Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Local Democracy Week

Local Democracy Week (LDW) began as a national annual event in 1998 to encourage young people to find out more about what their local council does, how it works and how to influence its decisions.

Since then it has been extended to an all year round campaign to promote local democracy to all sections of the community.

In 2007 the European Union joined in, so there are now activities and events all over Europe celebrating and promoting local democracy.  

Stockton Council uses the 'official' week to highlight the types of activities that we use to promote local democracy across the Borough. So take a look at the activities below and if you would like to know more, contact us using the details at the bottom of the page.

"Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information about it."

Samuel Johnson

European Local Democracy Week 2011 Activities

This year's theme - Human Rights at a Local Level

For this year, the Council of Europe (CoE) chose "human rights at a local level" as the theme of the European Local Democracy Week.

The theme was chosen for two reasons:

1. Democracy and human rights are interdependent. Democracy cannot exist without an unconditional respect for human rights.
2. Local councils are often the body responsible for implementing many human rights and freedoms at a local level (e.g. equal access to public services, protection of disadvantaged people, elderly people, minorities, etc).

The Council of Europe believes that raising awareness of the local dimension of human rights through ELDW will contribute to promoting more cohesive cities and towns by preventing and combating intolerance, discrimination and social exclusion.

So what are we doing for ELDW 2011?

One of our core human rights is the 'right to be heard' and you can only be heard if you use your 'voice'. Therefore Stockton Council works throughout the year encouraging local residents to get involved in local decision making and having your say on local issues that affect you. It is not limited to just the official week of ELDW.

A number of events and activities related to ELDW's objectives have already taken place over the summer. The biggest and best was Stockton International Riverside Festival bringing the community together to celebrate the talents of the performers and share a taste of their diverse cultures. 

See clips from the spectacular opening performance of 'As The World Tipped' with its powerful message to use our voice to demand change.

Information on other local events and activities can be found below under "Additional Resources" This includes details about the following:

• Presentation for Councillors by Young Carers Aloud (YCA)
• Getting Heard Citizenship Workshop
• Make Your Mark Promoting Youth Participant (UK Youth Parliament)
• Your Vote is Your Voice - School Council Elections
• Local Democracy Web Information
• October Citizenship Ceremony
• School Visits by Local Councillors
• Re-launch of SBC as a Fair Trade Council

Amnesty International - Design a sticker competition

Amnesty was founded 50 years ago to fight for the fundamental right to freedom of expression and to combat abuses of people who dare to speak out. As part of the 50 year celebrations they have launched a sticker design competition. For guidelines and design form that you must use to submit your entry and additional  fact sheet/online video information on human rights please see documents below.

For further information about any of the activities, please call Stuart Levin on 526185, or send an e-mail to stuart.levin@stockton.gov.uk.