Bismah Ali is 15 and goes to Bradford Girls’ Grammar. She is a Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) for the Shipley Constituency of the Bradford and Keighley Youth Parliament and an MYP for the City of Bradford Constituency of the United Kingdom Youth Parliament (UKYP).
Bismah talks about her role.
I have loved every minute of my time as an MYP; it is a truly rewarding job.
Many young people of today are disillusioned with politics and politicians, and especially amongst talk of increased tuition fees, many feel betrayed; that there is no morality in leadership. I became an MYP because I wanted to make a positive difference to my local community and help to promote and increase the role young people have in policy-making. In my opinion, it is paramount that young people have an active role and an interest in politics. Young people are the future; we are destined to inherit a myriad of problems that we have had no responsibility in creating. It is the duty of politicians to listen to and take on board our thoughts and ideas, because we possess the creativity and innovation needed to help undo the problems we will one day have to face.
I have had a wonderful experience as an MYP, helping to tackle many issues both regionally and nationally. Currently, I am working on a campaign with the Yorkshire and Humber region of the UKYP about helping disadvantaged young people, with a focus on young carers. BKYP is approaching the end of its 2008-2010 term in office and I have worked to improve the parks and places in my constituency and improve relations between older and younger members of society. BKYP as a regional organisation has tackled knife crime, sexual health and relationships, graffiti and vandalism, discrimination, bullying and inequality.
Being an MYP is great fun, and I have acquired many skills as an MYP that will hold me in good stead for all my future endeavours. I have gained invaluable skills in responsibility, organisation, efficiency, perseverance, and patience, along with leadership skills that blossomed throughout my time as an MYP.
Another valuable skill from the Youth Parliament is how much I learnt about the political system in the UK whilst I was in office as an MYP. Negotiations with councillors, MPs, and decision-makers emulate what happens in parliament, which gave me a clear idea about the structure and work involved with making a change in my community for the young people of my constituency. In the future I would like to be a barrister, perhaps later venturing into the political sphere, having been inspired by my role as an MYP. I know that my time as an MYP has given me immense fun and immeasurable skills which I have no doubt will help me along the way.
My message to any young people interested in politics or being an MYP is to go for it! Putting in the work of being an MYP allows you to reap so many rewards; skills that you can transfer to any of your endeavours, a huge sense of accomplishment at the changes you have made for young people, great fun and lasting memories.
