Darlington Borough Council want to encourage young people to become more actively engaged in the democratic process, and raise awareness of the the roles and responsibilities of local government within the community.
An important element of the Citizenship Curriculum in schools is to gain a wider understanding of central and local government, the public services they offer and how they are financed. The Democratic Services Section aim to support local schools in meeting these requirements, and help young people who are studying, or who interested in, politics, local government or related subjects.
The Section currently offers the following services and activities to schools and colleges:
Mock Elections - Democratic Services have developed a 'Mock Election Pack' to provide to schools and colleges, and will assist with running an Election. Our staff will assist with all stages of the Election process, and attend on 'Polling Day' with a Polling Booth and a Ballot Box to facilitate the Election itself, and also the Count which follows.
'Town Hall Treasure Hunt' - The 'Town Hall Treasure Hunt', aimed at 7 - 11 year olds, is an opportunity for young people to come into the Town Hall and undertake a range of fun activities, including a Treasure Hunt, 'Democracy Blockbusters' and 'Build your own Politician / Councillor', to learn more about the democratic process and visit the Council Chamber and Mayor's Parlour.
'Question Time' Events - A one and a half hour session comprising a presentation on local democracy, an introduction to local Councillors and a Question Time session. These sessions are ideal for Year 11 and Further Education students looking to develop their knowledge of local democracy.
Democratic Services recently attended the Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College with their 'Local Democracy Roadshow', to raise awareness of local democracy and the Council's decision-making process.
Local Democracy Week - 15th-21st October 2007
During Local Democracy Week, the Democratic Services Section arranged several events, including a Special Meeting of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee which allowed 26 children to learn more about the Committee structure and meeting protocols. Before the children received presentations from Officers on School Transport Plans and Climate Change. The children and Committee Members then participated in discussion and workshops on these issues, including voting on actions that can be taken to improve school transport and impact on climate change. The children also met the Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Marian Swift, the Leader of the Council, Councillor John Williams, and other Senior Members and Officers.
Democratic Services also arranged a 'Question Time with Councillors' event for pupils at the Education Village; a 'How your Council works for You' event at the Town Hall; and a Roadshow event at the Darlington College.
Democratic Services will also be attending a number of additional promotional events over the course of the year, including the 'Talking Together' sessions. If you would like staff from Democratic Services to come to your school, college, interest group or organisation, please contact us on (01325) 388351, or by e-mail at democratic@darlington.gov.uk