Young Labour: Toolkit

Contents

01 Foreword Ed Miliband MP. Page 4 06 Working with Labour Students Labour Students work closely with Young Labour on campaigns 02 Introduction Susan Nash. Page 5 and events. Home to all students in further and higher education who share Labour’s core values and beliefs, 03 Young and Labour Young Labour is the next Labour Students is a great way for young people to generation of the Labour Party. It’s a great way to get get involved. Find out how you can work with Labour together, get involved and get active in all aspects of Students in your area. Page 26 the Party’s organisation – from policy development to campaigning and winning for Labour. Find out more about 07 Using New Media As technology progresses, the structure of the youth wing of the Labour Party and so do we. Find out how we are using new communication how you can get involved. Page 6 technology to share information and get our message across to young people. Page 27 04 Get active Young Labour runs a whole range of activities for its members. From regional campaigning to 08 Young Labour National Committee national events, Young Labour does it all. Page 14 2011-13 page 30

05 Recruiting young people It’s more important 09 Additional resources Find out how to than ever for political parties to engage and recruit young contact your current Young Labour National Committee and active members. Thousands of young people join the and Regional Offices for help and support, or to find out Labour Party every year. Find out how to recruit the next more. Page 31 generation of Labour activists. Page 22

3 01 Foreword Ed Miliband MP

Young people are the future of our Labour Party. Young members play a crucial role in so many aspects of our work – from campaigning to policy development. We all must do more to recruit and engage more young people and also help them to make the transition from member to activist. Labour is the natural home for young people to engage in politics and the best vehicle by which their voice can be heard. Single-issue campaigns have their place but it is only through being part of a national political force like Labour that real change is achieved. The challenge for us all, from members to MPs, is to go out and prove to young people why Labour is relevant to them and why they should be a part of our Party. At a time when young people are under attack from this Tory-led Government, with the removal of Education Maintenance Allowance, the increase in tuition fees and cuts affecting youth services and careers help to name just a few; we must show that Labour cares about the next generation, that we want them to do better than the generation before and that they are valued in our Party. Ed Miliband MP Young Labour has prepared this excellent toolkit to help. Leader of the Labour Party It will give you the information and the support you need to build up the youth membership in your constituency and help young members to play an active role in Young Labour both locally and nationally. A strong group of young members is an essential part of a healthy and vibrant Party, and will ensure that the Labour Party has a bright future for many years to come.

4 02 Introduction Susan Nash

With thousands of new young members joining since the last General Election there has never been a more important time for Young Labour to get active and organised, capturing the energy of our members old and new, and helping build our movement, making Labour fit for the fight ahead. We have a history of being a source of enormous energy within the Party and are proud to have campaigned in every election and by-election come rain or shine. But now we face a new challenge. The rights Labour introduced for young people are under threat. We’ve already witnessed the trebling of fees, the scrapping of EMA, and the abolition of the Future Jobs Fund. Youth services are closing up and down the country and millions of young people feel stranded with no employment opportunities. That’s where Young Labour can be a vehicle for change. From ensuring Ed is elected to No 10 and Labour candidates are elected in local elections to campaigning to protect services in our community – and ensuring the voice of young people features highly in our next manifesto, Young Labour is making a difference. Susan Nash With thousands of new members, Young Labour is going from Chair of Young Labour strength to strength. New Young Labour groups are being set up each week, and we have seen a strong emphasis from our leader on the ‘Promise of Britain’ – that every generation will do better than the last. Young Labour has an excellent base from which to grow and build. This toolkit is here to support and enable more activity. With advice on getting involved in your CLP, to tips on setting up a Young Labour group in your region, right through to providing information on how to get involved in Young Labour nationally – this toolkit is intended to help members navigate their way through Young Labour and the wider Party. Whether you are a new member or a veteran in our ranks, I hope you find this resource useful. Without your energy, commitment and dedication we wouldn’t be as strong as we are today - but I look forward to together redoubling our efforts to make Young Labour the strong force I know it can be.

5 terview: Young Labour In Bridget Philipson, MP for Houghton South and Washington

arty? in the Labour P Why did you jo 03 Young and Labour I joined the Labour Party when I was 15. My mam was a Party member and used to take me along to meetings when I was young – she didn’t have much Young Labour groups choice as a single parent in the 1980s before Sure Young Labour is the home of Start and other childcare services! I enjoyed being a progressive young people, and Young Labour groups are a useful part of something bigger and being active in my makes up the next generation way of providing a forum where community and as I got older I got involved in my own right. It was a natural progression for me. of the Labour Party. Getting young people can get together in ved in e deeply invol involved with Young Labour is a city, town, borough, region or How did you get mor

a great way to get involved in county. This can allow young the party? members to work together to recruit Party members were incredibly supportive of me politics and meet like minded and other young members and I got involved with people who share your values. new members, campaign on local campaigning and organising social events. I stayed This is your opportunity to get issues, meet new friends and deliver involved at university where I became Chair of my together, get involved and get for Labour. university Labour Club and helped the local Party there in a much more marginal area. This taught me active in all aspects of the Party’s a great deal about effective, year round organisation – from influencing 1. Members between 14-26 are campaigning.

