The In Defence of Youth Work campaign saw the light of day at Youth and Policy’s History conference in March 2009. It was initiated through the circulation of an Open Letter, which you can read here on the site. To be honest the interest and support generated has exceeded our expectations. During the year over 500 people have attended meetings across the country and recent national conferences in Manchester and Sheffield have attracted almost 150 supporters from across the spectrum of youth work.
Below you will find a provisional statement, WHAT WE STAND FOR, agreed at the national conference. This is very much still up for debate. Nevertheless it gives you a feel for where our collective thinking is up to. If you are in sympathy with our endeavours , register with us to receive mailings and to deepen your participation in our efforts to defend a democratic and emancipatory youth work.
Members of Defend Youth Work may be interested in this free e-booklet:
‘Why young people can’t get the jobs they want and what can be done about it’
by Martin Allen and Patrick Ainley
pp.22
Available as free download from: http://radicaled.wordpress.com/