Leadership and Democracy Week

In 2018, Faiths Forum for London ran its first ever Democracy Week campaign, initiated by the Cabinet Office and the National Democracy Week council.

Leadership and Democracy Week aims to equip young people aged 18 to 30 with the skills and knowledge to enter politics. After four successful programmes, the fifth annual Leadership and Democracy Week programme began on 5 September 2022.

The programme gives young adults the chance to engage with people who work at the heart of the British political system, and encourages them to take part in the democratic process. The week is made up of workshops, talks and skill-building exercises led by politicians, activists and experts, designed to build the experience and capabilities of our future leaders. It includes:

• Social media workshops, with tips on making the most of online engagement
• Public speaking workshops on amplifying your voice
• Entering politics: the best ways into UK politics
• Exclusive talks from influential politicians, campaigners and activists

During the programme, participants are divided into groups, each with a mentor. Each group builds a social justice campaign and pitches it to a panel of judges, with the chance of winning funding to make the project a reality.

All participants join an exclusive alumni network that offers further career support after the programme.