Introducing the Seattle NYRA node

The new Seattle NYRA node has taken to the streets to spread our message of youth liberation. We have been out peacefully protesting every Tuesday near public locations around the city, such as the Seattle Central Public Library, the Capitol Hill light rail station, and Franklin High School. We also have plans to participate in larger pro-democracy and pro-trans rights events, as these issues directly overlap with youth rights.

Our goal is to end the oppression of minors, and to create a world that radically rethinks how people under 18 are treated. Locally and in-person, we are representing NYRA‘s mission to protect the rights of all people to fully participate in society, regardless of age.

Public response to our presence has been very positive. Folks have cheered us on as well as stopped to ask questions and chat about youth rights. One of the most rewarding things is when young people approach to sincerely thank us for being out there and caring about their rights.

Seattle NYRA node members who have been actively protesting include Eric Kennedy, Imogen Gannon, and Susan Milton.

As a youth liberationist and youth rights activist, Eric began writing to legislators to advocate for a strong, compassionate welfare state – one that supports minors with essential resources that they can access independently of parents and caregivers, resources such as food, clothing, public housing, and universal health care. His vision also includes many other issues such as abolishing the voting age and drastically reducing parental power so that young people have autonomy over their own lives. After having some youth rights signs made, Eric took the leap to begin engaging in peaceful protest. This caught the attention of Seattle NYRA volunteers Imogen and Susan.

Imogen grew up in a family that has always supported her autonomy, and she has been immersed in the world of self-directed education all her life. To her, treating everyone as an equal with equal rights, regardless of age, is not just a concept, but a lived reality, which could and should become the norm in our society. After encountering ageist policies at fan conventions, she began reaching out to these organizations to let people know that their vision of diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility is in conflict with their infantilization of teenagers and general disregard for youth. She connected with NYRA to become of part of a larger youth rights movement.

Susan’s advocacy for youth rights has taken many forms over many decades. As a NYRA volunteer, she is proud to be part of a youth-led organization, helping to create community and lending support to what youth are doing for themselves.

People who feel strongly that youth should be respected as autonomous humans aren’t always easy to find, but we exist, and it’s always a joy to connect with fellow advocates. We would love to have you join us if you’re in Seattle, or you can consider ways to advocate for youth wherever you are, and NYRA is here to support you.

A world where children are oppressed is a world in urgent need of change.

Your voice can be part of that change.

Written by Eric Kennedy, Imogen Gannon, and Susan Milton as the Seattle NYRA node.