Generation Yes (Scotland)

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.

For Irish organisation, see Generation Yes.

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- and 17-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. "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.


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