A slightly unusual blog this time, but rest assured that a ‘what Nickers did in his holidays’ style account will appear soon.
My main role, and the role of all student Officers is to be a political voice and a political representative. For all that election manifestoes are full of promises to improve bars, put your favourite show on at lunchtime or improve the budget for student activities, these things are only signs of a candidate’s ability to listen and their judgements on current issues. The real focus is on representing student views to the University and local community and for allowing students to make changes to their lifestyle, their community and their world. I’ve been quoted before as saying that the job of the Executive is not to run the Union but to make sure it runs itself. Similarly the role of the Executive is not to be the only ones who campaign for an issue, but to ignite debate, inform the Student body of the issues and allow for voices to be heard. This leads to one thing – collectivism. I believe firmly in the ideals of collectivism and unity – and here’s why.
I’ve been involved with various campaigns over the years and

The other more recent event that has spurred this blog is a text from one of my friends that read “Merry Christmas and well done on the Civil Partnership stuff – that’s great”. I don’t want to suggest that my friend’s sentiment was misplaced or that I wasn’t ecstatic when same-sex couples were granted these rights – but the issue here is of who ‘owns’ the campaign. The fight for civil partnerships was not just a fight by the LGBT community but one fought by those who believe in equality. Collectivism is about adding your voice where it is not expected. Apartheid was not ended by black South Africans alone, and when the closure of the Sociology department was announced at Reading the call was from Sociology students to everyone for support, not just for signatures within the school itself. The Students’ Union is made up of a huge number of groups, but what it should never be made up of is a huge number of divisions. A problem for Sports clubs is a problem for all students; a department closure affects everyone and the failure to provide adequate accommodation in one Halls should be accompanied by a cry from all.
2006 will be a major year for all students. The introduction of variable fees, upheaval in the way we can organise ourselves in Students’ Unions, and the continual march of the Education sector towards a commercial state. On the eve of this year I know that I believe these issues can be met, can be overcome and can be used to make the future better for Students. But this can only be done together. 2006 will be a year of change, a year of campaigning and, I hope, a year of collectivism.
Happy New Year to you all,
Nickers x
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