Generation Yes (Scotland)

For Irish organisation, see Generation Yes.

Generation Yes was a political organisation established to campaign for a yes vote amongst young voters in the referendum on Scottish Independence.[1] It was established in January 2014 with an official launch two months later.

History

Generation Yes was founded by Joe Higgins, Angus Millar, Kirsten Thornton, Rhiannon Spear and Graeme West.[2] Its main mission is to ensure that the arguments for voting yes in the referendum on Scottish Independence reach young voters,[3] especially newly enfranchised 16- to 18-year-olds.[4]

A launch event was held in Glasgow on 29 March 2014.[5] From the outset, these new campaigners wanted a different Scotland.[6] The organisation registered with the Electoral Commission on 8 May 2014.

Organisation

During the referendum campaign, Generation Yes operated local groups across Scotland including:

  • Inverness
  • Inverclyde
  • Midlothian
  • Motherwell
  • Stirling
  • Aberdeen
  • Glasgow
  • Edinburgh
  • Banff and Buchan
  • Scottish Borders
  • Dumfries
  • Perth and Kinross
  • Clydesdale
  • Hamilton
  • East Ayrshire
  • Argyll and Bute

Following the referendum

A poll taken after the 2014 referendum showed 71% of teenagers had voted yes.[7] Despite defeat, activists were proud of the campaign they had led.[8] Following the referendum, they announced that they will be continuing as a group aiming to engage and educate young people in politics.[2]

References

  1. ↑ "Yes Scotland logo".
  2. 1 2 "Regeneration Yes: a campaign that will not die". The Herald. 28 September 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2016.
  3. ↑ Dickson, Saffron (14 March 2014). "Generation Yes". Bella Caledonia. Retrieved 28 July 2016.
  4. ↑ "Scottish independence: Referendum voting age bill approved by MSPs". BBC News. 27 June 2013.
  5. ↑ "Generation Yes: new group launched to persuade Scotland's young to vote for independence". The Herald. Glasgow. 29 March 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2016.
  6. ↑ McVeigh, Tracy (30 March 2014). "Generation Yes: they're young, they're fervent … and they're nudging Scotland closer to independence". The Guardian. Retrieved 29 July 2016.
  7. ↑ Harrison, Jody (21 September 2014). "Generation Yes say: we'll never forget this...we don't want to give up now". Sunday Herald. Retrieved 29 July 2016.
  8. ↑ Bates, Sarah (October 2014). "Generation Yes". Socialist Review. Retrieved 28 July 2016.

External links

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