Nominations are being accepted for spots in the B.C. Youth Parliament.

The B.C. Youth Parliament is looking for people aged 16 to 21 to visit Victoria this winter to debate and create projects.

From now until mid October, BCYP is calling on community and youth leaders across the province to nominate exceptional young people to take part.

"BCYP is education and community service in action," said Sarah O'Connor, premier for the upcoming year of BCYP. "We're after young people who want to learn more about our system of government, make life-long friends, and take part in projects that benefit our province's youth.

"We're asking community leaders, elected officials, and others to think about young people who'd be great members of this organization and make sure those youth are aware of this opportunity."

The British Columbia Youth Parliament is a non-partisan, non-demoninational service organization. BCYP plans, fundraises for, and puts in place service projects that help improve the lives of young people. These include group community service events, partnerships with community service organizations, regional model parliaments, and individual youth volunteer projects.

BCYP members spend time at the BC Legislature in Victoria between Boxing Day and New Years Day every year to debate and vote on the organization's proposed activities and issues of local, national, and international importance. All members sit as independents, and are free to vote according to their conscience on the issues.

Potential BCYP members will be

- Between 16 and 21 years of age;

- Residents of the province for the past year;

- Able to commit to a year's worth of service; and

- Interested in learning more about how our democratic system works.

More information and membership applications are available on-line at www.bcyp.org. This year's application deadline is October 23rd.

BCYP is sponsored by the Youth Parliament of BC Alumni Society, a registered, non-profit organization composed of past members.