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Jersey’s first Democracy Week

Next week, Jersey will celebrate its first ever Democracy Week with a series of events starting on Monday 28 September. The aim of the week is to provide opportunities for Islanders of all ages to learn about and engage with local politics – from current topics that affect their lives to the history of the States Assembly.

Activities include:

-       Gathering the views of Highlands College students on what the future of Jersey should look like,     which will be illustrated by artists from Midnight Industries on the side of a bus

-       A rare opportunity for Islanders to have a behind the scenes tour of the States Chamber – both in person and virtual tours available

-       Talks in local primary schools, introducing the concept of debating and voting on the theme of how Jersey should protect its natural environment

The week has been organised to coincide with the anniversary of the Corn Riots, when hundreds of Islanders marched on the Royal Court to demand change. Two years later, the Code of 1771 was adopted, whereby the States Assembly became the only law-making body in Jersey. This was the first codification of the Island's laws, part of which is still in force today.

Jenny O'Brien, Head of Digital and Public Engagement for the States Greffe explains: "We're really excited to be launching the Island's first Democracy Week. High levels of civic engagement are shown to bring a wealth of benefits to both individuals and communities as a whole. Our aim is to make local politics as accessible to Islanders as possible by increasing awareness of how our unique system works and how they can have their say and influence Jersey's future."

Principal of Highlands College, Jo Terry-Marchant, said: "Highlands College is delighted to be engaging in this very worthwhile project. It is totally complementary to our college values. Our students make a positive contribution to the island we live in. They want to engage; voting is central to being a citizen and their vote, at 16, impacts upon every aspect of their lives. We believe that the work being undertaken by the Greffe is vital to drive engagement and we see 'Democracy Week' and the associated projects as a way to demonstrate to the local community – particularly the wider youth – that their voice, by voting,  should and will be heard."

The full schedule of events can be found below. Please note, pre-booking is essential for the in-person tours of the States Chamber.