Re: [Fsuk-manchester] Young people & free software

[Tim Dobson]

MJ Ray wrote:
> Tim Dobson <address@hidden> wrote:
> > MJ Ray wrote:
> > > I believe ageism is wrong in both directions (either 50+ers prejudging
> > > teenagers or teenagers prejudging 50+ers) and should not be supported,
> > I agree totally. But I'm not sure this is all about ageism, simply that 
> > people tend to identify more with people of their own age.
>
> How is that not ageism, put like that?  People tend to identify more
> with people they see as similar to themselves in some ways, so people
> of a similar age will more probably have similar experiences and so
> on, but it need not directly be about age.

Solving the problems surrounding ageism isn't something that can be done 
overnight by forcing various groups into the same social space.
By creating this $thing we are helping older people encounter skilled 
and knowledgeable young people whilst at the same time introducing young 
people to older people who won't speak down to them.
Whilst the issues at the heart of the issue are hardly solved, we can 
encourage understanding amongst people without it it being a 
prerequisite to joining a mailing list or going to a meeting.

> > I'm not sure what "existing" groups you would suggest working with; 
> > presumably youth groups and the scouts/guides etc.
>
> I was thinking youth groups and clubs around education institutions.

So essentially "computer clubs"?

> Maybe the scouts, guides, woodcraft folk and religious groups with
> interests in sharing might be approachable, but I don't remember them
> being particularly able to form subgroups.

I imagine if people wanted to do something a way would be found, however 
I'm not sure this is the best use of our resources.

> > Knowing how many people are part of these groups in the relevant age 
> > bracket makes me somewhat critical that trying to interest people from 
> > nothing (or persuading them that this is more fun than playing football 
> > or building campfires) is going to be tough.
>
> I don't know how many people are part of them today.  Can you share
> the numbers?

I have not been involved with the scouting movement for about 2 years as 
my unit basically faded into non-existence through lack of people of the 
same age.
In my experience it really depends on the unit itself as to whether 
anything is suitable. Most near me tend to focus on outdoor activities 
especially walking (due to geographical location near the Pennines) and 
so it would be a bit fruitless to target them.



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