Throughout human history, freedom has been a force for good, lifting millions of people out of poverty. In a truly free society, individuals are in control of their own destiny.
However, the key institutions of our society responsible for the education of our young people are increasingly unable or unwilling to pass on that understanding or the key values of freedom. In our schools and universities curricula increasingly tell a radical story which denigrates the western tradition and seeks to further a social agenda inimical to individual freedom and the rights which are part of our heritage.
Yet our research shows the rising generation has a tremendous appetite for knowledge and experiences which are firmly grounded in freedom and the heritage of the West. We have therefore established the Generation Liberty program to reinvigorate the spark, energy, and passion of the next generation. Targeting those aged 16-25, it bridges the gap between the next generation and the ideas of free markets, individual responsibility, capitalism, and democracy.
The positive response we have been receiving from young people has reflected what we found in our research. The last two years have been landmark years for Generation Liberty. In the past 18 months our campus coordinators have held over 25 events reaching over 2000 young people. The events topics varied and included our debate series on capitalism vs socialism, an event about the positive contribution mining and coal makes to our nation, and multiple events discussing western civilisation.
Key elements of the Generation Liberty program include:
- IPA Generation Liberty Membership, offering discounted IPA membership and building a network through publications, news and events.
- Seven campus coordinators operating in five States, current students representing the IPA on campus, providing information, running events, publishing commentary and building networks with like-minded organisations on campus (further information below).
- A dedicated Facebook page and website for bespoke content designed to engage and inform, including articles, short and long-form videos, and promotion of events. In addition, a Generation Liberty Facebook group to enable members from across Australia to discuss ideas and policy issues.
- A program of research and publication highlighting the restrictions on debate, language and the scope of the curriculum that increasingly being put in place at Universities across the country. We produce the Free Speech on Campus Audit annually.
Recently Generation Liberty hired Renee Gorman to take on the managing of Generation Liberty full-time. Renee used to be the campus coordinator at the University of Sydney, and gained a breadth of experience in her time there that she is bringing to her new role.
In February and March 2017 our campus coordinators met many hundreds of students as part of Orientation Week activities.
