By Kidist Teklemariam and Amanuel Mebrahtu
Working with a youth group from migrant and refugee backgrounds has brought attention to a key community priority: tackling challenges related to political participation and civic engagement. These young people recognised the importance of raising awareness among their families and communities about the need for active involvement in elections and local affairs. Taking the initiative, each pledged to speak with at least five individuals to promote voting and civic engagement. Through these conversations, they identified key issues, including levels of awareness and barriers to electoral participation within their families and neighbourhoods.
Building on this momentum, a workshop was held on 30 June 2024, bringing together individuals who had been engaged in discussions with the youth. Representatives from various political parties, third-sector organisations, and community leaders were invited to share insights on the significance of civic engagement. The event also provided a platform for political candidates and organisations to address the gaps identified by the youth, highlighting the need for concrete action.
The workshop saw active participation, with attendees engaging in discussions, identifying solutions, and making commitments to campaign for greater community involvement in the electoral process. This initiative particularly targeted immigrants who had gained citizenship through naturalisation and individuals from Commonwealth countries, creating a space for them to express their concerns and become more actively involved in political decision-making. Hosted by the URP in collaboration with the Swahili Community Centre in Leeds, the event aimed to empower immigrants and minority communities by increasing awareness of voting rights and fostering engagement in the democratic process. The collaboration demonstrated the power of community-led initiatives in bridging gaps, encouraging political participation, and amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups.
Building Bridges to Participation
The event began with remarks from URP representatives, who underscored the importance of civic and political participation in fostering inclusive and representative governance. They highlighted critical issues such as logistical barriers and the lack of accessible information, which frequently impede voter turnout within immigrant communities.
Exploring Challenges and Opportunities
Participants engaged in breakout sessions to discuss their personal experiences with the voting process. Themes from the discussions mirrored findings from recent research (Teklemariam & Mebrahtu, 2024), showing high awareness of voting rights but significant barriers to participation:
- Logistical Barriers: Issues like not receiving polling cards or understanding the voting process.
- Information Accessibility: The need for materials in native languages to support voters from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
- Community Engagement: A strong interest in events like this one to bridge knowledge gaps and foster a culture of civic participation.
Community-Led Solutions
During the event, several practical recommendations emerged, aligning with the research:
- Multilingual Resources: Making voting information accessible in multiple languages through videos, infographics, and easy-to-read guides.
- Educational Workshops: Hosting interactive sessions in community hubs like the Swahili Community centre to demystify the voting process.
- Awareness Campaigns: Using social media and community influencers to reach younger voters and minority groups.
A Path Forward
The workshop concluded with a commitment from all participants to implement the recommended solutions from the research and from the discussion. Workshop Participants pledged to advocate for multilingual voter materials in the next election cycle, while party representatives highlighted plans for future collaborations with diverse community groups.
This event underscored the power of community in fostering civic and political engagement. By addressing barriers and providing tailored support, initiatives like this not only empower voters but also strengthen the democratic fabric of our society.