We were delighted to be invited by teacher Jane Smith at Coombe House School to speak to her students on the topic of activism and being an activist. What does it mean? What causes people to advocate on behalf of a cause?

In the classroom about a dozen students were there (voluntarily) to listen to what we had to say. Previous speakers had included local MP Simon Hoare and representatives from other political parties, to help these future voters gain a deeper understanding for their citizenship GCSE studies.

The Opinionometer

We set up a table to demonstrate what a typical Dorset for Europe street stall looked like. Also on display was the Opinionometer from the last Tolpuddle Festival. A short Powerpoint with photographs from the last decade, illustrated how Dorset for Europe and Bremain in Spain started and what sort of general motivations people had to abandon apathy to stand up for a cause or belief.

What is Brexit?

The first question was “What is Brexit?”, a sharp reminder that, for the many of these students, a decade ago they were in nursery, or just starting their primary education.

Hopefully we were able to help them to tackle the topic, as they will each be asked to complete their own projects, championing a cause, as part of their studies.

It was certainly a key to communicate the importance of listening respectfully to other people, even when you do not share their point of view. We talked about having fun when campaigning and being sure to support each other through disappointments. Briefly, we spoke about the importance of critical thinking, being mindful that sometimes the powerful and the rich do not act in the interests of the majority.

The Young European Movement

At the end some students came forward to take leaflets. Of particular interest were those from the Young European Movement.

Several of the teachers and support workers, also attentive throughout the session, picked up leaflets, badges, fridge magnets and wristbands. As adults in 2016, they had a greater understanding of the specific issues involved around Brexit, some had previously been involved with Erasmus Plus and projects that had been supported by European Union funding.

The return to Erasmus in 2027

We were pleased to pass on the good news of progress, with a return to Erasmus in 2027 and pass on the suggestion they may wish to pursue becoming an EU Ambassador School.

This was a valuable opportunity to open discussion with the generation who will come next to decide the direction and whose futures are most at stake.