Woodcraft Folk

Jon NottChief Executive

www.woodcraft.org.uk

Woodcraft Folk

Our Charitable Object is:

To educate and empower children and young people to be able to participate actively in society,

improving their lives and others through active citizenship.

The Woodcraft Folk seeks to work as an educational movement for children and young people, to develop their self confidence

and activity in society with the aim of building an environmentally sustainable world built on children’s and human rights, equality,

friendship, peace and cooperation.

Young People of Woodcraft,

Many of you have been contacting us about walking out and taking part in protests against cuts to your education and increasing fees for university. Today the elected group of leaders and young members who help lead Woodcraft announced that Woodcraft Folk will enthusiastically support action taken by young people to protest against government cuts to education. This includes walkouts and non-violent direct action on the 24th November (this Wednesday)You, and young people in Woodcraft before you have a long history of taking a stand on issues that affect you, your communities and your future. Your Elfin, Pioneer and Venturer groups have met with local councillors and MPs to discuss important issues. Your DF movement runs campaigns and stage non-violent actions, making front page news and contributing to national struggles for a better world. Young people from your districts have even been to parliament and appeared on national television and radio to explain their message.

Many young people protested against the Iraq war and Woodcraft Folk was proud to support them as they marched in London, walked out of school and held their own demonstrations. Young people who take bold action sometimes get into trouble, but Woodcraft Folk will always defend your right to express your opinion act on your convictions.

Tonight we will write on behalf of the movement to the national newspapers, to make clear that Woodcraft Folk will stand behind you in taking action to influence the society we live in. Many critics will say that Woodcraft Folk should support you and young people like you in having your say, but that we should condemn “radical” action like school walkouts. We think differently. We believe it is your choice and in empowering young people to make your own decisions in life. We will never condemn important means of protest like walkouts if they have come from young people.

This decision to stand by you is especially important now as on Wednesday the 24th of November at 11am students, school children, education campaigns, teachers, graduates and parents will take action together across the country to say education is vital and the education cuts are wrong. We believe education isn’t just a means for a higher income, we believe it empowers us and is a right not a privilege.We encourage all members to talk about these issues in your groups and districts and what ever actions you choose to get involved in we will stand beside you.Blue Skies

General Council of Woodcraft Folk

http:\\s.coop/kettledgeneration

@kettledgen @woodcraftfolk

Woodcraft Folk

Jon NottChief Executive

www.woodcraft.org.uk