Generation Yes was a political organisation established to campaign for a yes vote amongst young voters in the referendum on Scottish Independence. It was established in January 2014 with an official launch two months later.
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History
Generation Yes was founded by Joe Higgins, Angus Millar, Kirsten Thornton, Rhiannon Spear and Graeme West. Its main mission is to ensure that the arguments for voting yes in the referendum on Scottish Independence reach young voters, especially newly enfranchised 16- to 18-year-olds.
A launch event was held in Glasgow on 29 March 2014. From the outset, these new campaigners wanted a different Scotland. The organisation registered with the Electoral Commission on 8 May 2014.
Organisation
During the referendum campaign, Generation Yes operated local groups across Scotland including:
Following the referendum
A poll taken after the 2014 referendum showed 71% of teenagers had voted yes. Despite defeat, activists were proud of the campaign they had led. Following the referendum, they announced that they will be continuing as a group aiming to engage and educate young people in politics.