Join 'Respect' campaign (From Asian Image)

Join 'Respect' campaign

4:45pm Friday 5th February 2010

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Members of a campaigning group that aims to improve public perceptions of young people are seeking fresh recruits from across the UK.

The Respect? campaign, which is supported by charities YouthNet and the British Youth Council (BYC), aims to challenge negative portrayals of young people in the media and improve their image among politicians.

The Respect? Young People’s Advisory Group (RYPAG) wants to recruit up to eight new members, aged 16 to 25, that are passionate about achieving fair representation by reacting to negative representations and voicing their opinions online and in person.

Liam Pearce, 18 of Grimsby and RYPAG member since 2008, says: “Going to my first Respect? meeting was the first time I’d been to London on my own, but I felt really supported.

“Last year I won a national award that recognised the work I’d done with Respect?, which was amazing, and since then I’ve realised I can really make a difference - joining the campaign has had a massive impact on my life.”

Since it’s launch in 2006, Respect? has featured in the national media, influenced the Government’s strategy for young people, and has won the support of celebrities including boxer Amir Khan, but the group want new members to help drive their message even further.

Mohammed Iqbal, 22 of London and RYPAG member since 2006, says: “Over the past four years, Respect? has given me so many opportunities - I’ve met ministers, given interviews to the press and gained skills and confidence that have helped me beyond the campaign.

“It’s been fantastic and we can’t wait for new members to join us so we can expand on the successes we’ve already seen.”

New members of the group will be given mentors, receive media training, plan and implement the campaign, and gain access to exceptional opportunities and events.

To find out more about what Respect? has achieved so far, how to become a member, and to meet some of the existing Advisory Group, visit www.youthnet.org/mediaandcampaigns/RespectCampaign.

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