Over the Edge ¢ February 6th 2013

BRITISH COLUMBIA YOUTH PARLIAMENT

ALLIE DICKSON
BCYP LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION

The British Columbia Youth Parliament is a
non-profit, non-partisan service organization
that meets each year from December 27th
to the 31st at the Legislative Buildings in
Victoria. During this week-long event, also

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a great opportunity for youth and students in
BC to get involved in their communities as
volunteers and as leaders. BCYP is a one of a
kind organization in that it combines educational
information about our government along with
allowing youth to explore their interests in
leadership no matter where they live. This year

Members of the Parliament are taught about
legislation, private member's resolutions, and the

basics of debate and parliamentary procedure.

known as Session, the 95 newly elected
members (who are aged 16-21 and represent
all areas of the province) meet to discuss both
the organizations plans for the upcoming year
as well as interesting topics relevant to the
youth of British Columbia. Since the BCYP is
primarily a service organization, legislation is
debated that outlines what Parliament and the
membership would like to complete in terms of
service to the community. Projects run by the
Parliament may include smaller activities such
as beach cleanups or helping provide another
organization with volunteers for their event.
Alternatively, the BCYP also has the ability to
organize and carry out major projects such as
Regional Youth Parliaments. Regional Youth
Parliaments, or RYPs, are smaller versions
of the BCYP that take place in multiple areas
around the province each and every year.
RYPs generally only have between 16 and
35 members; however, areas with denser
population can attract up to 60 members at
a Parliament. Unlike the BCYP, RYPs are
designed for high school students aged 14-18
and typically take place over a single weekend
rather than a full week. During this time,
members of the Parliament are taught about
legislation, private member’s resolutions,
and the basics of debate and parliamentary
procedure, all vital to understanding the
Canadian political process as it exists today.

In addition to legislation, members of the
BCYP also have the chance to debate private
member’s resolutions, which can be presented
by any member of the House and can cover
almost any topic. Being a youth Parliament, the
conversations and debates can often be about
lighthearted or amusing topics; however, much
more frequently, the topics pertain to serious
regional, provincial, national, or international
issues. With 95 youth present, the debate is
often contentious and always interesting to
listen to.

The British Columbia Youth Parliament is

was the 84th Session of the British Columbia
Youth Parliament and it turned out to be a great
success. Four members represented Prince
George in the House, including two students
from UNBC. The BC Youth Parliament is a
truly life-changing experience - if you want
more information please go to www.bcyp.org!

LEA

WHY DONT YOU RUN FOR NUGGS?

MEGAN PRICE

OMBUDSPERSON

Once again, January is drawing to a close
which means that NUGSS elections are
coming up! Do you like to be involved?
Do you enjoy being part of a group? Are
you interested in the inner workings of
the University and what that means to
students? Do you love the Thirsty Moose
so much that you want to be involved
with it? If you said yes to any of these
questions then NUGSS just might be for
you!

There are many aspects of NUGSS that
make your involvement appealing in
many ways. For example, did you know
you get a cubicle in the NUGSS Office?
This gives you lots of room to leave
your coat and winter boots; you don’t
have to worry about cramming them in
a locker with all your books. There is a
fridge in the office where you can store

fellow students on this campus, and on
UNBC’s regional campuses as well.
You also get the experience of working
professionally with a group of your peers
and post secondary student government
experience looks great on a resume.
NUGSS positions are volunteer
positions but directors who fulfill their
time requirements with duties related
to their portfolios are awarded monthly
honouraria.

So really, why aren’t you running for
NUGSS?

This year’s election dates and

locations are as follows: nomination
period February 1- Feb 15, campaign
period February 16-March 4,

speeches February 27 @ noon in the
Wintergarden, voting — March 5 & 6 in
the NUSC

If you have any questions, ask any of
the current NUGSS board or come into

You will learn valuable time management and

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your lunch and snacks — suddenly your
dining options on campus just expanded!
You can be among the first on campus
to learn what the Moose’s daily specials
are!

Don’t be fooled into thinking it is all
fun and games. NUGSS does serious
work; you will learn valuable time
management and networking skills and
take part in important decisions for your

networking skills and take part in important
decisions for your fellow students on this

campus.

the office and ask one of our friendly,
helpful staff members. Or attend our
NUGSS 101 session — an open house
in the April Price Boardroom, 6-390,
on February 7 at 2pm. You’ll be able to
interact with the current board, ask any
questions you might have, and get free
pizza!

DING THE WAY

Youth Summit on Sustainable Transportation

CALGARY, Alberta
May 10 - 12, 2013

—- Fc

=r,

Are you between 18-28 years old

Check out our program online to find out how you can...

e Discover sustainable transportation

issues & opportunities.

e Get the tools you need to be
a leader in your community.

Ho
@ 4h

and interested in sustainable transportation?

e Explore career possibilities

in transit and related fields.

e Network with students and professionals
from across Western Canada and the Territories.

Apply to be a youth delegate by Monday February 25!

leadingthewayyouthsummit.com