Let's Talk Civic Engagement

As an intern at OBV, I was fortunate enough to aid in OBV’s recent training day for its Lewisham Civic Leadership Programme on Thursday 5th November.

The Lewisham Civic Leadership Programme is another partnership program, along with the MP Shadowing Scheme, the Magistrates Shadowing Scheme, Welsh Assembly and the Councillor Shadowing Schemes, run by Operation Black Vote.

The goal of this three month scheme is to raise awareness about the issues and interests that affect communities, including high unemployment, alienation and disenfranchisement and to encourage and empower younger BME individuals to play a positive role in the social, political and economic spheres at a local authority level.

On completion of the scheme, the members will be encouraged to put themselves forward for elected or other public office posts within or including Lewisham. The programme was in high demand with around 60 applicants, subsequently being narrowed down to the 30 individuals currently enrolled. The 30 enrolled members are a diverse group, ranging widely in age, ethnicity and experience.

This training day was the first of two, with the next day coming up on the 3rd December. It ran from 10am-4pm, with a variety of speakers and exercises. The day began with an energizing introduction from OBV Director Simon Woolley on the importance of BME representation, followed by an inspirational talk with David West, a self-made Black businessman in the local community.

After hearing about her experience as a school governor from Evyonne Browne, members took part in an exercise in small groups, during which each group simulated a school governing board meeting, dealing with agenda items and how best to prioritise issues within a range of school systems (ranging from primary to college level). The members took part in a Q&A with OBV members, Ashok Vsiwanathan and Merlene Carrington, which truly was an open dialogue where members could freely discuss their experience thus far. The group was treated to a surprise guest with the arrival of South African Chief Executive Officer Kgosi Leane Kekana and his wife, Thuli Kekana.

The Chief and his wife gave an enlightening speech, demonstrating both the cultural differences and bridges between South Africa and the “first world.” The day then wrapped up with an informative discussion from Lester Holloway, journalist, editor, and campaigner. Lester Holloway informed the group about current media and how best to navigate it.

As an intern, not knowing what to expect from the group and coming into the programme in the middle of its term, I was truly awed by the level of engagement within the room. Programme members were always ready to participate in conversation and were passionate about both their beliefs and taking advantage of the opportunity to learn from others.

The training day provided an open environment for these members to experience civic engagement, while also gaining important messages or information from the speakers throughout the day. The members say that they were truly inspired by the speakers they heard, but I would like to tell them that I was inspired by their eagerness to do more, learn more and be more. I look forward to seeing what these 30 individuals are able to achieve within their communities. I have no doubt their achievements will be great.

Cassie Rodgers