Introduction
Madhulika has successfully taken part in Buckinghamshire’s Councillor Shadowing Scheme, matching with Councillor Mimi Harker.
The Scheme provides young people and local councillors with skills, experience, and insight, by giving young people and councillors an opportunity to get to know each other!
Matching with Cllr Mimi Harker
Cllr Mimi Harker kindly offered to take part in the Councillor Shadowing Scheme.
Cllr Mimi has been an excellent mentor to Madhulika and helped her build confidence, learn new skills and step outside of her comfort zone.
“Being a mentor for young people is a most rewarding and satisfying role. It is wonderful watching young people try new things! I have watched with such pride, as Madhulika has stepped up to every situation she has found herself in with me, it has been a pleasure to introduce her to everyone and she literally shines!”
“This young lady has a bright future ahead of her and I hope she stays in touch and keeps me posted of where her life is taking her. I know she will go from one success to another and be a positive influence and role model for everyone around her, especially her peers. It has been an absolute joy and pleasure to work with Madhulika and I wish her well for everything she goes for, moving forward!”
What made you want to be part of the Councillor Shadowing Scheme?
Madhulika wanted to join the scheme to learn more about our county and how local government operated. She is already involved in multiple youth organisations like Youth Voice Executive Committee and the Young Futures Fund.
“Throughout this scheme I was introduced to a variety of charities and people that I had never had the opportunity to meet before, it helped to build my confidence in speaking to new people. Shadowing the Chairman was especially great because I got to see how she ran the meetings, and her role in leading the council.” – Madhulika
What was your favourite part of doing the scheme?
Madhulika’s favourite part of the scheme was when she attended the first Full Council meeting following the general election. She got to hear from different Councillors about changes that were going to happen in Buckinghamshire.
It was a useful opportunity to see how the Chairman conducted her meetings.
“The best part was when I got to speak to other councillors to understand the different roles they played. Shortly after the meeting finished, Cllr Mimi Harker walked me through all the different processes and political terminology used in the meeting so that I properly understood what was going on.”
Although this may have been Madhulika’s favourite event, She also enjoyed going to the 40th anniversary at the Bowls Club to see Cllr Mimi giving the Chairman’s award. It allowed her to get to know the Aces charity better and their work in Buckinghamshire.
Do you have any advice for a young person doing the Scheme?
Advice that Madhulika would give to any young person looking to join the Councillor Shadowing Scheme is to make the most out of the scheme, be proactive and constantly ask questions. She said its important to take initiative in researching exactly what areas or events you would like to see to ensure that this can be as informative and tailored to your own goals.
“The scheme will give you so many opportunities so make sure to make the most of it by speaking to people at events to understand more about our local community and asking your mentor about their roles and responsibilities.”
Interested in joining the Councillor Shadowing Scheme
The Councillor Shadowing Scheme is taking a short break but will launch again in Spring 2025. In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like to express your interest in taking part in the Councillor Shadowing Scheme please contact Lucy on WhatsApp message on 07767 433826 or email us at youthvoicebucks@buckinghamshire.gov.uk