Eve Mitchell

Dundee City East

Key Issues

• Equalities
• Education
• Health and wellbeing

Candidate Profile

Why do you want to be an MSYP?

I want to be an MSYP because I want to help make sure young people have a genuine voice in the decisions that affect them. Young people have so many ideas, experiences and perspectives - and I think it is important that they are not only heard but taken seriously. I would love the opportunity to listen to other young people, understand the experiences that shape their views and work towards changes that can improve their lives. I am particularly interested in education, wellbeing and equality – but I know that representing young people means listening to views beyond my own. Being an MSYP would be an incredible opportunity to challenge myself, meet new people and develop my confidence in speaking up, leading others and representing their views. I would take the role of representing young people seriously and would be proud to make a real difference.

How will you consult with the young people in your area or organisation to ensure that they are represented well and their voices are heard?

I would consult with young people consistently, not just when I need an opinion.

I could use polls, surveys and question boxes on social media to make sharing views quick and easy, while also speaking to young people directly through schools, youth groups and community spaces.

I would make an effort to hear from people with different backgrounds and experiences - particularly those who may not have usually had their voices heard. Anonymous options would also give people a safe way to share things they may feel not feel comfortable sharing publicly.

I would then look for common concerns as well as individual experiences, using them to decide what issues need raised. Importantly, I would keep young people informed about what happens with the views they share.

Representation should be a two-way conversation. I want young people to see that when they speak up, their views are listened to and followed up.

Why should someone vote for you?

I'm someone who cares about doing things the right way. If I say I'm going to do something, I'll follow through.

I'm reliable, trustworthy and a good listener, but I'm also not afraid to speak up and challenge things when I think something isn't right.

I'd want young people to feel that they could actually come to me, whether they have a big issue they want raised or simply an idea to make things better. I would listen without judgement, take people seriously and make sure their views, even if they are different to my own, don't just disappear after they've been shared by putting in the effort to turn what I hear into action.