Anarchist Youth Network (UK & Ireland) National Gathering!
Friday 12th July - Sunday 14th July 2002

This year has seen the creation of the Anarchist Youth Network. Due to the speed at which the network has been set up, we still have some internal organisation to be sorted out. This will be done at the Anarchist Youth Network National Gathering on the weekend of Friday 12th July ­ Sunday 14th July in London. If you would like to come and get involved in the building of this new group, we are meeting at midday outside Holborn Tube Station (Central and Piccadilly lines). For those coming from outside of London, free accommodation has been sorted out for you. If you cannot make this time then you can call 07814 629780 and we will redirect you to the gathering site. If you can't make the gathering but want to get involved you can contact us with the details below..


Who are the Anarchist Youth Network?

The Anarchist Youth Network (AYN) is a nationwide network of young people fighting for youth issues such as an end to tagging for young offenders, the scrapping of section 28 and an end to tuition fees. However, we also see the bigger picture and fight against capitalism, authority and the control which the government and big corporations have over our everyday lives.

We want the destruction of capitalism and replacing it with a non-hierarchical society, free from ALL forms of authority and oppression. We want the abolition of government and the power for people to decide over their own lives. We reject the idea that we need to be lead and choose rather to decide for ourselves what happens in our lives without the use of professional politicians.

We organise ourselves non-hierarchically, without leaders or authority. No one is forced to do anything they do not want to do and it is completely up to the individual how involved they get within the group. We are against all forms of discrimination be it based on race, gender, sexuality, ability or any other reason.


Why was the AYN set up?

We were set up because young people joining the anti-capitalist movement often find it intimidating to join in discussions with experienced activists. We decided to set up a group where young activists could be amongst peers rather than be amongst adults who sometimes (though unintentionally) set up a 'dictatorship of the most experienced' with us at the bottom.

We also thought that youths organising themselves would gain experience and skills for them to take into future actions and groups. The AYN has experienced WOMBLES, Hunt Saboteurs and militant anti-fascists as members as well as trained Legal and First Aiders in the group. We hold skills sharing sessions where people can share skills and knowledge.

Lastly, we also thought it would be good for young anti-capitalists to meet with other young anti-capitalists as it's easier to form affinity groups (and more importantly friendships) with other people your age and who share your outlook on life.


We are inviting all those who are interested in setting up or getting involved in a group for young anarchists, or simply interested in how such group's work, to come and join us on the Friday. However, internal organisational matters will be only for those interested in getting involved in the AYN and we urge all those coming to leave their political dogmas at the door and anyone trying to recruit for their particular organisation or party will be asked to leave.

Anarchist Youth Network (Britain & Ireland)
Address: c/o 84b, Whitechapel High Street, London, E1 7QX
Tel: 07814 629780
Website:  http://www.anarchistyouth.net
Email:  info@anarchistyouth.net
Discussion list:  younganarchos-subscribe@yahoogroups.com