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Meeting in 'Y Galeri'

During the National Eisteddfod this year, 20 young members of Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales came together in 'Y Galeri' in Caernarfon to discuss the party's new youth movement, with the intention of deciding on image, structure, main campaigns and objectives for the movement. The main purpose of holding such a meeting was to get the young people to share their ideas about what kind of a movement was needed, and what kind of movement would give young people the extra push to act politically.

We were all eager to make sure that young people played a central part of political goings on in the party, both locally and nationally, not just to be there in times of need, that is, to help canvassing during election times.

Leanne Wood AM, Ian Titherington from Undeb and Llyr Huws Griffiths, an ex-candidate for Plaid Cymru, were all present in the meeting to give advice and share their experiences with the young members.

One of the recurring themes in the meeting was the fact that young people felt that politics and politicians were alien to them. The spectrum of Welsh politics today was discussed, and it was noted that politics as it is doesn't appeal to young people, mainly because it doesn't move with the times. Some of the points raised about this were to do with the image of politicians as middle-aged men in suits, lack of marketing effectively, targeting young people, as well as ineffective use of the media, the web especially, since that is the main research facility young people use. Following this discussion, the meeting moved on to positive elements of politics, and the way the new movement would play an important role in young people's politics and mobilise them to campaign politically and to socialise at the same time.

Those present were put into groups to discuss image, structure and the campaigns of the new movement, these ideas were shared amongst the whole group. Attention was drawn towards the need to have clear and effective branding and a new website that would be constantly updated. New and proactive campaigns that would attract new members, as well as the membership system and the new name, of course!!

The meeting was important in mobilising young people to attend political meetings without fearing that nobody would listen to them, it also encouraged them to start thinking politically, and it showed those present that there was definitely a place for them in Plaid Cymru's new youth movement. It also taught them that there is a place for young people in Wales' politics, and that their contribution is a very important one.