Could you be Lewisham’s future leaders?

Operation Black Vote and Lewisham Council have teamed up again to offer a unique programme to address the deficit of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities in civic and political life.

The representation of BME individuals at every level of public life is woefully low, from the House of Commons to the highest tiers of Judicial Office. In Lewisham, 34% of the borough is from a Black and Minority Ethnic background and yet only 8 of the 54 councillors are BME.

The Civic Leadership Programme aims nurture Lewisham’s future leaders and ensure that their voices are heard within the borough.

Last year’s participants have taken on a array of roles including: Verna Brandford, who is now a board member for Race on The Agenda, a leading national race equality group; Fay Scott who is a board member for OFQUAL, and appointment that was made by Rt. Hon Ed Balls MP. Kami Peter’s, another one of last year’s participants, said of OBV and the scheme "I was taken aback by an overwhelming sense of being part of a 'family'. This ability of OBV to create a welcoming, family vibe really instils confidence in our undercover heroes who really need that support in order to go out and affect change."

We invite applications from Lewisham's BME communities to gain an insight into five broad areas of public life. If you want to make a difference to local education, policing or health services then this is the programme for you. We are looking for 40 enthusiastic people from Lewisham's BME communities to gain an insight observe between two and five areas of public life including:

• Education
• Health
• Criminal Justice System
• Politics
• Voluntary and Community

If you're over 18 and think you’ve got what it takes to make a difference in your local borough and can commit to 8-12 non-consecutive days, then get in touch for more information or for an application form on 020 8983 5426 or civicleaders@obv.org.uk.

Alternatively you can download the application form here.

Deadline for completed application form is Monday 28th February 2011.