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Applications open for Islands Youth Parliament

Applications must be received by April 23
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BCYP Minister for the Southern Interior, Aislinn Dressler of Fernie said the Youth Parliament being virtual was a great way to learn about how the BC Parliament was operating. (Photo contributed by Aislinn Dressler)

The 27th Islands Youth Parliament is running for the first time virtually from April 30 to May 2 and applications are now open.

This is an opportunity for youth aged 14-18 (inclusive) in the Islands and Coastal region to get involved in service and learn about parliamentary procedure with other youth online. Islands Youth Parliament (IYP) is run by the British Columbia Youth Parliament (BCYP), a non-partisan service organization.

Islands Youth Parliament is a weekend-long event where members will be offered an experience to engage in public speaking and leadership, debate resolutions pertaining to local, national and international issues of their own choosing, draft bills to debate policy and learn parliamentary procedure. Members are given the opportunity to meet other youth in their communities online and work together to partake in community service activities.

BCYP runs multiple Regional Youth Parliaments throughout the province every year, where the goal is to engage young people through service and parliamentary education. These events typically run in person, but due to the ongoing pandemic, this year they will be held virtually over Zoom. This presents a unique opportunity to engage more with remote communities in B.C.

“Youth Parliament stands as a testament to the conviction of youth empowering youth, whether it be through opportunity, advocacy or representation,” said Sara Mar, premier of the 27th Islands Youth Parliament. “Through Youth Parliament, I was able to discover the true spirit of leadership and the virtue of meaningful connection. I strongly encourage everyone and everyone of age to apply to both Regional Youth Parliaments, as well as the British Columbia Youth Parliament. I look forward to seeing everyone at the 27th IYP!”

Applications must be received by April 23 and can be found at: bcyp.org/iyp. The application fee is $15. For more information about regional youth parliaments and BCYP, visit bcyp.org or contact iyp@bcyp.org