There is no getting away from it - elections are competitive. But that should not put you off. Whether you are due to graduate this summer or in the future, your next step will be a competitive one. Remember you got on to your course others didn’t - you’ve already undertaken one of the most competitive parts of your life.
Running in an election is no less competitive than applying for a job - and there are very similar aspects:
You have to put yourself out there, talk about why you want the role, what you know about the organisation, and what you will bring to the role.
The are two primary differences between an election and a job application:
- You’ll know who else is going for the role
- You can build a team around you to campaign for you and tell everyone how great you are!
In this section we’ve put together all you need to know about running in the election whether you’re running for to be an Officer, Convenor or as a Committee Member.
Campaign Tips
Crafting a Compelling Manifesto: Blueprint for Success
What is a manifesto?
A manifesto is a brief statement presenting a candidate's platform and vision, aiming to persuade voters by outlining their experience, goals, and proposed initiatives for the improvement of the student experience at UEA. Your manifesto is not just a document; it's a manifesto for change, a roadmap that outlines your vision and commitment. Here are some tips to help you draft an impactful manifesto:
Understand the Role:
Begin by thoroughly understanding the responsibilities of the role you're running for. This knowledge will serve as the foundation for your manifesto, ensuring that your proposals align with the demands of the position.
Identify Key Issues:
Highlight the key issues that matter to your audience. This shows your awareness of their concerns and establishes a connection. Consider incorporating elements from the official job descriptions for added relevance. If you think there is an issue - why not talk to UEA first and get their perspective to help inform how you want to tackle it?
Set Clear Goals:
Clearly outline your goals and the steps you'll take to achieve them. Make your promises tangible, measurable, and realistic. A well-defined set of objectives demonstrates your commitment to bringing about real change.
Personalise Your Message:
Infuse your personality into the manifesto. Share personal anecdotes, experiences, and values that shape your perspective. This not only humanizes your candidacy but also helps voters connect with you on a deeper level.
Innovative Campaigning: Standing Out in the Crowd
Elections provide a canvas for creativity. Here are some tips to infuse innovation into your campaign:
Leverage Social Media:
Utilise the power of social media platforms to connect with your audience. Craft engaging content, share your manifesto, and actively participate in conversations. Create a digital presence that reflects your personality and campaign message.
Host Virtual Town Halls:
In our connected world, virtual town halls which are online gatherings utilising digital platforms, offer a dynamic platform to interact with voters, enabling candidates to discuss their vision, answer questions, and address concerns in a dynamic way, thereby engaging with a diverse audience.
Design Memorable Visuals:
Capture attention with visually appealing campaign materials. Create eye-catching posters, banners, and digital graphics that convey your message effectively. A picture is worth a thousand words, and in a campaign, it can leave a lasting impression. Be creative where you put your campaign material - the Hive is not the only place on campus or in Norwich - have a friend with a house on the Avenues?
Organise Creative Events:
Move beyond traditional methods by organising unique campaign events. Whether it's a themed rally, a flash mob, or an interactive online challenge, creative events generate buzz and set you apart from the competition.
The Power of a Campaign Team: Unleashing Collective Potential
A campaign team is not just a support system; it's a powerhouse that amplifies your message. Here's how to maximise the potential of your campaign team:
Build a Diverse Team:
Assemble a team with diverse skills and perspectives. Having individuals with various strengths will contribute to a well-rounded campaign strategy.
Clearly Define Roles:
Ensure that each team member has a defined role and understands their responsibilities. A clear organisational structure minimises confusion and enhances efficiency.
Regular Communication:
Establish open and regular communication channels within your team. A cohesive team relies on effective communication to stay informed and aligned with campaign goals.
Empower and Motivate:
Encourage team members to contribute ideas and take ownership of their tasks. Empowerment fosters a sense of dedication, resulting in a motivated team working towards a shared vision.
Remember, your campaign is not just about you—it's about the collective effort of your team working towards a common goal. By combining your individual strengths, you'll create a formidable force that leaves a lasting impact on the minds of voters.
Don’t forget, your campaign team are your responsibility. If they do something problematic, you’ll be held accountable.
Vetting process
All candidates participating in the election are required to submit their campaign material for vetting in terms of factual accuracy by the election team before publication. Manifestos posted on the website will undergo automatic checks by the election team, simplifying the process. However, candidates must ensure that the text for any other promotional materials is submitted either by physically delivering copies to the SU office starting from Friday, 1st March, or by emailing su.voice@uea.ac.uk with the subject line 'Candidate campaign text [your name].