I Ran for Parliament at 20 years old, Here’s Why | Lucy Skelton | TEDxCanberra

TL;DR

Young people should be given a chance in politics to bring diversity, innovative perspectives, and a voice for future generations.

Transcript

[Applause] knock knock knock knock okay one more time knock knock hi there my name is Lucy Skelton and I'm one of your candidates running at this election I must have repeated these words thousands of times to thousands of members of my community when I run for Parliament last year but one house stands out it was the last house in the street I was ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👯 Young people bring unique perspectives and fresh ideas to politics, making them essential for a diverse and inclusive democracy.
• 💱 Issues like climate change and economic challenges disproportionately affect the younger generation, emphasizing the importance of their participation in decision-making.
• 🤕 Age should not be a barrier to political involvement; rather, individuals should be evaluated based on their skills, compassion, and ability to advocate for their community.
• 🥺 Engaging young people in politics can lead to better outcomes for society as a whole, as their energy and passion can drive positive change.
• 🆘 Trust in democracy is declining, and the inclusion of young voices in politics can help restore faith in the political system.
• 👯 Representation in politics should reflect the demographics of society, including women, people of color, queer individuals, disabled people, migrants, and young people.
• 🤕 Young people have already made significant contributions to various fields, proving their capability to excel in political positions at a young age.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did Lucy Skelton choose to run for Parliament at the age of 20?

Skelton was motivated to make a difference after learning about the impacts of climate change and witnessing the struggles of young people, including high suicide rates. She felt a sense of responsibility to advocate for her generation.

Q: How can young people bring valuable perspectives to politics?

Skelton explains that young people offer fresh ideas, energy, and passion. They are often more aware of and educated on important issues, and they can bring diverse perspectives that better reflect the community they represent.

Q: What challenges do young people face in politics?

Despite their potential, young candidates often face skepticism and doubt due to their age. Skelton argues that age should not be a determining factor and that the skills needed for politics, such as listening, critical thinking, and advocacy, can be possessed by individuals of any age.

Q: What impact can young people have in politics?

Skelton believes that young people can contribute to strengthening democracy by promoting diversity and inclusivity. Their involvement can lead to better decision-making and a more representative government that addresses the concerns of all citizens.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Lucy Skelton, a young political candidate, shares her experience of knocking on doors during an election campaign and finding the importance of connecting with voters.

• She discusses the reasons why young people should be involved in politics, highlighting their unique perspectives and the need for diverse representation.

• Skelton emphasizes the urgent issues the younger generation faces, such as climate change and economic challenges, and argues that their voices should be heard and respected.