Kernow X
Kernow X or Young MK / MK Yowynk is the youth group of Mebyon Kernow - the Party for Cornwall, a political party in Cornwall.
Origins
Kernow X was established in 2007 and emerged from MK Bagas Yowynk (MK - Youth Group / MK - BY) - a group set up by Martin Sanders in 1999 and led by Rhisiart Tal-e-bot. The name Kernow X was chosen following a discussion between MK - BY and Cymru X members at a conference in Mallorca in 2007. In that year MK activists were seeking a more dynamic, structured and attractive organisation to represent a growing number of politically minded young people in Cornwall who had recently joined MK. The organisation is open to anyone under the age of 30 who agree with the aims of the group, as set out in the constitution of Kernow X.
Structure
Kernow X is run by a leadership team (see below) who are elected on an annual basis at the organisation's General Assembly.
Activities
Over the last two years Kernow X has been negotiating its position within MK, with the aim of becoming more independent from the Party. Discussions have been held between the Leadership Team of Kernow X and MK to forge a new relationship between the two organisations. Representatives from Kernow X have taken an increasingly active part in the European Free Alliance Youth (EFAy) over the last five years, which has involved jointly organising a range of European projects together. In addition, Kernow X has also organised social events for their members and other young people in Cornwall, given talks about their role at conferences in other nations and encouraging young people to get more involved in the election process. In 2007 one of its members was elected to Truro City Council.
There have been link-ups with other political youth movements in Europe including Cymru X (Wales), Jeunes de l'UDB (Brittany) and YSI (Scotland).
Leadership Team of Kernow X
- National Convenor (and EFAy representative) - Jezz Anleydh
- National Convenor - Joanie Willet
- National Secretary - Rhisiart Tal-e-bot
- Media and Music - Jago Fletcher
- Internal Coordinator - David Trethewey
- Cornish Universities Coordinator - John Ellery Gillingham