Is it the state of the local park, the need for more activities for young people, improving services for older people, making the roads safer or ensuring that local businesses can thrive? Whatever needs changing in your neighbourhood, you could be just the person to change it by becoming a local councillor. Or you may be looking for a worthwhile and rewarding way to help your local community. Women are also underrepresented on local councils. You could be the fresh new talent that your council is looking for. No other role gives you a chance to make such a huge difference to quality of life for people in your local area. Becoming a councillor is both a rewarding and privileged form of public service. You will be in a position to make a difference to the quality of other people’s daily lives and prospects. Groups made up of diverse individuals tend to make better informed decisions.
It is important that councils have councillors who not only reflect and represent the communities they serve, but also have a broad range of skills and life experience. You don’t have to be highly educated or have a profession. Skills gained through raising a family, caring for a sick or disabled relative, volunteering or being active in faith or community groups can be just as valuable. While you don’t need any special qualifications to be a councillor, having or being able to develop the following skills, knowledge and attributes will help you in the role. • Communication Skills These include listening and interpersonal skills, public speaking skills, the ability to consider alternative points of view and to negotiate, mediate and resolve conflict. • Problem solving and analytical skills This includes being able to get to the bottom of an issue and to think of different ways to resolve it, including considering the advantages and disadvantages of each option. You may have gained skills and knowledge through your professional, personal or community experience If you care about the area that you live or work in and the issues facing local people, you could be a councillor. You may feel that certain sections of the community or people who live in a particular neighbourhood are getting a raw deal and need stronger representation. There are many reasons why people decide to become a local councillor.
They include:
• Wanting to make a difference and be involved in shaping the future of the local community
• Being concerned about your local area and wanting to ensure that the community gets the right services
• Wanting to represent the views of local people and ensure that community interests are taken into account
• Wanting to contribute your business or professional skills
• Concerns about one particular issue
• As an extension of what you are already doing through a trade union, charity, voluntary group or school governing body – becoming a councillor can be the next step.
We are holding a meeting open to the public on Tuesday 14th February at 7.00pm in the Pheonix Club (Formerly British Legion Club.) Why not come along and see if the idea of becoming a Councillor appeals to you. Counc. Arun Chandran Independent Labour 88 Honister Place Tel 313224
