B’s Manifesto for Welfare Community and Diversity Officer.
Who Am I?
Hey everyone, I am Brandon Thomas, also known as ‘B’. I am currently in my third year at UEA and would like to try out for your Welfare FTO for next year!
Why do I want to take on this role?
I would like to continue the important work of this role with past members, whilst developing and introducing my own new ideas to make this University a more open space to everyone. I want to work with you as the student body in order to achieve this goal.
Why am I a Good Candidate for this?
During my time at UEA, I have taken on roles in multiple peer support groups, such as the president of UEA Pride Society and Treasurer of Neurodivergent Soc. Alongside this, I have also been serving as your LGBTQ+ Officer in the SU this year. These roles, whilst teaching me about leadership, communication and empathy, have also given me knowledge and I believe it is a good stepping stone into a FTO role.
What do I want to do as your officer?
As your officer, I want to be a center of support for all students at UEA, making sure everyone has the best possible experience. Being queer and neurodivergent myself, I understand that University is a tough transition. For many it’s the first step towards independence. University should be a safe place for people to make friends and study.
As your officer, I want to introduce 5 main policies:
- To reach out and to further help Peer Support, Cultural and other community societies. By holding regular meetings, I will work with these societies to assist and to maximise their potential and become safe places for students.
- To tackle sexual harassment by opening frank and realistic discussions. By making information more accessible and creating support channels for people who have experienced sexual harassment, as well as putting measures in place (such as the current work on anti-spiking devices) for prevention. To create an anonymous report service, which could help victims feel more comfortable to speak out.
- To increase safety for people surrounding the cost-of-living crisis. By raising awareness, sharing information, as well as working with the SU and UEA, we can make sure students aren’t suffering during these unprecedented times.
- To provide events which are open and accessible to everyone, highlighting and showcasing events dedicated towards all communities. I would also support more non-alcohol events for people who do not wish to drink. These events can be talks, movie screenings, nightlife events and other events that you - the student body - want to see.
- To continue work of making UEA accessible for students with disabilities, ensuring their experiences aren’t hindered and helping them feel safer and more supported by the university.
Thank you for reading my manifesto! I hope you consider me as your candidate. Kind Regards to all of you #letsmakethingsbetterwithB
B Thomas