THE Scottish Independence Movement (SIM) has announced that it will launch a youth initiative in the coming weeks.

To be known as SIM Youth, the Scottish Independence Movement Youth Project is an initiative to help draw more young people into the world of politics and activism, not just in the aim of securing independence, but helping young people achieve their own personal independence and a better collective future as a species.

Will Mackay, SIM Youth development officer, said: “We aim to give youth the confidence and skills to be able to strike out on their own, battle their injustices, achieve a fairer, more equal world, and leave the planet in a better state than they found it.

“SIM Youth aims to attract those who dare to dream that they can change the world from all walks of life – whether from academia or the trades, from the Northern Isles to the Southern Borders, from the East Coast to the West Coast, gay or straight, wealthy or disadvantaged – and help them understand and master the skills such as arranging protests and debates, or public speaking and interviews.

“Political alignment is irrelevant. SIM is passionate about freedom of expression and we want to welcome debate with open arms and help mould the leaders of tomorrow. We hope to inspire and enable rational debate on issues such as the currency of an independent Scotland, globalisation, and tackle wider international issues such as absolute poverty, development in third-world nations, climate change, and totalitarianism and human-rights violations around the world.

“We aim to have a wide and diverse variety of guest speakers available for question and answer sessions, host skills workshops, provide interview and media practice sessions, hold art and media competitions and campaigns, include young people and their creativity in our process for organising nationwide marches and events.

“To achieve this, we will need your help. We want to hear any and all ideas on events you would like to see hosted, or how best to help shape our future leaders. You can get in touch through our Facebook page –The Scottish Independence Movement – or through our email address, Contact@simyouth.com.”

SIM operations director Manny Singh said: “We want young people from all walks of life and all political alliances to participate. We want to give young people the resources and the skills to mobilise, organise, educate and advocate for Scottish independence and a fairer country.

“We are seeking to build a stronger youth sector and a generation of leaders to lead an independent Scotland and aid development around the globe. Young people are our future and we need them to be part of our vision.”