Labour and Co-operative Member of
Parliament for Kemptown and Peacehaven

WOODCRAFT FOLK SUPPORTS STUDENTS WALKOUT

by Lloyd on 22.11.10
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Dear Editor,

It is not only the current generation of students who will be hit by cuts to EMA and the increase in tuition fees. As an organisation of children and young people, many of whom are disenfranchised by their age, the Woodcraft Folk, will be supporting those who choose to take non-violent direct action.

Our members, leaders, trustees and network of local groups will be supporting the walk out on Wednesday 24th November, and we call on others to do the same.

Blue Skies

Lloyd Russell-Moyle (Chairperson)
Woodcraft Folk (the co-operative childrens’ charity)

Comments

  • WOODCRAFT FOLK WILL SUPPORT CHILDRENS’ WALKOUTS ON WEDNESDAY

    Woodcraft Folk has sent a letter to its young members telling them that it will support all children and young people that are planning to walk out and take other direct action against the increase in tuition fees, cuts to education funding and the abolition of the EMA on Wednesday 24th November.

    There has been much comment surrounding the 50,000 strong protests this month against the Governments education cuts and increased fees. Whilst some may condemn the involvement of young people, Woodcraft Folk (the co-operative children’s charity[1]) is proud to support its young people when they decide to take non-violent direct action on this issue.

    Hundreds of Woodcraft Folk members are expected to join students, teachers and members of the public in walking out of Schools, Colleges and Universities around the country on Wednesday 24th November in the national day of action.

    Woodcraft Folk believes that “Education at all levels is a right and not a privilege and this should be available free at the point of access to everyone regardless of nationality, gender and financial wealth” (AGM 2008). Since The Woodcraft Folk was founded in 1925 our young people have led bold actions to influence policy. Woodcraft Folk exists to empower children an young people to become active in changing society through its educational programme and youth led campaigns, and will always support young people’s right to express their opinions. It is young people that will be worse off without the Educational Maintenance Allowance and with higher fees for university education.

    We hope that young people, supported through our network of local groups, will be able to take decisive action. Our members, leaders and trustee board (of which over 50% are under 25) will be marching and protesting in solidarity with our young people on Wednesday 24th November, and we call on others to do the same.

    In the letter from the trustee board to young members they say:

    “Many young people chose to protest against the Iraq war and Woodcraft Folk was proud to support their decision 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.”

    Note:

    [1] Woodcraft Folk is an educational charity that has approximately 10,000 members operating in 400 local groups around the UK. We offer a place where children grow in confidence and become active in society, aiming to build a world based on equality, friendship, peace and co-operation.

    ———————
    For comment contact:

    Phin Harper (Press Officer)

    phin.harper@woodcraft.org.uk

    07985470579
    http://www.spanthatworld.com

    Or

    Lloyd Russell-Moyle (Chairperson).
    chair@woodcraft.org.uk
    01274 792228
    http://www.woodcraft.org.uk

    The Woodcraft Folk, Folk House 9/10, 83 Crampton Street, LONDON, SE17 3BF

    Registered charity in England and Wales (1073665) and in Scotland (SC039791)

    Part of the International Falcon Movement – Socialist Education International – http://www.ifm-sei.org

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Labour and Co-operative Member of
Parliament for Kemptown and Peacehaven

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