Media release: 23 August 2007

Council needs to be where youth are!

Bebo, Facebook and Myspace will be used more for involving young people in a 2021 Council says Mayoral candidate Megan Woods who today released the 2021 Youth policy exclusively on-line. "We need to be where our residents are, in our communities, where they are interacting and this is particularly true of youth" says Megan Woods.

Starting with the 2100 people who have signed up to 2021 candidates' pages, over the next few days thousands of young people will have the opportunity to find out how 2021 want to involve them more in decisions about their city. "Online networked communication is an essential part of 21st century innovative communication, particularly with young people", Megan Woods said.

"Our democracy policy released two weeks ago talks about providing the community with a voice. Our Civic Building policy called for Councillors to be more accessible in local Service Centres. Our Youth Policy commits to greater engagement directly with young people ­ and online communication is part of that commitment", Megan Woods said.

"This current Council has failed our young people. They feel alientated and that they have not been provided with a chance to formally interact with the Council. A 2021 Council will provide young people with a voice", Megan Woods said.

A 2021 Council led by Megan Woods will support the independent youth council, have 3 youth forums per year (as well as forums for other people), hold a "youth council" once a term similar to the "Youth Parliament", and increase youth safety and develop an intergenerational mentoring and volunteer project between retired citizens and young people.

The 2021 team also calls on young people to exercise their right to vote in the up-coming local body elections. "Voting is the best way for young people to ensure that are heard by the next council. Anyone who is aged 18 years or over during the voting period is eligible to vote. Our team is only too happy to help people enroll if necessary", Megan Woods said.

Christchurch 2021 is standing talented electable young people who will provide our city with a constructive youth voice and fresh ideas to take our city forward.

A selection of Candidate's social networking pages:

http://www.bebo.com/Megan4Mayor - Megan Woods Bebo
http://www.bebo.com/TonyMilne07 - Tony Milne Bebo
http://www.bebo.com/ratbaglozzie Lauren Cundall Bebo
http://www.bebo.com/christchurch2021 - 2021Bebo page
http://www.bebo.com/addbyname - Amelia Dalley Bebo
http://www.bebo.com/iluvnz5 Yani Johanson Bebo
http://www.myspace.com/tonymilne2007 Tony Milne Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/matt_morris Matt Morris Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/revolutionary_kiwi Yani Johanson Myspace

ENDS

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