Members
Member Organisation
1965
When founded in 1965, DGS was an organisation with left-wing politics, primarily characterised by extra parliamentarian work. Repeatedly, throughout the 20th century, DGS faced challenges, and the organisation was not fully re-energised until the early 21st century. Especially the criticism of DGS’ project of solidarity, Operation Dagsværk, alongside with a counteracting government and other opposing youth organisations challenged DGS during the first three decades of the organisation’s existence.
However, this was the first hesitant beginning of a flourishing organisation. In 2005 DGS merged with the right-wing opponent and the party-political agenda became progressively smaller. At the same time, the membership numbers were increasing and the variety of students represented was increased as the organisation expanded its interface to other educational institutions (HF and IB, while formerly only STX).
Therefore, within half a century DGS has developed from a minor left-wing organisation into a wide-ranging organisation, representing a broader group of students.
Students of the upper secondary school, including Higher Preparatory Courses, STX (high school) and the International Baccalaureate. However, membership is not contracted with the individual student, but with each institution and as often in corporation with the student council.
Number of members
148 schools and approximately 90000 students.
DGS has several visions among these equal admission to education and proper living conditions. Equalisation among students is very important as well, across political, social, ethnic and religious differences. Gender equality and freedom of sexuality is important as well. Furthermore the aim is to activate and politicise Danish youth.
- Students grants and the State Education Fund;
- The State economy concerning education;
- Pupil partition, locally at their place of education as well as in society. Last years focus on pupil partition has especially dealt with teaching methods and student involvement;
- Housing of students and fair prices for student accommodation;
- Stress among students.
Recently (June 2015) parliamentary elections were held. In relation to this, DGS in collaboration with the other Danish School Unions, campaigned in order to bring attention to the agenda on Danish youth.
The main slogans were “16 as the electoral age”, “Equal admission to education”, “Educational investment” and “Student grant on a level for decent living” (The slogans are approximate translations).
During the campaign different activities and events were held, for example:
- Hang posters all over the country in the main cities – here;
- Activities, ex. giving out pasta with ketchup in order to pinpoint the student grants;
- Demonstration with banners – here;
- Panel debates – here and here;
- Facebook pages – here;
- Webpages – here.
On Facebook and the webpage videos and interviews were regularly launched.