Time to Takeover

11 MILLION TAKEOVER DAY is just around the corner and the Children's Commissioner has set a target for 11 MILLION to support 30,000 children and young people having their voices heard.

Last year saw 17,000 children and young people ‘takeover' jobs at nearly 700 organisations including schools, police and fire services, the Department for Children, Schools and Families, media, BT, charities, youth groups, local authorities, councils and many more, an increase of 7000 since 2007. And now the target has been set even higher.

Children's Commissioner Sir Albert Aynsley-Green said: "We are delighted that every year more and more children and young people are taking part. For 2009 I have laid down the challenge to almost double our success.The day benefits adults, children and young people. Those who have taken part all tell me they learn a great deal from working alongside each other and they look forward to taking part again. Anyone can get involved, there is a one size fits all formula. I hope this year will give even more children and young people a chance to have their say and that it is used as a platform to demonstrate the positive contributions that they make to our society."

He also urged adults to pledge their support by signing up for the event on the 11 MILLION website.

11 MILLION TAKEOVER OVER DAY is a national event offering children and young people across the country opportunities to work alongside adults and to get involved in decision-making in a diverse range of organisations. It takes place at the end of a week of activities during National Youth Work Week, which is run by the National Youth Agency (NYA) from 1 to 7 November 2009. NYA Chief Executive Fiona Blacke thinks it is the perfect opportunity for young people to show what they are made of.

She said: "11 MILLION TAKEOVER DAY is an excellent opportunity for young people to take an active part in learning about and shaping the services they use and to participate in their community life. Their participation in local organisations can help to bring about change through improving policy and services, ensuring they are more successful and leading to better outcomes all round. The things that young people show they can do as part of TAKEOVER DAY help change public attitudes and reverse negative perceptions. Of course they won't change the world in one day, but they can start the process of influencing those in power and putting forward a youth perspective. We're delighted to be part of it and would urge all young people and organisations with an interest in young people to get involved too."

For more information and to sign up, visit the 11 MILLION website at www.11million.org.uk.