Re: [Fsuk-manchester] Young people & free software

[MJ Ray]

Tim Dobson <address@hidden> wrote:
> What do people think to the formation of a group and mailing list, to 
> compliment Manchester Free Software and ManLUG and  http://adfa.co.nr , 
> to create a social area for young people (in Manchester/The North West) 
> interested in issues surrounding Free Software and GNU/Linux to 
> socialise and get help, whilst co-operating with FSUG's and LUG's to 
> advocate free software and GNU/Linux, especially in schools.

I believe ageism is wrong in both directions (either 50+ers prejudging
teenagers or teenagers prejudging 50+ers) and should not be supported,
but there are special concerns when working with minors, including
duties of care, protection and so on.  I don't think any of the free
software groups should get involved with those concerns directly
because it's a tricky task - and a huge liability these days.

So, I believe it would be best to offer strong support (information,
advice, hosting, visits, other resources) about free software and
encourage existing groups that are already set up to work with minors
to start special interest areas or subgroups or sessions (or whatever
they call them) to help with free software. Then, when members are no
longer minors, they'll be more ready to join the mainstream groups.

Of course, if someone is willing and approved (by parents/guardians or
whoever) to be some sort of steward for minors at group meetings, they
should be allowed to attend free software groups in that way.

Hope that explains,
-- 
MJ Ray (slef)
Webmaster for hire, statistician and online shop builder for a small
worker cooperative http://www.ttllp.co.uk/ http://mjr.towers.org.uk/
(Notice http://mjr.towers.org.uk/email.html) tel:+44-844-4437-237