actions or behaviour,
- you have a responsibility to make informed and wholesome decisions
- Treating others as you would like to be treated
- Responsibilities applies to all areas of your life, if your parents ask you to help out at home - yes that does apply.
"With great power comes great responsibility." - From the Film Spider-Man
Its also important to know your Rights & Responsibilities and aim to Protect them and become active in having an effect on future changes.
Take Action on things that affect your school, negibourhood, family, church etc by joining activities and networks like:
- Youth Panel
The panel for young people aged 16-29, set up to represent your views to the media, brands, the government, policy makers, educators and market researchers.
http://www.opinionpanel.co.uk/
- Legacy Youth Panel
Our Legacy Youth Panel is made up of 25 young people, between the ages of 13 and 21, from the five Olympic host boroughs, who have been given the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the Olympic Park.
http://www.londonlegacy.co.uk/community/get-involved/youth-panel/
- The Youth Panel
The Youth Panel is the aggregation of all 16-29 year olds in the OpinionPanel Community. It comprises our Applicant, Student and Graduate (young professional) members, plus Pupils at school or college, University pre-applicants and applicants, Young people in employment and training, Job seekers and University graduates.
http://www.youthsight.com/panels/the-youth-panel* Check out what your Local Authoriy, Youth Clubs and Local Authority Parliment Groups have to Offer.... Not forgetting ...
The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) was established in 1999 and is run by young people for young people, giving them the opportunity to share their opinions on issues ranging from the cost of university education to job opportunities to transport. Its views and recommendations are listened to by local and national Government and providers of services and other agencies who have an interest in the views and needs of young people.
http://www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/
The current National Campaign for 2013 is “A Curriculum For Life”:
"We believe that the place of citizenship education and PSHE in the curriculum should be radically overhauled through a youth-led UK-wide review; they are really important for young people’s growth and development as they teach vital life skills and can be the first steps to engaging young people in political life. Teaching staff should be specifically trained to a national standard to deliver citizenship education following this review."
What is it They want?
- a Youth Led Review of Citizenship and PSHE education
- a radical overhaul of the current Curriculum which we feel fails us
- a new curriculum that includes the following subjects:
o Sex and Relationships Education (SRE)o Cultural awareness
o Community cohesion
o Finance skills
o Sustainable living
o Citizenship Education Test
Come out of your comfort Zone and Show your support at http://www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/campaign/curriculum-life/