automatically members of nt to be an MP? policy to campaigning and Why did you wa ultimately winning for Labour. Young Labour. Before I was an MP, I managed a women’s refuge for 2. A Young Labour group in your area families fleeing domestic violence. I was able to help All members under the age of can hold its own events including hundreds of families, but I recognised my own limitations as some of the changes needed could only 27 are automatically part of campaigning events, social events, happen at a national level. I wanted to serve my local Young Labour. The best way debates, policy forums and invite area of Sunderland and improve the living standards to get to know young members speakers. and opportunities open to local people. hing about t rewarding t in your area is to be part of a 3. A Young Labour group could cover What is the mos Young Labour group in your a single constituency or all the being an MP? CLP or local area. constituencies in a whole region It is a real privilege to be able to help constituents on a range of issues – housing, immigration and – or anything in between. benefits – and achieve positive results for them. to young ould you give What advice w For a list of all official Young Labour he ambition members with t P? groups go to: to become an M www.younglabour.org.uk/ Work hard in your local area, campaign all year round and learn from experienced members and activists. young-labour-groups-by-region ving t proud of ha What are you mos n MP? achieved as a I was delighted to have the opportunity in the first two Prime Minister’s Questions of the new Parliament to press David Cameron on the £20 million grant to Nissan, which was at risk. He finally agreed the grant and it was of massive importance to 6 Sunderland and the wider north east. Starting a Young 8 steps to starting a successful Labour Young Labour Group Speak to other young people who may be interested in working with you to Group set up a group. Constituency Secretaries or Youth Officers in the area would be a good start.

Aims and values of Get in contact with your Young Labour National Committee Representative Young Labour groups and regional Labour Party office for advice and guidance. n to help young members play Groups can be as large as a region or as small as a CLP. Think about the a full and active role within the boundaries that would work best for your area. Labour Party n to organise local social activities To become an official Young Labour group you need the approval of your for young Labour Party members Labour Party regional office. The contact details of your regional office are and for young people within the in this booklet, please see page 31. To gain this approval you should have community a written agreement of which constituencies your Young Labour group will n to train and politically educate cover and who will coordinate the group until a Chair is elected. young Labour Party members n to change the culture, particularly Organise a launch event for your group and elect a committee at this event. the meeting culture, of the This could be anything from an informal social or speaker event to a policy Labour Party at branch and forum. Advice on how to run a successful event can be found on page 20. constituency level n to persuade more young people Email all young members well in advance to let them know it’s happening. to vote Labour The CLP Secretaries in your area will be able to facilitate this. n to recruit and retain more young people into Labour Party To make your Young Labour Group official just email your Regional Office membership and [email protected] with the following details: n to campaign against all forms - The name of your group. of discrimination and prejudice: - The agreed boundaries of the group. especially those based upon race, - A key contact for the group (normally the Chair or Secretary). colour, religion, disability, gender - Contact details for that key contact including an email address or sexual orientation and mobile number. n to increase the number of young - The details of any website or facebook group that you wanted linked to people who are registered to vote. the Young Labour groups page on this website.

Hold a follow up event or activity soon after the first event to capitalise on the momentum it will generate.

7 Young and Labour Ways to get involved

Stand to How You Can Get Involved… be a Youth Constituency Labour Party (CLP) Representative Youth Coordinator The Labour Party doesn’t just pay lip-service to our young We are keen for every local Party This may sound like a lot of members – we recognise to elect a Youth Coordinator. work – but remember, you will the contribution that young have the support of your local members have to make and The role of a CLP Youth Party behind you! that’s why there is designated Coordinator includes: youth representation at every If you are interested in standing to be level of the Labour Party. • Recruiting young people to the your CLP’s Youth Coordinator ask your Party as members and registered CLP Secretary for more information. Young members are often the supporters It is recommended that Youth most active members on the • Keeping young members active Coordinators are 14-26 years old. ground, but are much more & informed within the CLP than just foot soldiers. • Organising events for young More information and advice on being members, supporters and local a CLP Youth Coordinator go to: From activist, to officer, to young people www.younglabour.org.uk/resources sitting around the NEC table, • Representing and promoting young members are a vocal the views of young members and visible part of the Labour • Coordinating with other sections Party. of the Party on youth issues

8 Rohini Simbodyal Ways to get involved London Young Labour

he Labour When did you join t Party? When I turned 16. Labour National Policy Forum (NPF) Why did you join the Youth Representatives Party? I joined the Labour Party because I wanted to be part of the only party in The NPF is one of the key The role of the the UK that is truly committed to ending institutions of the Partnership Youth Rep involves global poverty and I felt that by helping into Power process. It is made up • attending meetings of the to elect a Labour government, I would be helping to ensure that the worlds most of 194 representatives from all National Policy Forum deprived and vulnerable people would the major stakeholder groups in • the opportunity to stand for a not be forgotten like under the last Tory the Party and is responsible for position on a policy commission government.

