About The USS
The Union campaigns for the rights of Students and has a close working relationship with The Department of Education and Science, The National Children's Office, the NYCI, NCCA, NPCPP, CPA, and USI. They are also a member of the Organizing Bureau of European School Student Unions (OBESSU). In April 2004 they voted to accept membership from students in Northern Ireland and, as of 21 May 2005, the Union of Secondary Students has a registered membership of 47,000 students in the Republic of Ireland, representing approximately 14% of the second level students in the country. The USS is criticized by many for its close ties with the Government, and not having many ties with secondary students. Many former officers were in Government parties and have argued against protests.
The work of the USS falls into three strands:
- To provide training, guidance and advice to students and also equipping them with vital skills which they can use to become involved with decision making in their school community.
- To work in partnership with other organizations to spread the views of secondary school students.
- To provide a service to the membership of the union on the basis that control lies within the membership.
Read more about this topic: Union Of Secondary Students