We have our say about issues that concern us and encourage social inclusion in our community and wider society, through events, discussion and creative media.
Who we are
1,200 young people.
Where we're based
Islington, London
When we started
Aug-07
How we started
We formed our group to support young Muslims - many were feeling excluded from leadership roles in the community and that their voices weren't being heard about issues important to them and to society as a whole. We come from a range of Muslim and non-Muslim backgrounds and some of us have been in poverty, social excluded, Not in Employment, Education or Training, or similar circumstances.
Our work
We voice issues through the use of sports, film, music and discussion - for example our 'Kick Islamaphobia' football tournament which involved two local Mosques, Arsenal Football Club, Connexions and the police. We also run a schools arts project and a Bangladeshi film project. We select and lead on all of the projects through a steering group made up of YMV members and key decision makers. Some of us are being trained to become participation/youth workers.
Future plans
Our training programme will continue, and we are aiming to engage young Muslim girls through a tailored project. A police-young people project will enable many issue-based discussions and we will be consulting with young people from Somali communities.
Project website
http://www.philiplawrenceawards.net
YMV has given me the opportunity to speak out against the issues affecting me and give something back to my community
Sami Adam, Young Leader, YMV
