Crofton Park Young Citizens
Jean Rasczak: All right, let's sum up. We talked about the failure of democracy. How the social scientists of the 21st Century brought our world to the brink of chaos. We talked about the veterans, how they took control and imposed the stability that has lasted for generations since. We talked about the rights and privileges between those who served in the armed forces and those who haven't, therefore called citizens and civilians. You! Why are only citizens allowed to vote?
Student: It's a reward. Something the federation gives you for doing federal service.
Jean Rasczak: No. Something given has no basis in value. When you vote, you are exercising political authority, you're using force. And force my friends is violence. The supreme authority from which all other authorities are derived.
- Starship Troopers
Prendergast Ladywell Fields College teacher Simon Jones has been in touch to tell us about the work of Young Citizens, a project run by students, the aim of which was to for pupils to become more involved in their local community as a force for positive change.
He says:
The pupils worked very hard last year and now have four active campaigns:
- A local litter recycling campaign
- Developing and opening up the school's artificial pitch to the local community at weekends
- Introduce the City Safe Haven Campaign, together with the Mizen family and London Citizens
- Improve the school's road crossing
They also managed to secure £12,000 for local youth events in the Crofton Park Ward.
Working with local councillor Father Bates, an organisation called Jump, the pupils are starting a charity, aiming to breathe new life and energy into the physical spaces of the ward; developing a team of young people and local partners who will work creatively to develop and manage a programme if activities.
The project's called the 'Walk In Space' and we are working to spread the word about the charity and its work. Any young person in the area between the ages of 10 and 16 can be involved. It is run by young people for young people.
If you want to stay in touch or get involved, please follow them on Twitter now, or stay tuned for more information about their work.
