Operation Black Vote and Westminster City Council launched their civic leadership programme as 32 future leaders began their journey of exploration into civic life.
The evening was an opportunity for the new cohort and senior leaders from the council to come together with key stakeholders from Operation Black Vote and celebrate the positive step participants have already made in terms of moving into a more active civic life.
There was a chance to hear directly from Global majority individuals who have seen success in local government as well as to connect participants with local leaders who have positively impacted their respective areas.
The aim of the programme is to encourage individuals from global majority communities to engage with decision making in their local area. In doing so, the future leader’s cohort can work on matters important to them such as education, health, and employment and politics on a local or national level.
After graduating from the scheme, future leaders will have the knowledge and networking skills to be more active within their chosen area of public life and for some, put themselves forward for elected or public office. Westminster City Council is leading the way for other local authorities who serve diverse communities by increasing resident involvement and decision making by being more transparent and delivering on Fairer Westminster objectives.
Frances Martin, Executive Director for Environment, Climate and Public Protection and Communities sat on the panel and said:
Meeting everyone and listening to their stories was inspirational and makes me so proud of the council for championing this initiative with Operation Black Vote.”
“Civic Leadership is for everyone, no matter your background so we want to make sure everyone is represented, and all opinions are heard. With more voices in the conversation, a richer conversation can be had which usually leads to better outcomes. This can shape our work to be more impactful as well as encouraging those who might have been disillusioned to get involved with issues that matter to them.”
“I look forward to watching their progress and seeing the impact the participants will no doubt have in the future.”
Jonathan Goddard, who works in Westminster and is taking part in the initiative added:
Without civic engagement it is impossible to cause systemic change. I hope to learn from those who currently work in policy, to gain knowledge that can help my community.”
Carol Cooper, Director of Programmes at Operation Black Vote said:
We are excited to be partnering with Westminster Council to nurture a powerful set of 32 participants from the Global Majority who reflect the passion, talent, drive, and ambition required to make a difference in society.”
“There is no shortage of people from Global Majority who are willing and able to serve our communities, including those who are seldom heard. We hope other Councils will follow their lead, take real action for equity and recognise that they cannot close the gap on inequalities in society without the communities they serve.”
The council is leading the way in removing the constraints to full participation for all its citizens, defying the narrative of communities being ‘hard to reach’ by connecting talent and ambition to opportunity.”
Published: 23 February 2024