The pilot project was part of the engagement programme the Parliament ran during its 10th anniversary year in 2009. The aim of the project was to build confidence on the part of external organisations by:
- Strengthening their understanding and awareness of the Parliament, its role and its processes.
- Enhancing their ability to take positive action through parliamentary processes.
- Facilitating meaningful engagement by each partner organisation in the parliamentary process
Importantly, the project was driven by the partner organisations themselves. Partners brought their energy, vision and commitment to the project, and ensuree that their specific campaign and awareness needs were considered within the parliamentary engagement process.
Stage 1 Partners (August 2008 - March 2010):
Haggeye
“The forum for blind and partially sighted young people in Scotland”
Haggeye (formerly the RNIB Youth Forum) is a dynamic group of individuals aged between 12 and 25 which campaigns on disability rights for blind and partially sighted young people in Scotland. They have a particular focus on transport issues, as well as access to education for blind and visually impaired young people. For more information visit the Haggeye website.
Multi-Ethnic Aberdeen Ltd (MeAL)
Multi Ethnic Aberdeen is a user-led organisation committed to promoting tolerance, cultural diversity, and raising awareness of the value of the ethnic individuals, business owners and organisations within
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and North-East Scotland. For more information visit the MEAL website.
Action for Children Scotland
Established in 1869, Action for Children (formerly National Children’s Homes) is one of the largest charities dealing with vulnerable and difficult-to-reach-young-people. AfC works with young people who need often intense support in particularly difficult circumstances. For more information see the AfC website
.
During 2009, the groups themselves determined what issues they wanted to see addressed and worked with Parliament staff and MSPs to determine how to bring this issue to the Scottish Parliament. This could have been a public petition, an event, an art project – any method that the group believe can effectively communicate their issue to parliamentarians.