Help us make history

The Government is seriously considering lowering the voting age and the Youth Citizenship Commission - which found that 3 out of 4 young people wanted Votes at 16 - is due to make its recommendations at the end of June. But we can't just wait for it to happen - we need to act now to make sure Votes at 16 becomes a reality.

• Join us! We need to show that people really do want Votes at 16 to happen. Even if you think you've signed up somewhere else before, sign our petition here

• Spread the word! We need to raise awareness of the campaign and get more people to sign up. You can also download a petition to sign up people in your school or neighbourhood - remember to send it back to us when you're done! We've also got leaflets, stickers, posters and other materials to help you raise awareness of Votes at 16 - print them off yourself, or contact us and we'll send you some

• Unite and win! We're stronger when we stand together. The Votes at 16 Coalition is made up of a wide range of organisations that all want to see the voting age lowered. We need more organisations - especially School Councils, Youth Councils, MYPs, Student Unions and any local youth groups - to join us. Use our template motions and debate pack to get organisations in your area to back the campaign

• Lobby! Write to your MP and ask them if they support Votes at 16 - then tell us what they said! You can also write to your local Councillors and ask them to take a motion to the Council. Your MEPs are being elected this week - you could write to them and ask them, if 16 and 17 year olds are able to vote for MEPs in Austria, why can't 16 and 17 year olds in the UK vote for them? If you live in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or London you will have MSPs, MLAs or Assembly Members you can also lobby. It's much better if you write your own letter, but we've got some template letters to get you started.You can find out who your representatives are and how to write to them here

• Become a Votes at 16 Regional Campaigner! We need people who are passionate about Votes at 16 and can help us campaign in their neighbourhood: organising talks and debates, running petitions or street stalls, speaking in schools and other organisations, writing to the local media, and coordinating local campaigns. Not only will you be playing a huge part in making history by helping make Votes at 16 happen; you'll also be gaining skills and experiences for the future that will look great on your CV. If this sounds like you, get in touch with us!

Become a Votes at 16 Media Ambassador

We're often asked to do interviews and give comments about Votes at 16, and this is only going to increase over the next few months - but we know that the case for Votes at 16 is strongest when it's made by young people themselves. We need young people who will come forward and show politicians and the public just how passionate they are about taking part in democracy.

The Votes at 16 Coalition wants you to become a Votes at 16 Media Ambassador, taking part in radio and TV interviews with local, regional and even national news. Not only will you be making history by helping secure the vote for 16 and 17 year olds; you'll be gaining fantastic skills and experiences for the future, that will look great on your CV.

We'll provide you with media skills training, resources and briefings to help you answer any questions you get asked, and tools to help you campaign in your area. In return, you'll pledge to do a certain number of interviews in your region - they could be ones we ask you to do, or ones you arrange yourself.

Interested? Think you've got what it takes? Email us at info@votesat16.org.uk or call us on 020 7928 1622 and tell us a bit about yourself. Remember, we're so close to making Votes at 16 real - but we need you to make it happen.