Youth UpRise Pledge: A Sure-Fire Vote Winner for Young Londoners
The London mayoral elections are fast approaching, and the political landscape is heating up. Traditionally, the race has been a contest between Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstone. However, their absence at the recent Channel 4 UpRise debate has opened the door for a new contender to capture the attention of young voters.
Siobhan Benita, a candidate focused on youth issues, took advantage of this opportunity. Her policies are designed to view young Londoners as a solution rather than a problem, aiming to “Make London Even Better!”
Addressing Youth Concerns
A standout feature of Siobhan’s campaign is her stance on transportation costs, a critical issue affecting young people in London. Rising fares pose significant challenges for those out of work, volunteering, or interning. Siobhan proposes free travel for job seekers and reduced fares for those on minimum wage, with season ticket options for part-time workers. A future consideration could be free travel for volunteers, marking a progressive step forward.
The Power of Social Media
Social media’s role in engaging young people in politics is undeniable. The #C4UpRise debate on Twitter highlighted how platforms can amplify voices, even prompting direct interactions from candidates like Siobhan Benita.
Though undecided on my vote, it’s clear that political leaders must recognize the internet’s power as a platform for public discourse. Despite Boris and Ken’s absence, the 200,000-strong online audience made their voices heard, embodying the adage “there’s power in numbers.”
Share Your Thoughts
Did you follow last week’s UpRise event? Share your experiences on how transportation costs affect young people today.
For more insights on young people’s involvement in politics, check out Youth UpRise pledge is a sure-fire vote winner for young Londoners and vInspired calls on political leaders to deliver youth pledges on Twitter.
Digital Literacy & IT Skills, Goal Setting & Aiming High, Resilience & Staying Positive are essential skills for young volunteers, impacting areas like Civic Engagement, Homelessness & Poverty, and Employment & Skills.