By Farhat Amin

What will be the outcome of 2010?

Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain that government priorities will change, public spending will be cut and bonuses will be given for failure. Sounds like business as usual.

Cynicism is not the answer, far from it. Times will be tough, that much is guaranteed but challenges can always be met face on. What is the point of this blog, some may be asking. Well the answer is that regardless of how disillusioned we become as individuals it is still important to be proactive and not reactive. It is easy to point fingers, but unless we do not take a stance, things will not change.

In the age of blaming others for our own mistakes, why we would vote for anyone in the general elections? We should vote because it is important to do so. If we do not there is a huge risk that fringe parties that cannot stand the idea of a young man of Asian origin writing a blog may gain sustainable input into the running of the Houses of Commons.

This is only one of many steps we can take as individuals who wish to contribute to a society. It is no good complaining that ethnic minority, women, Muslim, Asian and black communities are not represented enough in the high positions of power, whether that be at board level or in the corridors of power.

It is up to us as individuals and communities to take a stance and use our voices, intellects and our opinions to contribute positively to the society we serve. Not only is it in our interest to help others regardless of their faith or gender it is an obligation that we ensure that justice prevails in any shape or form.

How can we see a marked improvement in the running of the country? Well the answers are right in front of us. This can be achieved via local activism, youth participation and community engagement.

What do these terms mean? Why use these terms? The terms simply refer to the idea that young people need to take ownership of their own opinions by actively encouraging others to do positive actions. Rather than looking at the national when dealing with issues, why not ensure that the local issue is at the forefront of discussion. And finally communities need to stand up as one a take a stance on things that are not in the interest of the many but only the few.

Ultimately, whatever the outcome in the General Elections, whichever party manages to get hold of power, communities should take ownership of their own concerns and not be dictated to by external factors. With problems in society, solutions do exist and this begins with individuals standing up for their beliefs and values.

Farhat Amin is  a Youth Development Worker. He is currently delivering a mentoring project specifically for young Muslims in order to increase the skills of a community that is continually striving for recognition.