The Importance of Republican Youth

Youth in Republicanism is of great importance, it's more important than we realise!

In 10, 15, 20 years who are going to the leaders of today's Republican groups? It will be today's youth, and if today's youth don't care then the future of Republicanism is doomed. We need to get them interested and educated, get them involved in any way possible.

Whether it's distributing leaflets, putting up posters, joining a flute band, bricking the peelers, helping at elections, putting up flags in their area, painting murals, becoming involved in a Republican party/group, anything at all. Remember those famous words "Everyone Republican or otherwise has their own particular part to play, no part too great or small, no one is too old or too young".

Most Republican groups educate young people, in some way or another, on the history of Republicanism, from as far back as 1798 to recent years, we need to make them aware of what happened and whats happening.

Ógra for a start are a great group and have done some magnificent work over the years, Na Fianna Éireann, who can trace their roots back to 1909, participate in many commemorations for RSF which is a great opportunity for young Republicans to listen to seasoned Republicans speak, likewise the RSYM are also heavily involved in important campaigns and éirigi seems to be appealing to younger Republicans, but these days there are too many distractions for young people.

Some would rather sit and have a carry out with their mates or go to a rave than get educated and involved in Republicanism. That is one of the reasons why we must make it interesting for them and not boring.

Flute bands are essential for Republican Youth, some bands have an education policy, which means that when the kids were learning a song about a volunteer they would explain who the volunteer was and how and why he died. They also have education seminars which are compulsory for all band members to attend and they invite Senior Republicans to come and talk to the youths about their experiences, and this ranges from discussions about being imprisoned to being an active Republican. The youths love it, they got a buzz listening to them telling of their experiences. It made them sit up and listen.

Sadly though bands are on the decline and so is the number of youths getting involved in active Republicanism. Everyone needs to realise how important young people are to our struggle and get them involved in any way possible.