What is the Youth Forum for Guernsey and Alderney?

The Youth Forum for Guernsey and Alderney brings together young people from across the Bailiwick to represent the voice of their peers, and to ensure the voice of young people is heard within the decision making process both in the Bailiwick and further abroad.

Who makes up the Youth Forum?

The Youth Forum has spaces for 38 members, these are young people between the ages of 11-25. Usually they will go through an election process to represent their schools and groups on the forum.

Who leads the work of the Youth Forum?

The Forum, and its work, is led solely by members elected to its main Forum body (the 38 members). Democratic process is important in the Forum and any decisions taken by the Forum are put to a membership vote. The Forum is supported by the Youth Commission for Guernsey and Alderney who provide the Forum with staff time and administrative support. The Youth Commission do not shape or have input on the direct work or views of the Youth Forum.

How often does the Forum meet?

The Youth Forum meets six times a year for full member meetings. These meetings last for around five hours at a time. This time is reserved for visiting groups, agencies and departments who may wish to seek the Forum’s views.

How can you get in touch with the Youth Forum?

There are two main ways you can take your issues to the Youth Forum to discuss. First, is through your representative in your school and youth groups. Simply tell them your issues and they will raise it in Youth Forum meetings. If this is an island wide issue the Youth Forum will engage with decision makers. The second, is through social media by including #YFListenUp on your social media post – the Youth Forum will discuss the points raised at its meetings.

How can I join the Youth Forum?

To be a part of the Youth Forum you need to be elected by either your school or youth group. Each representative sits on the forum for two years and once this period is over the Youth Forum aims to hold an immediate new election.

If you are interested in when this may happen or would like more information please contact the Youth Forum via social media.

You can follow the Youth Forum on social media by searching @youthforgsyald