overseeing policy development • reporting back to the CLPs in Who is your political work – drawing together the policy their regions inspiration? consultation documents and • attending CLP meetings to I have many political inspirations, a major overseeing the consultation process discuss the work of the NPF one being Nelson Mandela as his struggle to ensure maximum participation by • facilitating local policy forums against apartheid was characterised by altruism, dignity and determination. I all stakeholders. really admire that he never once lost sight How do I get elected? of his political goals even throughout the The role of the Youth To stand as an NPF Youth Rep you 27 year prison sentence and even after his presidency of South Africa he still Representatives on the National must be under 23 at the time of continues to fight against poverty and Policy Forum is to work to put the election and nominate yourself. injustice there. forward the issues that affect The election is held by ballot of all ould do one If the government c he lives of young people across the country. members in the region every two thing to improve t ould it be? There are 11 youth reps on the NPF years. All young members will be young people what w – one for each region and nation. notified of the election process and That has to be honouring Labour's how to stand well in advance of the ambitious target of ending child poverty by 2020 to ensure that every child next elections. regardless of the circumstances they are born into has a decent standard of living and a fair chance in life to fulfil their potential.

9 SUSAN NASH Chair of Young Labour

When did you join the Labour Party? University. I had been interested in politics for a long I joined when I was at Young and time but because none of my family or friends were party politicaloining Labour I wasn’t quite familiar with the Party’s structures or operations. J Students helped me learn so much, and was a great way of meeting other Labour young people from across the Party and across the country. Why did you join the Labour Party?

It became obvious to me that Labour was a place where I could meet others Young Labour National Committee who shared my values and my passion for change. Change to make society ere was a party that prioritised supporting the more equal, and more just. H most vulnerable within society - it was Labour who made it possible for me to Young Labour National Committee oining the Party was the obvious next step. access higher education. J is the body that brings together all sections of the youth movement – it Who is your political inspiration? represents all regions of the English Coming from Walthamstow it’s fitting to say Clement Attlee, the Prime Labour Party, Scottish Labour, Welsh Minister who presided over the creationNHS, had of unrivalled the welfare vision state and - who ambition along withto Bevan, the father of the Labour, NPF youth representatives, Aneurin rebuild B ritain, and whose legacy lives on today. In recent years I’ve hadurma the Labour Students, the Young Fabians, honour of meeting some of the Generation 88 student leaders from B

Cooperative-Youth and Trade Unions who were imprisoned and tortured for many years fighting for their freedom. and other affiliated societies. It is those and the thousands of individuals like them across the globe who I will forever admire. Young Labour National Committee’s If the next Labour Government could do one thing to improve the lives of job is to help co-ordinate campaigning young people what would it be? Future Jobs Fund which Labour created but was activity of young members, run The reintroduction of the events and advise the Labour Party scrapped by the Tories. Another thing a future Labour government could do would be to address the challenges our generation face in accessing the on matters affecting young people. professions by ending the practice of long term unpaid internships which are replacing entry level jobs and limiting access to those who can afford to work Most elected members of Young for free. Labour National Committee serve What has been the best campaigning event you’ve been a part of? two year terms and committee Recent events have destroyed theN mythational that U nionyoung of people Students, are apolitical. I’ve enjoyed meetings are held on average every As a former Vice President of the three months. seeing young people voting, mobilising and marching for their education and against rises in tuition fees. Young Labour members have been at the heart UC March for the Alternative. Those events are of those actions, and the T For more information on standing for what make me proud to be a part of this movement. Young Labour National Committee go to: www.younglabour.org.uk/ Which is the most memorable Labour event you’ve been involvedather in? than stand-for-young-labour-national- When Ed Miliband came to address Young Labour conference. R simply talking to the room and taking a few questions Ed split up the room committee Our into groups and asked members to talk to each other and he circulated the room listening to our ideas about what should go in the next manifesto. contributions weren’t confined to ‘youth issues’. It was a great event which valued members for both their ideas and their campaigning abilities

10 Who's on the Young Labour National Committee?

Chair of Young Labour The Chair of Young Labour coordinates the work of Young Callum Munro NEC Youth Labour and helps to set a direction Representative for the organisation. The Chair is When did you join the Labour Party ? elected at Youth Conference and serves a two year term. In the When I was 15. interests of gender balance, this Why did you join the Labour Party? position is reserved for a woman Having always been interested in politics, I was inspired every other term. to join the Party for a number of reasons. M although not members, had brought me up ywith parents, Labour National Executive Committee values. Their work in the public sector made me realise the importance of good public services. (NEC) Youth Representative. my crumbling school building completelyHowever, rebuilt it thanks was seeing to The National Executive Committee Labour investment that made me realise the difference that is the Labour Party's governing the Labour Party can make to people’s everyday lives and body, as well as management. Its ultimately prompted me to join. members are elected from various Who is your political inspiration? sections of the Labour movement; John Smith. A leader of our Party who tragically never became CLPs, affiliates and unions. Prime Minister. The current climate makes him particularly inspirational. He recognised that to win our party must change and initiated many of the reforms which B The Youth Representative is would later complete. lair elected at Youth Conference and He also committed Labour to a number of policies which would see us win a landslide in 1997. serves a two-year term on the NEC. A particular favourite of mine being his belief in a In the interests of gender balance, Parliament. Scottish this position is reserved for a If the next Labour government could do one thing to improve woman every other term. the lives of young people what would it be? Youth unemployment is the biggest issue facing young Vice Chair Policy people today. This Tory-led Government has launched an unprecedented assault on the hopes of our young people, The Vice Chair Policy works with kicking away the ladders of opportunity for our next other NPF Youth Reps to coordinate generation. That’s why Labour has set out a clear five-point the representation of young plan for jobs and growth which includes a tax on bankers’ members’ views at the NPF. This bonuses to fund 100,000 jobs for young people. role also facilitates Young Labour policy development and ensures that these policies, and the interests of young people, are promoted within the wider Party.

