Over the past few months, representatives from IFS and Yes United have been meeting and discussing plans to establish a new national network to help coordinate the Yes Movement and to build a better nation.
A company, Yes2030 Ltd, has been established, with a bank account, articles of association and a board of trustees. The website (Yes2030.Scot) has just been launched and we shall be inviting individuals, organisations and groups to join.
Much more work is required, and we are planning a formal launch at a future date, but the following questions and answers will hopefully outline our ambitions at this time.
FAQs on Yes2030
What is Yes2030?
Established by the Independence Forum Scotland (IFS) and Yes United, Yes2030 aims to grow into a large network which will unify and re-energise the independence movement. Several pro-indy groups including AUOB, Scottish Currency Group and Christians for Independence have already pledged their support, and Yes2030 welcomes all pro-indy groups and individuals to join the network, with each group continuing to pursue their own specialised work. Yes2030 is a company limited by guarantee.
Why set up another organisation?
Despite the best efforts of many individuals and groups, the independence cause is stalled and the movement fragmented. There is a need to bring the movement together and approach independence differently. Preparing for another referendum (which might never happen as the First Minister seems likely to discover) is not enough, we must put in place an updated manifesto for an independent Scotland and win over hearts and minds, step up campaigning, and carry out the huge amount of preparatory work required on state building. We must prepare for negotiations with Westminster about dissolving the union and establishing a Scottish state. The movement needs to work together; Yes2030 will seek to promote, resource and facilitate co-operation between existing groups to create the core of a new united Yes movement, drawing on existing expertise and knowledge and giving the movement a stronger voice.
Why the name ‘Yes2030?
Yes for the positivity of our campaign. 2030 because we expect to be well on the way to independence by then, after having contributed to Scotland decisively choosing independence at a UK general Election. We shall also have a campaigning name and strapline, which makes clear our objectives.
Why do it now?
The independence movement needs, as a matter of urgency, to be ready to deal with the possibility of the next UK election being a plebiscite election on independence, and to be ready and prepared for subsequent negotiations with the UK Government.
Is Yes2030 a political party?
No. It is a grassroots-based, movement-wide independence organisation, embracing diverse strands, but all with the objective of achieving independence for Scotland as soon as possible and, finally, a better nation for our citizens.
What are Yes2030’s aims?
Our overall aim is for a confident, thriving and successful Scotland in which the nation’s children can look forward to a life of achievement and fulfilment in their own country.
We aim to deliver, by democratic means, independence for Scotland at the earliest possible opportunity and we have the following immediate objectives:-
Vision: set out what a better country looks like
Structure: a hub and central resource for the movement ( see next answer)
Coordination: promote political and organisational coherence.
Co-operation: promote unity and collaboration in the movement
Assistance: to develop economic, social and political programmes
Finance: to run an effective movement and campaigns
Professionalism: to bring competence and good governance to the movement’s work
How is Yes2030 planning to unite the movement?
At present the movement is fractured, with disparate groups doing valuable work but not really linking with other groups, and no overall strategy for regaining independence. This has to be addressed if progress is to be made. Yes2030 intends to invite all the active groups to join the network of Yes2030. Individual groups would continue their special areas of interest and expertise, but there would be a central resource, which would be a hub for the movement, helping to coordinate activity, optimise fundraising, develop a prospectus for independence, develop canvassing and data collection and provide communication for members of the movement allowing good discussion and forward momentum towards Scottish Independence.
What will the Yes2030 network bring to your individual group and to supporters?
A central online hub, with some paid staff to build strength, connectivity, cooperation, and credibility across the movement, creating a platform for independence to be won as soon as possible
An online prospectus for an independent Scotland, which systematically addresses the unanswered questions surrounding independence and outlines the opportunities afforded by independence
Assistance for individuals to find, join or support groups in which they are interested or to which they can offer expertise
The momentum and power that comes from a large body of networked organisations and groups, all with the same aim of independence
Potential for large scale fundraising with full transparency
Recreate the positivity of 2014
An online space to post and find events and details of activism
Canvassing platform to enable data collection and active campaigning
Online media for the movement, drawing on existing Independence media platforms
Autonomy for each organisation so that they continue with their work, but with the support of the national campaign network (Yes2030) and extra support and funding if needed.
Can Individuals join Yes2030?
Yes. Individuals will be able to join the network from the launch. The only stipulation is that all who join agree on the need for self determination for Scotland. Supporters will be encouraged to join geographical Yes Groups or specialised groups within Yes2030 depending on their interests and expertise. There will be a brief set of guidelines for individuals and groups to sign up to. Donations will be gratefully received.
What kind of guidelines would I be expected to sign up to?
The guidelines will be along the lines of the following:
I will do my best to
work towards collaboration and co-operation across the network for the purpose of an Independent Scotland;
use positive language as much as possible;
respect diverse opinions, and debate issues and disagreements in a mature and constructive way;
understand and accept that we all agree on only one issue, which is Independence for Scotland;
not undermine other groups or individuals in the network, or the network itself.
Can I volunteer to help Yes 2030?
Yes. Join the network, then join a specialist group, or set up/ join a geographical Independence Group and get involved with campaigning. There will be a contact point on the website.
Who is involved with Yes2030?
Yes2030 was initially formed by representatives from IFS and Yes United, but is steadily growing its connections. The current trustees of Yes2030 are Simon Forrest, Sheena Jardine and Alex Neil from Yes United, and William Duguid and Ian Grant from IFS, Dr Robbie Mochrie and Dave Thompson. All of them are also Directors of Yes2030 Ltd, a company limited by guarantee. More trustees will be recruited from respected figures in the movement, with attention to regional and gender balance. In addition, all pro-indy groups joining Yes2030 will become part of the organisation, as will all individuals who join.
How does Yes2030 intend to raise cash?
Initial operating capital has been contributed by the Trustees. Yes2030 will generate further operating funding from grants and donations, moving quickly to use crowdfunding and other funding streams to enable rapid expansion of its activities.
How can I donate to Yes2030?
There will be donate buttons on the website for one off and regular donations (direct debits). Supporters will also be able to set up standing orders.
Does Yes2030 have a constitution?
As a company limited by guarantee, Yes2030 Ltd has Articles of Association. Individual supporters and affiliated groups will be expected to sign up to the guidelines outlined above.
How does Yes2030 see the route to independence?
Yes2030 sees the next Westminster election as an ideal opportunity to advance the case for independence. We hope to engage with the major pro-indy political parties, the SNP and Scottish Greens, as well as others, with a view to achieving one pro-indy candidate per seat on a single manifesto pledge: independence negotiations in the event of a majority of pro-indy candidates being elected.
Inevitably there are many uncertainties, notably with the Westminster government’s determination not to allow Scots to express their will for independence, and not to negotiate. However, in an uncertain political environment, other opportunities for the people of Scotland to decide their future will emerge, and we aim to be prepared to explore these whenever they do. Yes2030 will need to be robust and versatile, so that it can adapt quickly to changing circumstances, and keep its eye firmly on its core objective of creating the moment in which the people of Scotland’s expression of their settled will turns into the political reality of an Independent Scotland, which the UK will not be able to challenge.
Where is the link I can give out to other interested people to join up??
Still unsure about the why - not independence, but another 'umbrella' grouping? What about Believe in Scotland? Im not keen to fragment the movement.