The Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) is a non-political, youth-led organisation that seeks to represent and be representative of Scotland's young people aged 14-25.
The SYP is designed by young people, led by young people… for the benefit of young people.
This structure is completely unique in Europe and quite possibly the world.
As a youth-led youth representing body, the SYP embodies the very highest level of youth participation.
Established in 1999, the SYP currently has 126 members – referred to as MSYPs (Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament) – who represent local constituencies and national youth-involving voluntary organisations.
The whole point of the SYP is to connect young people with decision-makers, ie, to tell politicians what young people think and what Scotland's young people are passionate about.
Every 4 years the SYP are committed to producing a youth manifesto (what young people believe is important) in the run up to the Scottish Parliament elections. This potentially influences political parties' own manifestos and therefore future decisions which are made.
Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) states that "children and young people should have a right to say what they think should happen when adults are making decisions that affect them and to have their opinions taken into account." The work of the SYP is very relevant to this very important convention.
Falkirk Council has recently appointed 4 MSYPs who will be working within their local communities to try to bring about positive change. Hopefully, this will also impact at a national level.
Falkirk West MSYPs are Amy Wilson and Amy Craig and the Falkirk East MSYP is Christopher Adamson.
The MSYPs remain in their role for 2 years and will play an active role fighting to improve things for Scotland's young people.
MSYPs get loads of opportunities and SQA recognised training to help them carry out their role.
They are also expected to attend up to 4 National sittings per year and take part in various campaigns.