This role is elected from amongst the National Policy Forum (NPF) Youth Reps and serves a two year term.

11 Representatives from Adam McNicholas other bodies London Young Labour • 5 Affiliated Trade Union Reps • 3 Labour Students’ Reps When did you join the Labour Party ? • Young Fabians Rep • Co-op Youth Rep I joined the Labour Party when I was 21. I was becoming involved in issue based campaigning on social justice issues in the developing world. I saw

The role of these representatives is that the Labour Party was the best vehicle by which to ensure that the work of Young I could affect issues of social justice in the U K and Labour is effectively coordinated around the world. with the work of other groups of Why did you join the Labour Party? young people in the Labour I joined because I believe that the Labour Party is the movement. vehicle for progressive social change in the U K. As an issue based campaigner I began to see the limits of It is up to those bodies to decide single issue campaigns. Whilst we are ‘a broad church’, the Labour Party’s values and history unite us around a upon the individuals that represent shared conviction about what we want to change in our them on Young Labour National society and around the world. I joined because I believe Committee. To find out more that as an active citizen, I can make a contribution and contact the relevant organisation. help affect change. Who is your political inspiration?

Regional Representatives Siphiwe Hlophe is a HIV/AIDs activist in Swaziland, These Regional Representatives southern Africa. O n learning that she had contracted HIV take a lead on supporting and in /AIDS, Siphiwe faced discrimination and stigma. She responded by setting up an organisation some cases driving Young Labour -Swaziland for Positive Living ( SWAPOL) - which activity within their region – supports thousands of people living with or affected whether that is supporting existing by HIV/AIDS in Swaziland. S waziland is governed by Young Labour groups or working to a particularly repressive regime, banning political parties. It is also a very patriarchal society. In the start new groups – and to link that context of such challenges S iphiwe is a tireless and activity up with Young Labour on a fearless political campaigner, championing human national level. rights and social justice. S he is my political inspiration. If the government could do one thing to improve the Each region and nation elects a lives of young people what would it be? representative by a ballot of all Create conditions in the economy to ensure that

young members in their area and young people are in education, training or employment. those representatives serve a The Tory-led Government’s politically motivated austerity programme could blight our generation. two-year term Ensuring the conditions for young people to realise their potential and live in dignity should be the foundations of any Government.

12 Liberation Officers Under 19s Officer • Women’s Officer This officer is a recognition of • Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and the breadth of ages amongst our Transgender Officer (LGBT) young members and the all too • Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic often under-representation of Officer (BAME) members under the age of 19. • Disabled Members Officer This new role will be elected for The Women, LGBT, BAME and the first time by delegates under Disabled campaigns are known the age of 19 at Youth Conference collectively as ‘Liberation’ 2013 and will serve a two-year campaigns. They are a recognition term. of the discrimination and under- representation of these groups International Officer both within our Party and wider This role is to be a link between society. They provide a forum for Young Labour and the youth young members who define in sections of our sister parties these groups to come together and It means regularly attending discuss issues that affect them as meetings of the Young European well as develop campaigns on these Socialists (ECOSY) and the issues. The role of their respective International Union of Socialist officers is to facilitate the work of Youth (IUSY) and reporting back the campaign, guarantee the to the wider committee. representation of these groups on Young Labour’s National Committee This new role will be elected at and broadly to ensure effective Youth Conference 2013 for the first coordination of their work with time and will serve a two-year term. Young Labour nationally.

These roles are elected at Youth Conference by individuals who self-define in the relevant groups and serve a two-year term.

13 04 Get active

Young Labour events are a great What activities does Young Labour Party Annual Conference way to recruit and retain new Labour hold nationally? There is also time and space at members. It is important that all Labour Party Annual Conference your events as a Young Labour Youth Conference dedicated to young members. group are fun, interesting and The main national event that brings Young Labour hosts a fringe event, accessible to potential members together young members is the puts on workshops, provides a and activists. annual National Youth Conference. space for specific groups of young Young members from across the members to meet (such as Young country hear from speakers, take Councillors and CLP Youth Officers) part in workshops and discuss and there is a popular Young Labour and make and agree campaigns. reception every year, where young Every other year, elections are held members can meet in a more social at Youth Conference for various setting. positions on the Young Labour National Committee, including the Annual Conference can also be an Chair of Young Labour and NEC exciting place for young members Youth Representative. to engage with high-profile Labour representatives and leaders. For The 2011 Conference featured example, at Annual Conference speeches from politicians, including 2010, one of the first events Ed Shadow Defence Secretary Jim Miliband attended as Leader was Murphy. In previous years other with young members. high profile speakers have included Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Harriet Harman and John Prescott. Youth Conference is also an opportunity for young members to come together, socialise and get to know one another.

