Get involved in Local Democracy Week
Amateur artists of all ages are invited to create an artwork about democracy for a competition in Local Democracy Week.
The event runs from Monday 12 October to Sunday 18 October and the aim is to engage people in local politics.
Students from the District’s schools and colleges will “take over the Council Chamber” to debate contemporary issues on Thursday 15 October.
In a later event linked to Local Democracy Week, residents can “Find out what it is like to be a councillor” on Wednesday 4 November.
Local Democracy Week is a Europe-wide initiative aimed at getting people involved in the democratic process locally. The theme for this year is Living Together in Multi-cultural Societies: respect, dialogue, interaction.
The events organised by St Albans City and District Council include:
Democracy Art Competition – closing date: Wednesday 14 October.
Children and adults are invited to enter this art competition to illustrate their thoughts and feelings about democracy. Please send us your artwork (showing name, contact details and the category entered) to the Council Offices at the Civic Centre, St Peter’s Street.
The entries will be judged by the Mayor of St Albans City and District on Friday 16 October and the winning artworks displayed at the Council offices.
The finalists will be invited to meet the Mayor at the Council offices to receive their prize and certificate.
Categories:
• A - Primary school children
• B - Pupils in years 7-9
• C - Pupils in years 10-13
• D - Over 18 years
Youth “Takeover the Council Chamber” – Thursday 15 October
Young people from the District’s schools and colleges will play the role of Councillors for the day. They will debate key issues including education, the environment and independence for St Albans. Cllr Salih Gaygusuz, Mayor of St Albans City and District will chair the debates and District Councillors will provide support and advice.
What it is like to be a Councillor – Wednesday 4 November (7.30pm-9pm)
Come to the Civic Centre to meet councillors, discuss local issues and find out what it is like to be a Parish or District Councillor.
During October and November, Councillors will also be out and about visiting schools and care homes, and meeting residents in the District.
The Mayor will give talks on the Mayoralty to schools and groups. If you wish your school or organisation to be involved in these initiatives, please contact the Council on 01727 819281 or email member.support@stalbans.gov.uk
Cllr Beric Read, Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and Localism, St Albans City and District Council, said: “Local Democracy Week brings a variety of opportunities for everyone to share their views and discover more about what councillors do.
"The theme for the week is very relevant for modern Britain, ‘Living Together in Multi-cultural Societies: respect, dialogue, interaction.’ So why not get involved, tell us what you think and understand how decisions are made in your District.”
Councillor contact:
Cllr Beric Read, Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and Localism, St Albans City and District Council
Email: Cllr.B.Read@stalbans.gov.uk
Tel: 07956 220264
Contact for the media:
Ruth Boyer, Communications Officer, St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01727 819316
E-mail: ruth.boyer@stalbans.gov.uk
Notes:
Local Democracy Week is an annual Europe-wide initiative with national and local events organised by participating local authorities in all Council of Europe member States. More information is at http://www.congress-eldw.eu/