For the past 5 years, I have worked tirelessly within CYC to make a positive change for the youth of Cardiff. From occasionally contributing to subcommittee discussions to now as an outgoing MYP, scrutineer, and Vice-Chair entering university life, having volunteered Over 260 hours with CYC alone. Cardiff Youth Service, Child Friendly Cardiff and the wider council have offered me so many opportunities over the years; it would sadly be impossible to list all the wonderful adventures and people I have met within the scope of a blog post- perhaps when I next return to Cardiff!
Long-time members will know that I was never quite shy, but there is no denying that CYC has significantly improved my communication skills; I believe that CYC’s opportunities have made me a much more articulate and sociable person. Similarly, CYC encouraged me to leave my comfort zone which, especially as a teenager during the Covid-19 pandemic, was incredibly important- CYC has sent me to new environments, to explore cultures, and to see worlds beyond Cardiff. Across countless interviews, the opportunities to explore new horizons were consistently presented as one of the youth council’s biggest offer. CYC truly gives both new life skills but also life experiences, and, regardless of volunteering’s selfless nature, there is no denying that everything you do within CYC appeals to future employers, to the community, and to everyone you meet; even connecting you with like-minded individuals. Through CYC, I have even had the opportunity to make history: representing CYC at the Festival of Remembrance for the late Queen Elizabeth II.
These points were perhaps somewhat clear; speaking to changemakers will obviously influence your ability to influence change itself. One thing I did not expect was the broadening of my understanding of society and the world. Through CYC’s subcommittees, I have worked on issues from the cost-of-living crisis to the environment, from city planning to the importance of women’s health. Due to globalisation, we live in a shrinking world; however, as we become disconnected it feels like we live within a growing locality. CYC has helped me to understand the true issues affecting citizens of Cardiff and the globe in a hands-on way which are not taught in the classroom.
Of course, there are things I would have done differently- at times, we have attempted to fix the world rather than effectively solve smaller, local issues. Sometimes, there is a vital need to recognise the limitations of funding and restrictions of local government processes- bureaucracy does not favour quick change. This is why I feel the new model for presenting issues to CYC is so particularly fascinating, it focuses on local issues and the true local impact CYC can make.
CYC has several set traditions, but perhaps one of the most significant is reiterating the phrase that “you get out of it what you put in”. It is, of course, completely true- whilst the support of the incredible staff and members is crucial, it is your individual commitment and passion that drives change. CYC relies on its members for everything; the future of Cardiff and beyond relies on it. Whitman famously said, “That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.” I have greatly enjoyed my contributions (which at times have felt more like paragraphs than verses), but I now sincerely look forward to the verses of future youth councillors. CYC offers you so much, I implore you to take as much from it as you possibly can. 5 years goes by awfully fast.