14 Recent highlights

The Young Labour Reception at the 2011 Labour Conference gave young members an opportunity for young members to meet up, make connections, and talk politics and policy, as well as hear top Labour politicians talk about the future of the Party and the issues they care about. With over three hundred members in attendance, it featured speeches from Ed Miliband and Harriet Harman and music from a fourteen piece Big Band.

In December 2011 a Youth Coordinators training day was held in London, giving youth officers an opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge they will need to be effective and efficient Youth Coordinators. It also gave them the opportunity to share ideas and meet other Youth Coordinators from across the country.

During the leadership contest in 2010, places at the Youth Hustings, where the candidates for Labour Party leadership husted for young members, were sold out within hours of becoming available. The candidates were questioned on various issues important to young members, and young members got a chance to meet up and discuss the question of the Labour leadership, and the future of the Party.

For information on upcoming Young Labour events go to: www.younglabour.org.uk/events

15 Get active

Young Labour’s main work Good examples of Young is organised by local and Labour Campaigning are... regional groups across the London Young Labour holds a country and cover a range of ‘Ring ‘n’ win’ event on a regular different activities, Including; basis, where young members come together and telephone Campaigning canvass. Young Labour is renowned for it's campaign work. There’s never Scottish Young Labour organised been an election where young ‘Young Labour battle buses’ members aren’t out campaigning which travelled across the and delivering for Labour. country to help campaign for Whether it’s knocking on doors, Labour in various Scottish by- telephoning voters, delivering elections in the past five years, leaflets or innovative community the 2010 General Election and internet campaigning, young Campaign and 2011 Scottish members are always at the Parliament Elections. Their work forefront. helped us retain Glenrothes and Glasgow North East in by- Remember elections and retain all other It is important to make sure Scottish seats at the last General that new members are given Election. guidance on how to campaign, always explain what to do and Every year Young Labour runs don’t assume everyone has street stalls cross the country to campaigned before. celebrate LGBT Pride and push the issue of equality regardless of sexual orientation, as well as recruiting new members to campaign for the Labour cause for equality in every area of society.

16 Policy Forums The Labour Party’s policy making process gives members a real say over shaping Party Policy and Labour’s next manifesto. Each region has a Youth Representative on the National Policy Forum; their job is to represent young members and attend regular meetings of the NPF. Young Labour groups following extensive campaigning can hold Policy Forums to give from youth representatives. members the opportunity Many Young Labour groups to discuss a particular policy In Summer 2011, Scottish Young across the country organise area and question elected Labour held a very successful regular campaign days in key representatives on the issue. event in Edinburgh, with an seats and special all day events audience of over 100 in an to fight the BNP. London Young Good examples of Young event with various politicians Labour’s prolonged campaign Labour shaping and debating in attendance including Sarah against the BNP in Barking, in policy are… Boyack MSP. They debated association with Hope Not Hate, Young Labour’s prolonged areas of policy including the Unite Against Fascism and the campaign for lowering the economy and foreign affairs and GMB Trade Union brought Young voting age to 16 led to a pledge put forward ideas to the Labour Labour members from across committing to a free vote on Party’s Policy Review the country together, and led to the issue in the 2010 Labour the 2010 re-election of Labour manifesto. This came after Young incumbent MP Margaret Hodge, Labour won an overwhelming and the BNP losing all 12 council victory in debate at the Labour seats they had previously held. Party’s National Policy Forum,

