Election Campaign Toolkit
To help you take action during the General Election – from engaging candidates to supporting young people to vote:
‘Manifesto in a Minute’ video overview
The General Election is one of our biggest opportunities to influence the strategic direction and investment in the youth work sector and young people over the next 5 years. NYCI is calling for 3 key actions that would deliver positive change for the youth work sector and young people, if delivered.
Get an overview of our top priorities and why they matter.
NYCI’s General Election Manifesto Priorities
New Youth Structures: Establish a Ministry for Youth, a Cabinet Sub-Committee for Youth, and an Oireachtas Committee.
Address Youth Challenges: Extend the voting age to 16/17, address key challenges outlined in our “State of Our Young Nation” Report.
Funding Restoration: Return youth work funding to pre-austerity levels, adjusted for inflation and population growth, including costs for pay parity for youth workers.
Get the full breakdown of our policy asks and why they are crucial to building a better future for young people.
How You Can Take Action
1. Write to your local candidates
Let your local representatives know how important these issues are to your community.
Download our email template to send to candidates, inviting them to visit your service and learn about the challenges you face.
2. Ask the right questions when candidates canvass
Download our guide to key questions to ask on the door about their stance on youth work and support for our manifesto priorities.
3. Encourage young people to vote
Help the young people in your service make their voices heard! Talk to them about our three manifesto priorities and encourage them to get out and vote on election day. Support them in engaging with their local candidates about the issues that matter most to them.
Why This Election Matters
- 67% of people believe politicians don’t fully consider how policies affect young people during debates.
- 72% of the public feel politicians aren’t aware enough of youth work services.
- More than half (58%) think there isn’t enough funding and resources to ensure secure and supportive spaces for young people.
Hear directly from NYCI CEO, Mary Cunningham, in this short podcast as she explains why this election is crucial for the youth work sector and how our manifesto can bring about real change:
Timestamps
- 00:30 Why the youth work sector should care about this election
- 03:28 Our manifesto priorities for youth work and young people
- 06:56 Call to action
Get social!
Share these graphics with the message: ‘We need make sure youth work and young people are a central issue in this election. Check out @nycinews Manifesto priorities for #GE24 #youthworkchangeslives’
