Hustings Day
Hustings Day is an opportunity for young
people aged 13 – 19 and residents of Harlow, wishing to stand as a
youth councillor, to produce their campaign speeches.
What does the word ‘Hustings’ mean?
Hustings is the British equivalent of the US word stump.
Originally, campaigning politicians used the stump of a large tree
to stand on and to speak from. Today, it's metaphorically used in
expressions such as 'stump speech' (campaign speech) or 'on the
stump' (on the campaign trail). Until 1872 Hustings was the raised
platform from which candidates were nominated for the British
Parliament, and where they addressed electors.
Hustings day is an opportunity for potential
candidates to find out about the work of the youth council and the
role of a youth councillor.
2008 Hustings Day
This year, there are elections for both the Young Essex
Assembly and Harlow Youth Council. We are holding a joint
Hustings Day, so you can find out about both youth councils on the
one day - and decide then if you'd like to stand for one or the
other.
The day is designed to inform you about the work of a youth
council and answer any questions you may have. The existing
youth councillors will also be there, so you will have the
opportunity to ask them questions as well as thinking about why you
would like to stand for election.
Our Hustings Day is a full day's event, from 10am to 5pm; you
will receive information and training, the chance to have your
say and a very nice lunch!
What’s in it for me?
If you want to represent the young people of Harlow and
you want to have a voice in the local community, then stand for the
youth council this year. There are 12 seats on Hartlow
Youth Council and 4 seats for Harlow members of the Young Essex
Assembly. You will stand for 2 years and you can achieve
various accreditations and awards, including the chance
to gain a Level Two qualification in Community Volunteering
(worth 92 points in the school league tables and equivalent to 2 x
Grade B GCSE's). So help your school, college, friends or
youth group to have a voice! Get involved!
If you would like to find out more about standing as a
candidate, Please book your place today, as places
may be limited.