How it began

BT and The Guardian set out to find 15 young people from across the UK who would form the Big Fat Voice editorial panel and take full decision-making responsibility for the design, development and direction of a new youth-led, youth-focused web forum. 

How was the panel chosen?

The first stage of the process was the publishing of a basic application form, in the Guardian newspaper in February 2007, which resulted in several hundred entries. Applicants were then set the task of responding, through audio, visual or written means, to the question: "Why is it important that young people have a say in creating a better world?".

The finalists  

From these entries, 30 finalists were invited to The Guardian offices in London to take part in the final selection day. The judges were so impressed with the young people that 17, rather than the initial 15 planned, were selected as members of the final panel.

The BFV panel and work so far...

In September 2007, the 17 panellists met in London for the first time. Since then, there have been several face-to-face meetings and panel members continue to communicate remotely in between group meetings and work towards the launch of the site, planned for Autumn 2008.

Applicants were then set the task of responding, through audio, visual or written means, to the question: "Why is it important that young people have a say in creating a better world?"