Get involved and make change happen!

What is a campaign?

cam•paign (kâm-pân)
A series of efforts or events energetically pursued to accomplish a purpose.

More simply, a campaign is the gathering of people that want to act on an issue they all care about.

British Youth Council campaigns are led by young people for young people and represent the main concerns of young people across the UK.

BYC thinks campaigning is a vital way for young people to make an impact on the decision makers that affect our lives and how the country is run. All too often decisions on issues that matter to young people are made in office boardrooms by people in suits, which doesn't exactly reflect reality!

Our current campaigns are:

Equal National Minimum Wage: Did you know that sixteen and seventeen year olds can be paid a lower minimum wage than older colleagues doing the same job? BYC is calling for equal pay for equal work across the UK.

Votes at 16: BYC believes that the voting age should be lowered so all 16 and 17 year olds can vote in all public elections.

Let's Value Volunteering: BYC is calling on employers to value volunteering. Giving youth a greater access to volunteering would mean we could make even more of an impact.

Climate Change: We want to see more radical and urgent climate change targets. Get involved and give your opinion on this important issue.

Just the Ticket: Public transport lets us get out and about and gives us independence. Yet at the moment fares vary across the country and can cost up to an hour's wages. We want to see this change!

Higher Education Funding: We believe that everyone should have free access to higher education. At the moment a vital step in keeping funding fair is defeating attempts to lift the cap on top-up fees. Join in here.

Alongside YouthNet BYC also supports Respect? - a youth-led campaign to challenge the negative stereotyping of young people in the media and British society. Why don't you help society see that young people can be a positive force in the UK.

Make sure you check out the BYC Youth Manifesto 2008/09 for all the detail on BYC policies and campaigns.

• If you want to tell us what issues BYC should be shouting about in our campaigns you can Shape BYC Policy. We are always ready to listen to what matters to you.
• Volunteer through BYC's Online Action Network - whose members are key players in supporting and contributing to our campaigns on the web.
• If you're already involved in a youth council and want to know how to kick-start your own campaigns, you can also get Training from BYC.

For more info or if you have a question please email us.