Question Time: the Third Sector and our future generations

The Third Sector Research Centre is offering young people from Birmingham the chance to debate important third sector issues. In partnership with charity Envision, we are holding a ‘question time’ style event as part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science.

Young people often have strong opinions about social and political issues, but are rarely given the opportunity to join discussions and debates. Whilst they may be exposed to such issues in the media or though education, they will rarely hear the specific concerns and perspectives of the third sector.

Question Time will offer young people the opportunity to discuss topics such as homelessness, health and drug abuse, and the unique role played by the third sector in relation to such social issues.

In advance of the event, Envision will work with a diverse range of schools in the local area, giving the 16 – 19 year olds a chance to meet third sector organisations and researchers, openly ask questions, and learn about the work they do. At the event they will direct questions to a panel of key national players in the sector. Voting pads will be used to measure how much they know and understand about each issue, and they will have the chance to express their opinions on topics relevant to TSRC’s research.

This project will help young people to increase their understanding of the third sector and the role it plays in society. It will also give them a greater opportunity to have their voices heard in such issues, now and in the future.

Following the event, Envision and TSRC researchers will produce a report on young people's opinions about the third sector.

The event will take place on 17th March 2010, 9am - 3.30pm, University of Birmingham.

The ESRC Festival of Social Science takes place from 12 - 21st March. Events across the UK showcase some of the country's  leading social science research and how it influences our social economic and political lives...more

Envision is a national education charity that provides young people with opportunities to make a difference...more