Young Australians for a Republic (YAR) is a national organisation of young Australians with diverse backgrounds and various political beliefs, united in our commitment to the goal of an Australian republic. We have members in all states, from cities and rural areas, and from all major political parties (of course many of our members have no links to political parties at all).
YAR was formed in 1998 by a group of young republicans in Victoria, and launched in National Constitution Week last August with a national on-line republican forum for school students. The group has grown significantly since then, and now has organised forums in most capital cities, and in several regional centres. Forums and members around the country communicate and coordinate much of our campaign work via our email 'listbot' network, which young people subscribe to via our web page.
[ our context and beliefs ]
YAR is an independent organisation from any other pro-republic
organisations. We do, however, work in close consultation with the
Australian Republican Movement (ARM) and other 'Yes Coalition' groups. Some
of YAR's members are also active in these other pro-republic organisations.
YAR participated in the National Convention of Republicans held in Canberra in February this year, and presented a seminar to the conference on issues relating to the youth campaign for a republic. A representative of YAR also gave evidence to the Commonwealth Joint Select Committee Hearing on the Constitution Alteration Establishment of a Republic Bill and the Presidential Nominations Committee Bill.
We take no position on the question of the preamble, or on further constitutional change after a successful November referendum, or on the flag. Those are separate issues - we focus on the common goal of achieving a yes vote on the republic question in November.
[ our campaign objectives ]
Young Australians for a Republic aim to help achieve a "YES!" vote at the
November, 1999 referendum by rousing the republican voice of Australia's
youth. We believe that young Australians deserve to be more than mere
spectators in the making of our national history. We aim to harness the
Republican sentiment among young Australians to generate momentum for
change.
Any objections among young people tend to be on the details, not the vision. There is a lot of misinformation about the changes a YES! Vote would bring, so distributing accurate and substantiated information is a high priority. We also aim to create interest and awareness.
We welcome everyone to come and get involved and assist in any way possible. We are committed to young people all over Australia having a say and being heard. In particular, we need more regional members. You can make a difference.
Join the YAR Mailing List @ ListBot.
