Black Asian Minority Ethnic Women Councillor Shadowing Scheme

10.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 30th May 2009

Do you want to become a Councillor?

The representation of Black and other minority ethnic (BAME) women at every level of governance from the Houses of Parliament to local government is woefully low. Of the 646 MPs in Westminster, two are BAME women and out of 20,000 Councillors, 149 are BME women, representing less than 1% of Councillors nationally.

Operation Black Vote in partnership with the Government Equalities Office is launching the country's first national BAME Women Councillor Shadowing Scheme. The aim of the project is to address the national deficit of Black and minority ethnic women councillors, and to ensure that BAME communities engage with the council in all areas and at all levels of local governance.

We are looking for fifty BAME women to shadow high level councillors for a minimum of six days over a six month period. The cross-party initiative will focus on giving participants first hand knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of councillors, serving officers and an insight into the Authority's systems and procedures. Our aim is that upon completion, this leadership programme will equip and motivate participants to engage in party politics.

If you feel you have the conviction, enthusiasm and determination to become a city councillor or more politically engaged then stand up, be counted and be part of this unique opportunity. Regional deadlines apply. Please contact OBV for deadline information and to obtain a Councillor Shadowing Scheme application on: Tel: 0208 983 5471 / Fax: 0208 983 5492/ Email: councillor@obv.org.uk or download the information from our website: www.obv.org.uk