We Belong works with 1,300 young people around the country and we use our own lived experience as young migrants to raise awareness of how the current immigration system affects young lives among policymakers.
We raise awareness of how the current immigration system affects young people’s life chances, as well as their ability to secure and maintain their status, and co-author recommendations for change.
Main aims of our parliamentary work are:
- To foster relationships with parliamentarians to aid our campaign goals calling on the government to introduce a shorter and more affordable route to settlement.
- To raise awareness of how the current immigration system affects young people’s life chances, as well as their ability to secure and maintain their status
- To work with young people on a one-to-one basis and equip them with the tools necessary to change the status quo and interact with government so they are able to initiate conversations with Members of Parliament, using their own stories to humanise the debate around immigration
How our young people have created impact.
Our Parliamentary and Policy Working Group
The Challenge
Young people, especially young migrants, are often excluded from the policymaking process. Their unique perspectives and experiences are rarely considered, leading to policies that don't fully address their needs.
The Solution
We established the Parliamentary and Policy Working Group to bridge this gap. This group brings together young migrants aged 18-25 with lived experience of the immigration system to actively shape the organisation’s parliamentary and policy agenda.
Key Activities of the Working Group
- Developing Organisational Strategy: Working group members contribute to We Belong's strategic direction, ensuring it aligns with the needs and aspirations of young migrants.
- Engaging with Decision-Makers: Members directly interact with politicians and policymakers through various channels, advocating for policies that support migrant communities.
- Building Capacity: We Belong provides extensive training and support to equip working group members with the necessary skills to effectively engage in policy advocacy.
They collaborate with our Parliamentary and Public Affairs Officer Mariam Bafo to lead our campaign to get young migrants out of the Home Office loop.
This initiative demonstrates the power of youth-led initiatives in driving positive social change. By providing opportunities for young people to engage in policymaking, we can create a more equitable and just society. If you'd like to learn how to support our campaign click the button below to sign our pledge!
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