Youth Rights

The Youth Rights Society is here to close a major gap in social justice conversations: while many are willing to listen to the experiences of adult women, minorities, and other marginalised groups, some of our most vulnerable members of society have yet to be taken seriously -- that being children and teenagers (and sometimes even young adults!). Ageism (discrimination based on age) and adultism (the belief that adults are entitled to power over children) are rampant, and yet rarely acknowledged. Young people experience forms of oppression unique to their youth, and intersecting with other identities such as gender, race, sexuality, class and more. 

Are you a doom-scroller watching politicians and billionaires decades older than you set your future on fire for their own benefit? Or have you seen little siblings, cousins, and friends damaged by adults who don't see them as human? Does your inner-child want revolution-speak, not therapy-speak? Come on down!

Whether you're passionate about social justice, want to learn something new, or just want to chill with like-minded folk, you're welcome to join us. 

What We're Cookin'

• Book Club and discussion group - Read up on essential youth rights theory.
• Socials! Art! Fun stuff! - Make friends, make a zine, have a coffee and chill.
• Participatory Action Survey - The Youth Rights Society plans to run a survey about young people's experiences in St Andrews, with the aim of addressing what students want to change. Later, we plan to do the same for children and teenagers around Fife. 
• Consciousness Raising Group - A space to reflect on childhood and adolescense through a political lens and notice patterns. Optional sharing and 100% judgement-free. 
• Letter Writing - Sending empowering, youth-centred materials to young people in precarious and institutional settings - including juvenile detention facilities, youth psych wards, foster care, refugee camps and warzones. 
• School Calling Campaign - Everyone's Invited, an anti-sex abuse charity, has documented schools around the UK reported for abuse. We plan to reach out to these schools and ask what steps have been taken toward institutional accountability. For more info: https://www.everyonesinvited.uk/submissions/schools-list-2022
• Whatever you want, and more! - If there's an event your itching to make real, or you think there's something we should address, contact us via email.

Comittee Positions Available

Our comittee applications are now open! We are looking for: 

Communications Officer 

• Manage the group inbox, newsletter and social media.
• Help create social media posts and graphics 
• Keep members informed 
• Spread the word of the society and youth rights 

Outreach Officer

• Build connections with local youth organisations, schools, and communites.
• Suggest guest speakers for events and collabs

Secretary 

• Collaborate with the president and communications officer 
• Help out with logistics and project management 
• Keep track of comittee meetings and notes
• Manage documents, emails and correspondance 

Treasurer 

• Help out with creating and managing the society bank account
• Report on society finances 
• Assist with budgeting 

Register your interest by emailing us.