Branwen Mair, Plaid Ifanc vice chair reflects on the year that has been and looks to the future…
Without a doubt, 2016 is a political year to forget for many of us. Wales and the United Kingdom voting to leave the European Union, Donald Trump being elected as President of the United States and the rise of right-wing populism across Europe were some of the year’s significant events.
But looking at the growth and development of Plaid Ifanc, 2016 has been rather successful.
Where to start?
Our annual conference in Cardiff this spring was the most successful yet, with a wide variety of interesting speakers. Liz Musa’s passion was an inspiration for the majority of the 50+ attendees. Following the conference, a number of new branches were established and are quickly growing, including those in Penllyn and Pembrokeshire. These have, in turn, played a leading role in our growth, with the Penllyn branch catching the attention of young supporters with their recent gig.
During the first weekend in June, members of EFAy visited our capital city for their annual conference. This year it was Plaid Ifanc’s turn to organise. Enthusiastic discussions regarding feminism and other issues affecting young people across Europe were held over the weekend, with a gig from Kizzy Crawford to top the Saturday night. Many members also grabbed the chance to visit some of our new friends on various trips, including those to Hungary, Galicia, Catalonia and the Basque Country. Many experiences were shared, and plenty of new ones made!
In addition to these exciting events, many campaigns were run. These included the assembly election campaign, with congratulations to Cardiff branch for coming top in our campaigning table! We also worked with Yes Cymru on their rallies, and many motions were agreed and passed in Plaid’s conference in Llangollen, such as motions against taxing female sanitary products and recruiting under 18s for the army. The committee also held a productive workshop weekend in Llangrannog, something we would like to develop in 2017…
Despite the global disappointments of 2016, Plaid Ifanc is a growing movement, inspiring and offering hope to young people in Wales.
Thank you all for your hard work and onwards we go to 2017!
