The independence referendum next year will give young people in Scotland a unique chance to say what kind of society they want to live in.
That was the message from Kyle Thornton, chairman of the Scottish Youth Parliament, as more than 150 members met in the unlikely surroundings of a Dundee community centre at the weekend.
MSYPs hold three national sittings each year. They are elected from constituencies and co-opted from national voluntary organisations.
During the meeting at Menzieshill Community Centre, Mr Thornton said: “Young Scots have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have their say about the type of society they wish to live and work in for years to come.
“The Scottish Youth Parliament has a crucial role to play in this moment of history. There is a key space for us in what has primarily been a party political debate thus far.
“We know that young people are not engaged with this type of debate and we must ensure that we work with both sides of the campaign, with teachers, with government, with civil society and with the media to ensure that they provide positive and accessible messages which will equip our young people with the knowledge and confidence to cast their vote.”
Mr Thornton said the youth parliament had been able to effect real change, through campaigns on same-sex marriage and the living wage, and acted as a vehicle for young people to have their voices heard by decision-makers.
“It is about moving beyond traditional party politics, to a type of politics grounded in youth-led decision making, proper engagement with young people and speaking as a collective voice as we shape our own futures.”
Daniel Coleman, Dundee MSYP and chairman of Dundee Youth Council, said: “Earlier this year, we launched our manifesto which outlined our policies for the next few years and showed what the young people of Dundee wanted.
“We have been working tirelessly since receiving the results of the consultation to try and improve the lives of people in Dundee.”
MYSPs agreed to stage a new campaign calling for young carers to receive income support.