17 Get active

Speaker Event: McAvan MEP, Caroline Flint MP South E Speaker Events and Debates and Professor Andrew Gamble, ast Young Labour and EdMili band MP often speaker events can be discussing topics ranging from South East Young Labour held an combined with Policy Forums Labour’s Trade Union link to event in the run up to the 2010 with a guest speaker leading education and the encouragement election featuring speeches from a discussion on a particular of political engagement amongst then Secretary of State for Energy area and young members young people. Members regularly and Climate Change Ed Miliband MP, former cabinet minister Andrew Smith feeding in their thoughts and have the opportunity to question MP, then Chairman of the Home Affairs opinions, creating a two-way and debate with panellists and Select Committee Keith Vaz MP, and dialogue. Getting along your speakers, and learn more about environmental campaigner and film local MP or another high profile policy. director Franny Armstrong on the topic public figure can really draw of climate change. This was followed by a debate with the audience of over in young members and give South West Young Labour held 100 members. them an opportunity to listen, a big event in February 2010 ask questions and challenge featuring the then Secretary of In a lively discussion, topics including politicians. State for Transport and former nuclear power, carbon trading, funding minister in the department for for renewable energy sources were passionately debated. Ed Miliband Good examples Children, Schools and Families set out and defended his position of speaker events... Lord Adonis speaking on the on the necessity of nuclear power West Midlands Young Labour subjects of schools, education, in the short to medium term and his have held various big speaker and public transport. His speech commitment to prioritising sustainable events, often in association on the importance of education energy sources for the future, and had an entertaining debate with Franny with local and university clubs. in maximising class mobility Armstrong regarding his right to eat Featured speakers have included particularly resonated with young bacon sandwiches. Peter Mandelson, Alastair members. Campbell, Douglas Alexander This inspiring event was followed by a campaign session, out on the doorstep and Neil Kinnock. Both London Young Labour and in a marginal seat in the region. West Midlands Young Labour hold South Yorkshire Young Labour campaign training days where have held many events young members hear from a and forums, with speakers Regional Organiser, a politician and including Peter Hain MP, Linda an experienced campaigner and learn about how and why we go out on the doorstep for Labour. 18 Social Events give their members the chance Good examples Social Events are crucial to a to get involved. of trips… successful Young Labour Group London Young Labour took a – it is here that young members Trips group of activists to Glastonbury get to know one another, have Some Young Labour groups have to enjoy the festival for free in fun and form friendships. organised trips for members, exchange for working shifts for they can be a lot of work and Workers Beer and at the same Good examples responsibility but lots of fun time raising money for their of social events… and incredibly useful in bringing Young Labour group. Remember it is important to members of a group together. take into consideration that not Often a local Labour MP will be West Yorkshire Young Labour all members want to (or are old more that willing to organise a organised a three day trip enough) to drink alcohol - so tour of Parliament and meet up to Brussels for 20 young organise a range of social events with young activists and Trade members and trade unionists to be as inclusive as possible. Unions can sometimes help out from Yorkshire and Humber to with transport and the loan of visit the European parliament. • London Young Labour holds a mini-bus, likewise if you want It was funded though trade regular quiz nights and an to travel further a field MEPs union support and was free to annual Christmas Dinner. can help organise a trip to the members. They had tours of the European Parliament. parliament and policy forums • West Midlands Young Labour with two Yorkshire MEPs as and Birmingham Labour Club well as the chance to explore hold an annual friendly football Brussels. with the Conservative Youth, while Scottish Young Labour take on a group of Scottish MPs, MSPs and councillors on the football field.

• Various Young Labour clubs hold drinks events, film nights, dinners, barbecues and even book clubs for their members, and to bring in new recruits and 19 Get active Your first event

It is important that all events as a Young Labour group are fun, 1. Always send a written notice interesting and accessible to all with precise details of where and potential members and when the event will take place. activists. Your first event is This could be sent by post, but an more important than most. email is a cheap, quick and 3. Letters or emails should be short, to efficient means of doing this. the point and not too formal. Give Most CLP Secretaries and/or people full information about the Advertise your event well Youth Officers will be happy to event. It is an informal get together, send out emails to their young say so. If it is a more formal question Communication is crucial. The way members and answer session let them know you let people know about events who the speakers are in advance as will be important in making them 2. Make sure you publicise the they might welcome the chance to feel as if they are meant for them. event widely. You can contact prepare a question. lots of young members via Social Networking sites such as 4. Where possible try to follow up any Facebook. Find out if your local or communication with a phone call. regional Labour Party is sending You don’t need to pester people but a mailing out and see if you can by calling you make it clear that they include something or to put it on would be made very welcome. Membersnet. Often organisations will send out e-newsletters to a wide audience you may not otherwise be able to reach; ask to include details of your event in them.

20 2. Everybody should be involved in discussions – whether it is a social gathering, a speaker meeting or a policy forum. The topic should be interesting to all and one where you don’t have to be an expert to take part.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask experienced activists, or people 5. Posters may also be useful way of who are experts in a particular gaining publicity for events, and are field not to speak more than once a great way of gaining new interest. or twice during policy forums or 3. Don’t be afraid of organising Put them up where young people Q&As – while giving everyone the policy forums or campaigning gather. Where there is a large chance to have their say. activity. What is important university-based membership, you is that new people are might want to work with the Labour 4. Follow formal gatherings or welcomed, that the event is Student Club who may be able to meetings with some socialising. kept accessible to new and help with advertisement on campus This can be as simple as going to potentially inexperienced and to their members. If there is no a pub or café after the meeting people and that everything is Labour Student Club you may wish or organise a short drinks explained clearly. It is particularly to put up posters and contact any reception or lunch so new important not to use jargon and relevant departments (such as members get a chance to mingle. acronyms as this can be off Politics or Social Policy) to ask them putting to new members. to inform their students. Make the event interesting 4. Local politicians will be delighted 6. The venue should be public, safe and that you are working to involve in a central, well known place – some 1. New people will have joined for a more young people – so invite people will be nervous of travelling whole variety of reasons – them to speak at your events. alone to somewhere they don’t make sure that your early events Be aware that new members may know, especially in the evenings. will appeal to as many people as not know who is who so explain possible. it. Make it interesting by asking Make the event welcoming them to cover issues that are 2. Ensure that you mix your events familiar to all. 1. Ensure other experienced and choices of venue. Going for activists working with you speak drinks or holding to everybody to make them feel a drinks event can make the welcome and find out what they event an informal and welcoming would be interested in getting one – but bear in mind that it can involved in and what has also be off-putting for some encouraged them to come along. people.

