About
Global Young Greens is a universal youth network which unites people through web based and face- to- face contact. Our activities include finding internships and other opportunities for members, linking individuals to organisations, linking organisations to eachother for various purposes including doing campaigns together, and in future taking on campaigns as GYG. The statutes of GYG tell you everything you need to know about the organisation: how it functions and works, the rules, the lot. The objectives of GYG are to:
Empower young people within the framework of participatory democracy
Create a space for young people to be active without being dominated by older generations
Address inequalities between organizations and individuals
Forge strong links between sectors and organizations
Further the Green principles on planet Earth
Membership is open to people 35 and under who identify as Green. Green principles are generally known as (“the four principles”) ecological sustainability, social justice, grassroots democracy and peace. But this is merely the tip of the iceberg- for a full understanding of what it means to be Green, one and all should read the Global Greens Charter which is endorsed by GYG. Additionally, the Global Young Greens are striving for the following principles on all levels (local, national, regional, global):
- Protection and restoration of the environment and respect towards animals
- Sustainable, equitable and just development
- Social Justice
- Grassroots, participatory and global democracy, and in particular empowering young people to participate and build more democratic societies
- Peaceful and non-military conflict resolution, arms control, disarmament
- Gender justice, empowerment of women
- Inter-generational justice, empowerment of youth and children
- Freedom from discrimination on any grounds whatsoever, and equality for all
- Empowerment of marginalised and disadvantaged people.
- Just globalisation and fair trade
- Personal freedom on the basis of universal human rights
- The right of all people to self-determination particularly indigenous people.
The GYG founding conference in January 2007 in Nairobi was a brilliant experience for over one hundred and fifty young people. This was where we met for the first time and laid down the principles, objectives, and statutes of GYG.
The regions are the backbone of GYG. Currently the regions are defined as Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Americas. However it’s a major goal of GYG to establish a Middle East contingent on the immediate future, so anything people can do to strengthen our Green contacts in the Middle East would be much appreciated. (Also the Americas, and anywhere really!).
Your region is a great contact point for people starting to be involved. Regional networks already exist or are being founded in all four continents listed above. To get connected, visit the Be Involved page.
The steering committee comprises of a maximum of four people from every region. It is an administrative and financial body, appointed by the Congress. The current steering committee is balanced in terms of gender but unfortunately not regionally. We are seeking contacts with young Green activists in the regions of the Middle East and the Americas. If this is you, please get in touch.
