Local people thinking about becoming a councillor can find out more about what it’s like and how to get involved at a free interactive event being held at the Forum, Norwich, on the 9th February 2011, from 6.30pm.

This free event is part of the Be a Councillor campaign which asks everyone the question “what will you stand for?”. There are roughly 20,000 elected councillors in England, each representing their local community, and all with their own reason for doing so.

This event is an opportunity to find out how you can represent your community on your local council.  Hear from current local councillors about how they got started and their experience of what it’s like. Ask questions about the life of a councillor, how best to get started, how much work and time is involved, and what the rewards are. There will also be a chance to ask questions informally, after the main event.

For further information or to register for this event visit www.beacouncillor.org.uk/east and click on events, or contact Jayne Cole on 01284 729405.

“What will you stand for?” is an awareness raising campaign launched in the run up to significant local elections next May, with the intention of increasing civic participation in local communities and to increase the talent pool and diversity from which councillors are elected. The campaign features posters, on-line advertising and social media.  A website, www.beacouncillor.org.uk/east has also been created to give an idea of what it’s like to be a councillor, and how to go about getting involved.


Event bookings can be found at www.beacouncillor.org.uk/east 

The Be a Councillor campaign is funded by Improvement East and being delivered by East of England Local Government Association 

A campaign to encourage more people to become councillors was piloted in London by London Councils starting in June 2008. The National LGA commissioned the Local Government Leadership to develop a standard campaign that could be rolled out across the country.  This national campaign has been endorsed by the three main political groups at a national level.