[WiLT] Fw: Women belong in the House....

[WiL Admin]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Francine Fernandes" <francine at obv.org.uk>
Subject: Women belong in the House....



Black Asian Minority Ethnic Women Councillor Shadowing Scheme
Operation Black Vote and the Government Equalities Office

Women belong in the House .... and the Council Chamber too

Do you want to become a Councillor?

The representation of Black and other minority ethnic (BAME) women at every
level of governance from the Houses of Parliament to local government is
woefully low. Of the 646 MPs in Westminster, two are BAME women and out of
20,000 Councillors, 149 are BME women, representing less than 1% of Councillors
nationally.

Operation Black Vote in partnership with the Government Equalities Office is
launching the country’s first national BAME Women Councillor Shadowing Scheme.
The aim of the project is to address the national deficit of Black and minority
ethnic women councillors, and to ensure that BAME communities engage with the
council in all areas and at all levels of local governance.

We are looking for fifty BAME women to shadow high level councillors for a
minimum of six days over a six month period.  The cross-party initiative will
focus on giving participants first hand knowledge of the roles and
responsibilities of councillors, serving officers and an insight into the
Authority’s systems and procedures. Our aim is that upon completion, this
leadership programme will equip and motivate participants to engage in party
politics. Participants will also be encouraged to become Community Ambassadors,
explaining and promoting the benefits of civic engagement and encouraging others
to also become involved in community affairs. The scheme will also give
Councillors the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of BME communities.
OBV view this process as essential to involving BME communities in the wide
scope of activities within the decision making process.

If you feel you have the conviction, enthusiasm and determination to become a
city councillor or more politically  engaged then stand up, be counted and be
part of this unique opportunity.

Applications are invited from BAME women who have attended the BAME Taskforce
seminars in the following areas:
Birmingham, Chilterns, East of England, Gloucester, Leicester,
London (see below*), Newcastle, North West, Scotland,
Wales, Windsor and Maidenhead, York and Humberside
*London: Camden, Harrow, Islington, Lambeth/ Southwark, Tower Hamlets

Regional deadlines apply. Please contact OBV for deadline information and to
obtain a Councillor Shadowing Scheme application on: Tel: 0208 983 5471 / Fax:
0208 983 5492/ Email: councillor at obv.org.uk or download the information from our
website: www.obv.org.uk

Francine Fernandes
Head of Shadowing Schemes/ General Manager
Operation Black Vote
18a Victoria Park Square
London
E2 9PB
Tel: 0208 983 5426
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