21 05 Recruiting young people

It’s more important than ever Registered Supporters for political parties to engage and recruit young and active Through the Refounding Labour process we found that there was members. Young people are widespread support for involving supporters more formally and the next generation of Labour consistently in our Party. Labour has always been part of a mass leaders and you can play your movement, alongside community activists, trade unions and the part by ensuring that your local cooperative movement. And now, as people have a renewed interest in Party is recruiting new young politics and the community around them – Labour wants to learn from members. and work with these passionate people and build a network of local supporters who can help shape all of our futures. Young people are more aware of politics than ever before. With These supporter networks can be mobilised to back local campaigns and the introduction of Citizenship add to local Party efforts at election time; be invited to local events and education in schools, the growth be consulted on local and national matters. of 24/7 media and single issue It’s completely free of charge to become a registered supporter and you campaigning organisations on the can do so by going to www.labour.org.uk/registered-supporters rise, this generation of young people are politically clued up and tuned in. This provides an excellent climate The Labour Party offers special rates for the Labour Party to recruit young members. for young members –this includes Recruitment can, however, seem everybody under the age of 27. like a daunting prospect. How are you going to find people who are For those between the ages of 14-19: interested in joining the Party or getting involved? Where will you £1 per year find these people? What’s the best way to communicate with potential For those between the ages of 20-26: new members? These are some £1 per month (£12 per year) of the many questions that you will think about when it comes to These substantially discounted rates are a fantastic recruitment recruitment. tool so should be prominently displayed on any literature you produce. Make sure that you include labour.org.uk/join on the literature to give 22 new recruits an instant route to membership. Campaigning to recruit Try to identify the distinct Of course, the best way to recruit groups that you are targeting for new members is to be visible, recruitment. Are you aiming to accessible and campaigning on recruit young members who are issues that young people care still at school? Schools’ Citizenship about. You should consider how programmes offer an opportunity. best to make your Young Labour Although schools won't want to group visible and high-profile. Street promote a particular party, some stalls have traditionally been a Citizenship classes will want to very effective recruiting method. discuss the role of political parties Consider these and also your venue and find out about Labour values. – places such as street festivals in Contact your local schools and see your local area, music events or if they would be interested in you When you are out canvassing and shopping centres are a great place coming to talk about the Labour you come across a young person to build a Labour presence. Tailor Party locally; explain what your aims who is a Labour supporter make sure your message to the event, too – for and objectives are and how you wish you ask them to join on the relevant instance, LGBT Labour, the affiliated to involve young people. youth membership rate. society which campaigns on lesbian, You or other local members will gay, bisexual and trans rights, be able to identify young voters attends Pride events across the through Contact Creator. You can country, using an ‘only Labour can then target these voters and ask deliver on equality’ theme. supportive people to get involved.

23 Recruiting young people

Young people in Street Stalls your constituency Think about how you can target Build a strong Labour presence in your area with high young people in your area and get profile street stalls where you can target young voters them involved. 1. Make sure you have lots of friendly members on the stall 1. Contact Creator will be able to identify to talk to new recruits. those registered as first time voters and the date they became old enough 2. Have interesting youth-focused materials – dealing with to vote. You can organise phone banks local youth provision, for example. for young Labour members to contact 3. If somebody doesn’t want to commit to joining ask if first time voters. they will provide their details so you can send them more 2. A letter from your MP or candidate information or invite them to come along to an event. about a particular issue, a survey, 4. Use petitions and surveys to engage people – focus or an invitation to an event to meet on local issues and those national issues that highlight local representatives or other young Labour’s core values. members can be very effective. 5. Try to have forthcoming, interesting events planned to 3. Always include a response mechanism advertise on the stall. so you can capture phone numbers and email addresses, and ask the recipient to join. Make sure you advertise the £1 youth rate.

24 Speaking in schools, colleges or universities Local MPs and representatives can arrange to speak at schools, colleges and university groups 1. Contact the head teachers or students unions at these institutions, to see if they would like a visit. 2. Don’t go simply to advertise Labour but genuinely engage in debate with the students. 3. Think about focusing on an interesting issue that can be discussed in detail. 4. Provide leaflets with contact details and feedback mechanisms, point them in the direction of a local website or the younglabour. org.uk site. Also remember to bring membership forms so people can sign up there and then! 5. Plan a follow up event that you can announce for people who want to find out more.

25 06 Working with Labour Students

Labour Students is the home Labour Students is a campaigning for all students in further organisation, proud of its values, and and higher education who puts these into practice every year share Labour’s core values by launching a Priority Campaign on and beliefs. Labour Students which to lobby the Government. In campaigns for Labour within the past, this has included issues like the student community and as sexual health services, child poverty an affiliated organisation with and international development, an autonomous policy structure with the national campaign backed also fights for students’ rights up with activity on university and and welfare. college campuses.

Labour Students also works to get Labour MPs, MSPs, MEPs, AMs and Councillors elected - because it is with Labour in power that students get the best deal.

Having an active Labour Students society that works closely with the local Labour Party and Young Labour group can provide a more interesting and fun environment for new young members.

