It was on January 5th 1968 that the election of Alexander Dubcek heralded the dawn of the famous “Prague Spring”, when - in the face of Soviet tanks - thousands of Czech working class people took to the streets under banners demanding “socialism with a human face”…

Today, exactly 40 years on, looking at the global world around us, I begin to wonder if this slogan could be equally applied to the system that has since replaced socialism in virtually all former socialist countries of the world. On the evidence of the first seven years of the 21st Century, it is indeed hard to believe that the capitalist system has, or is capable of showing, a “human face”…

If governments do nothing to change this, or even worse, work hand-in-hand with multinational corporations to exploit people & natural resources at will on a global scale, our only hope left is that ordinary people will again take to the streets and make their voices heard.

It is neither the goal of YTNF to change the system, nor to change governments, nor, of course, is it within our power. There is one very important thing, however, that we can do well in our own small way: Empowering people. First, to be aware of their (human) rights, and subsequently, stand up for them. In doing so, we can also raise critical awareness of the reasons why wars are fought, why there is so much injustice in the world, why so much hunger, malnutrition, discrimination & social marginalization exists, why millions of children throughout the planet are forced to work as slaves, why our natural environment is rapidly dying, or why there is so little solidarity shown to others, less fortunate than ourselves.
We can help people to find alternative, sustainable solutions to problems at local, national & global level!

Happily you, the volunteers of YTNF, still have 72 years left to ensure that this Century does not finish in the way that it has begun: To help build a New World Order based on the principles of authentic, grass-root democracy, justice, non-violent conflict resolution, respect for nature & minorities, sustainable development, fair trade, international solidarity and Peace. You still have the chance to correct the mistakes of the older, selfish & elbowing generation, who have sold their souls to the God of Money.

This is the challenge awaiting you, and millions like you throughout the world, and this is what still gives all humankind (and me) hope for the future. I wish each and every one of you lots of success in this seemingly endless struggle!

A Happy, Peaceful & Joyful New Year!


John Myers
Senior Manager
YTNF