Getting to grips with the Big Society

Today, v’s chief executive Terry Ryall announced plans to launch a Big Society Youth Inquiry. Here at v, we’ve been totally inspired by all the debate and discussion that’s been generated on the vblog around young people’s role in the Big Society, and we decided to do something about it. Or more precisely, we decided to help you do something about it.

So here’s the idea: In January 2011, we’ll be launching a Big Society online community, which is open to all young people across the country. We’ll be seeking your views about what the Big Society means to you, what action you’d like to take, and the support you need to make it happen. We’re not really interested in talking shops (yawn). But we are interested in getting all your brilliant brains ticking together, to help us shape up a Big Society where every young person feels valued and can participate.

For those of you who like doing stuff in the real world, we’ll also be making an appearance in communities around England. We’ll be introducing ourselves to the neighbours and finding out more about what issues your local area is facing, and work with you to come up with brilliant solutions. We’ll give you some practical project management and fundraising tips and we might even throw a few quid your way to get things started.

65% of young people are keen to learn more about the Big Society, and to find out how they can get involved. Our online community will be a great place to start, giving you the chance to take part in surveys, polls and discussion groups as well as uploading your own blogs and video clips to share your views about the role of young people in the Big Society.

The community is now under construction, and we’re recruiting people to contribute. We’d love to hear from you, so please get in touch to tell us what you think about the idea and what will encourage you to get involved.  Better still, if you’ve got something to say about the Big Society, then get it off your chest – write a blog or upload a video – all soapboxes welcome!

You can reply to the blog or email us at mybigsociety@vinspired.com

Thanks!