26 06 Working with Labour Students

1. If your local university has a Labour Students group contact them to discuss ways you doors and telephone canvassing can can work together. If there sometimes be challenging. is no existing group, Labour Students can help you start a That’s why Labour Students are society in your local university running joint campaigns with or college. Contact 020 7783 Labour’s elected representatives 1367 for more information on University and College campuses as a means to 2. A Labour Students society can engage with students. Labour hold regular events, socials, students groups are a fantastic debates or speaker meetings. link between representatives They also participate in Labour and students, allowing student Students national and regional leaders to gain experience and run events and training. independent events, while helping representatives in their campaigns and keeping them in touch with Student Politics their voters. The student vote is a powerful vote. Traditional methods of campaigning For more information please go to with and identifying Labour support labourstudents.org.uk amongst students are often very difficult. University students, by their very nature are prone to move address a number of times during their period of study so knocking on

27 07 Using New Media

As technology progresses, Facebook so do we. Technological Facebook is now the second development has changed the most visited website in the UK way everyone communicates after Google, so no campaign or and shares information. The Website Young Labour Group is complete Labour Party is no exception A regularly updated website is without its own page reaching and we are working hard to essential for any thriving Young out to potentially thousands harness new technology and Labour group. It provides a space of supporters and activists. By revolutionise the way we talk to share news, publicise events, setting up a Facebook page your to our members. promote campaigns and provide updates will automatically feed other essential information to into other people’s news feeds. Facebook, twitter, text messaging members. You can also message members, and websites have encouraged set up events and upload photos more people to attend Young You can keep up to date with and videos. Labour events, get members out everything Young Labour is doing campaigning and respond quickly on our website: Joining your local Young Labour to policy announcements as they www.younglabour.org.uk Facebook page will mean you are happen around the world. automatically invited and reminded of upcoming events. Facebook In this section, you will find a pages are also a great way to get few tips on how best to use involved in discussions with other new technology to make your members. Young Labour group even more successful. You can also keep up to date with all the latest news and events from Young Labour by becoming a member of our page. Just go to facebook.com/YoungLabourUK or search for ‘Young Labour’.

28 Labour Membersnet Membersnet is Labour’s online community, both for card carrying members and supporters: Twitter Twitter is now one of the fastest Through it you can: ways information spreads and • Talk to other young members on another way members can stay the youth forum discussion board up to date with what’s going on, • Keep up to date with the latest and get involved in the latest campaign news and download discussions. Individuals and groups resources can join, and members can follow • Message other members of the and reply to tweets (messages) Labour Party from Young Labour groups. • Find out about and sign up to events in your area If you’re on twitter, don’t forget • Set up your own campaign group to follow Young Labour at: and discussions @YoungLabourUK • Create an event for others to attend • Contact your NPF Youth representative

To register go to labour.org.uk/membersnet

29 08 Young Labour National Committee 2011-13

Chair of Young Labour Diasbled Members Officer Trade Union Reps Susan Nash Mark Cooper USDAW Michael Wheeler CWU Kye Dudd NEC Youth Rep Scottish Rep UNISON Liam Grogan Callum Munro Darren Young UNITE the Union Susan Nash GMB Georgia Elliott Vice Chair Campaigns North Rep & East Midlands Rep Nick Pringle Labour Students Reps Bex Bailey Changes annually, North West Rep for more information: Vice Chair Policy Adam White labourstudents.org.uk Georgia Elliot Yorkshire & Humber Rep Young Fabians Rep Assistant Secretary Bryony King Changes annually, for more & Welsh Rep information: youngfabians.org,uk Simon Darvill West Midlands Rep Emma O’Dwyer Co-op Youth Rep Women’s Officer Changes annually, Michaela Neild South East Rep for more information: Mary Roberts www.party.coop/lists/ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual national-youth-committee/ and Transgender Officer South West Rep Daryn McCombe Tobin Webb To contact anyone on Young Labour National Committee go to: Black, Asian, London Rep www.younglabour.org.uk/contact Minority Ethnic Officer Christine Quigley Jyoti Bhojani Eastern Rep Alice Taylor

30 09 Additional resources...

HEAD OFFICE SCOTLAND [email protected] Tel: 0141 572 6900 Fax: 0141 572 2566 [email protected] EAST MIDLANDS SOUTH EAST Tel: 0115 943 1777 Tel: 0118 923 9400 Fax: 0115 943 1888 Fax: 0118 986 4493 [email protected] [email protected] EASTERN SOUTH WEST Tel: 01473 228 700 Tel: 0117 972 9440 Fax: 01473 228 710 Fax: 0117 924 6799 [email protected] [email protected] LONDON WALES Tel: 020 7783 1170 Tel: 029 2087 7700 Fax: 020 7783 1266 Fax: 029 2022 1153 [email protected] [email protected] LABOUR NORTH WEST MIDLANDS Tel: 0191 246 5276 Tel: 0121 569 1900 Fax: 0191 246 5277 Fax: 0121 569 1936 [email protected] [email protected] NORTH WEST YORKSHIRE AND Tel: 01925 574 913 THE HUMBER Fax: 01925 234 655 Tel: 01924 291 221 [email protected] Fax: 01924 290 098 [email protected]

31 3354_11 Promoted by and on behalf of the Labour Party 39 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0HA. Printed by UNP, Unit 7, IO Centre, Skeffington Street, London w.