UK, Ireland / Nominations wanted for the Young Scottish Minority Ethnic Awards 2008 [40]

The reasoning behind the awards is that youth achievements should be celebrated.

More often than not the accomplishments of Scotland’s minority ethnic youth go unsung.

These awards endeavour to change this trend for the better – recognising and rewarding youth achievement not only within their communities’ but in the public forum as well.

UK, Ireland / Nominations wanted for the Young Scottish Minority Ethnic Awards 2008 [40]

Ethnic can refer to various distinctive characteristics - sharing a common and distinctive culture, religion, language, or the like.

UK, Ireland / Nominations wanted for the Young Scottish Minority Ethnic Awards 2008 [40]

Unfortunately Scotland’s youth are often cast in a negative light – based on the actions of a few frequent aspersions are cast, perhaps disproportionately on ethnic minorities. The media by its nature tends to play on the negative goings on rather than the positive. Furthermore, the award ceremonies that exist to date we feel under represent the ethnic minorities within Scotland. These awards look to emphasise the achievements of a demographic of society that tend to be under represented positively in the media and the public forum.

Look to the argument going on at the moment regarding the BBC – the BBC is being slated for under representing Scottish/Welsh/Northern Irish interests – even English outside of London. The media is a powerful source of information that has a great deal to do with forming public opinion – if the BBC can recognise that it under-represents certain demographics then translate that down to what you read in Scotland’s papers...

We are not trying to promote minority ethnic groups above others, rather shift the skew that exists at the moment towards a balanced representation. We are trying to make a change by directly targeting under represented folk… has this forum ever seen a posting looking for nominations for youth awards before? If not consider the possibility that the awards that exist do not place an ‘inclusive’ emphasis on everyone. My role is to target the media to target the readership; I have contacted numerous media from Polish papers to the Traveller Times, with a whole bunch in between – if you don’t know its going on how can you participate?

UK, Ireland / Nominations wanted for the Young Scottish Minority Ethnic Awards 2008 [40]

As I said ethnic can be defined as sharing a common and distinctive culture, religion, language, or the like – so yes, religion and language can be considered characteristics of an ethnic group.

In this instance those who consider themselves not members of an ethnic minority group would perhaps be those who consider themselves to be defined solely be their Nationality – in this instance Scottish. However, ethnic is a term which can be defined in a variety of ways – by nature this leaves it open to interpretation. You ask one body/organisation what their definition is and it will likely differ to that of an another body/organisation. Thus, we are happy to hear from anyone who feels they fall into an ethnic minority group in Scotland.

I have contacted a host of media and community groups – faith networks, forums, portals, youth networks across the board. Coverage of the awards has already featured in the Edinburgh Evening News – on the Scotsman website also – local Glasgow papers. Save the Children are working with us to promote the nominations. Thus, we have a broad spectrum covered – though any suggestions of contacts welcomed.

I have not seen a guest list for the awards nor have the nominees been released so I do not know who will be represented at the awards – as I said we are happy to hear from those who feel they fall into an ethnic minority group.

(Apologies for the incorrect forum I am new to this forum – I didn't realise till after I posted it and then couldn't work out how to change it - I even asked the administrator!... a clever person has however, sorted that out now, so thank you.)

UK, Ireland / Nominations wanted for the Young Scottish Minority Ethnic Awards 2008 [40]

If you are a final nominee you will be asked to attend the awards (free tickets) there is a buffet on the night... followed by desert.

UK, Ireland / Nominations wanted for the Young Scottish Minority Ethnic Awards 2008 [40]

Apologies I meant dessert - long day in the office!

UK, Ireland / Nominations wanted for the Young Scottish Minority Ethnic Awards 2008 [40]

MSP's are lending there support to the awards - however, Oceanic Consulting is a Scottish based company who are organising the awards not the government. None of your hard earned taxes pay me.

Personally I find your comments foul mouthed and ignorant.

UK, Ireland / Nominations wanted for the Young Scottish Minority Ethnic Awards 2008 [40]

I work for Oceanic Consulting oceanicconsulting.co.uk - Scotland's leading ethnic promotion and consulting company. The website for these awards can be found at whozthedaddy.info .

Just wanted to let folk know the nomination are open that's all.