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

[Tim Dobson]

MJ Ray wrote:
> 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,

I agree totally. But I'm not sure this is all about ageism, simply that 
people tend to identify more with people of their own age.

Do you think you could use the terms "young people" or "teens" instead 
of "minors"? I find "minors" a rather sterile term that doesn't really 
acknowledge they are just as much people as you are - I know this wasn't 
intended however I hope this would help reduce any inbuilt assumptions 
about us.

> 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.

Indeed, I involved with a local sailing club, where as a Sailing 
Instructor, I teach people from the age of 8 upwards. Being on the top 
committee of that sailing club, also means I get to understand the 
issues surrounding Child Protection in these circumstances.
The club mitigates the problem in several ways, it has a child 
protection policy and a child protection officer, and they "highly 
encourage" anyone working with children to get CRB checked. It's 
important to understand that they are unable to actually enforce this, 
and doing so would make them liable.
For more information about my involvement at GSC see: 
http://www.blog.tdobson.net/node/85

> 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.

I'm not sure this is the best way to go about things. I am happy to 
offer strong support to pretty much anyone who wants/needs it however 
I'm not sure what "existing" groups you would suggest working with; 
presumably youth groups and the scouts/guides etc.
Knowing how many people are part of these groups in the relevant age 
bracket makes me somewhat critical that trying to interest people from 
nothing (or persuading them that this is more fun than playing football 
or building campfires) is going to be tough.

I'm not sure even that this sort of separation between ages is good 
either; I'm not suggesting something to replace Manchester Free 
Software, or LUGs for young people, instead, to merely compliment it.

> 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.

I have attended every Manchester Free Software meeting since November 
last year when it had it's first meeting.
If there was a general election tomorrow, I would be too young to vote.

Cheers :)

Tim

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