The Youth Assembly is now recruiting!
We are pleased to announce that the Youth Assembly is now recruiting for its 3rd mandate.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Youth Assembly?
- Who can apply to join the Youth Assembly?
- Do I need to have experience or qualifications to apply?
- What does a Youth Assembly Member do?
- How long is the term for a Youth Assembly Member
- How much time will it take up?
- Will I be paid to take part?
- What are the benefits to being a YAM?
- How do I apply?
- I applied before, can I apply again?
- How are Youth Assembly Members chosen?
- What happens if I make a mistake with my form or need help?
- What happens after I apply?
- What if I don’t get a place?
- Can I still take part if I have additional needs?
- Can parents or teachers get involved?
- Who can I contact if I have more questions?
What is the Youth Assembly?
The Youth Assembly is a platform for young people in school years 9,10,11 and 12 in Northern Ireland to have their voices heard and to influence decisions that affect them. We have had a Youth Assembly since 2021. Every two years, we select 90 Youth Assembly Members. If successful, you will be part of the third Youth Assembly mandate. We work closely with the Northern Ireland Assembly and give young people the opportunity to debate issues, conduct inquiries, and engage directly with MLAs and policymakers.Who can apply to join the Youth Assembly?
Anyone in school years 9-12 who lives in Northern Ireland can apply. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, communities, and abilities – your voice matters. If you have already been a Youth Assembly Member, you cannot apply again.Do I need to have experience or qualifications to apply?
No experience or qualifications are needed. We’re looking for young people who are passionate about making a difference, interested in current issues, and willing to get involved and represent their peers. We will also offer comprehensive training in things like presentation skills, team building, debating, and children’s rights to ensure you can carry out your role.What does a Youth Assembly Member do?
As a Youth Assembly Member (YAM), you will:- Take part in meetings at Parliament Buildings, Stormont and meet online
- Take part in team building activities and training opportunities including public speaking and using your voice, debating, speech writing, teamwork, political knowledge, children’s rights, and media training
- Discuss issues that affect young people
- Work in smaller groups called committees
- Engage with decision-makers and the public
- Contribute to reports and recommendations
How long is the term for a Youth Assembly Member?
Members serve a two-year term, during which you’ll attend regular meetings and participate in various activities and projects. So, if successful, you’ll be a Youth Assembly Member from October 2025 – October 2027.How much time will it take up?
Being a Youth Assembly Member is a big commitment. There are meetings you must attend called plenaries which are held twice a year on a Saturday in Parliament Buildings, Belfast and there are also online committee meetings which are held once a month, in the evening. We also hold regular training and team building opportunities online and in-person. These are important to help you to get to get to know each other and prepare you for your role. There are events and meetings you may choose to attend such as Assembly Committee events or special projects with other youth organisations. Time commitments vary, but we aim to schedule around school and personal commitments as much as possible.Will I be paid to take part?
This is a voluntary role, but travel costs and refreshments are provided for in-person meetings. You’ll also gain valuable experience, meet new people, and develop skills in leadership, teamwork, and public speaking.What are the benefits to being a YAM?
Being a YAM is a brilliant opportunity – You can watch some of our current YAMs talking about their experiences on our socials : As a YAM you will…- Make a real difference in your community
- Learn how laws and decisions are made
- Build confidence and leadership skills
- Be heard by politicians and decision-makers
- Meet like-minded young people from across Northern Ireland
How do I apply?
You can apply online through our website. Just complete the form. It should take no more than 10 minutes. Please only complete the form once. Applications open on Monday 8 September and close on Monday 29 September. If you need support with your application, please get in touch via email [email protected].I applied before, can I apply again?
Yes, as long as you are in school years 9-12 and live in Northern Ireland you can apply.How are Youth Assembly Members chosen?
We co-designed our recruitment process with young people. Once you apply, all applications are anonymised, then 54 members are selected on a constituency basis to ensure geographic spread. The final 36 young people are selected anonymously to ensure representation of section 75 categories such as gender, religious background, race, care experience, disability and so on. Unsuccessful applicants have the option of remaining on a Youth Assembly consultation forum which provides a consultation base of engaged young people from whom the Youth Assembly can seek views and acts as a pool from which vacancies can be filled should they occur.What happens if I make a mistake with my form or need help?
No worries, just drop us an email at [email protected] and we’ll help you.What happens after I apply?
Once applications close on 29 September, we will anonymise all applications and make our selection based on the information you tell us. Final decisions are based on ensuring a good mix of young people from across Northern Ireland. Here’s a timeline of the key dates:- Applications open: Monday 8 September
- Application deadline: Midnight on Monday 29 September
- Final selection: applicants will be notified by Friday 9 October
- First meeting: Saturday 1 November, Parliament Buildings, Belfast