Hi! I'm a 3rd year Politics student, [She/They], and I’m running to be your next Campaigns&Democracy Officer. I've been involved in SU democracy for three years, consistently campaigning for advancements of students' interests.

Experience:

 While at UEA I have held many elected positions relating to SU democracy/governance:

• Democratic Procedures Committee Chair: Focused on upholding democratic policy.  

• Union-Council Deputy-Chair: Co-running our primary democratic forum, Union-Council.

• Student Officer Trustee: Overseeing Union management.

• Democracy Review Working Group member: enacting the Democracy Review recommendations.

As your next C&D Officer I would enact changes improving SU transparency and accountability, building on my current work and experience, ensuring student voices are heard throughout your organisation! 

As POC Student Officer, (2020-2022) I've worked on:

• Vice-Chancellor's Anti-Racism Taskforce.

• History/PPL Schools' Decolonising working groups.

• Reasonable adjustments working group: advocating academic protections for students with disabilities.

•  UEA Decolonise campaign lead.

Gaining Real-life experience protesting and lobbying; making me best placed to represent your needs in the SU and with the University. 

As a member of UEA’s community, I’ve taken on roles in societies such as:

• History and Palestinian Society President. 

• Latin Dance (Salsa) and Politics Society Treasurer. 

• Union-Rep for numerous societies over the last three years.

In these positions I have worked in teams, managed projects and am used to listening and prioritising the needs of society members, skills needed in your next C&D Officer.

Goals & Aims:

Democracy Review: Student voices need to be heard. The Democracy Review aimed at ensuring the SU is accessible and able to support all students is long overdue for completion!

Accountability & Communication: SU communication on what the organisation is doing must improve!

• Bring back regular, accessible, Officer updates, including, publicising Officer Union-Council updates, because you should know what is happening in your SU!

Mental Health:I believe the University must acknowledge the long-term implications of COVID as a cultural trauma, and work preemptively to support students and student mental health.

Renting: Rent is increasing; safe,student homes and non-exploitative renting practises are vital. l would work with:

• Local renting charities to improve student renter's rights nationally.

• Student advice services, advocating for more advice and support, especially what to do if things go wrong.

Never-Okay: The concerning increase in incidents in the LCR are never okay! To start I would:

• raise awareness by Incentivising and making more widely accessible consent training for students.

• Work with local bus, taxi companies, and clubs to ensure a safe night out across Norwich. 

Decolonise: Continuing the work towards Anti-Racism and making sure PoC student voices are heard, I would:

• Support and expand the BAME Ambassador Scheme.

• Reaching out to STEM, ensuring ongoing student decolonial movements are supported, alongside those in Hum.

Environment/Sustainability: To really impact UEA's Carbon Foot-print I would:

• Continue lobbying for a better University Ethical Investment Policy and bring back the SU Ethical Spending Policy, making sure your tuition-fees are spent on a better future.

Lastly, this is your Student Union; I pledge to support your campaigns, making sure student voices are heard, and needs are met!

 Also! Bring back Pimp-my-Barrow!