Howdy folks!
Welcome Week is fast approaching, new students are packing up all their belongings, and the Events Timetable is being released in waves to save you from being overwhelmed before you even arrive.
This month has seen the whole SU team putting the finishing touches to a lot of exciting events, from Traffic Light parties and Drag Shows to Glow Raves and Dog Walks on campus! Make sure that you keep an eye out on the SU’s Instagram, the Officers Instagrams, and for freshers – check your Wall Planners in your Flats for all the key dates!!
At the start of August, both England and the north of Ireland were shaken by an explosion of Fascist violence and racist pogroms not seen in the UK since the Notting Hill race riots of 1958. As an organisation that centres anti-racism, inclusion, diversity, and decolonisation we understandably dropped all but the most essential parts of the day-to-day activities and set about doing everything in our power to support our students and local community.
We reached out to local Mosques and Temples to extend our solidarity and let them know that they were not alone in our Fine City. We reached out to students, societies, and clubs letting them know that we were there for them, both in spirit and in action, and that no matter what was happening in the UK, that they would always be safe and supported by the SU. We released information letting people know how best to keep themselves as safe as possible should they choose to attend counterdemonstrations, either here in Norwich or back home in their own communities.
All this was done on top of the personal outreach that the Officers and all of us at the SU did in our own personal lives – to our friends, families, and loved ones. Suffice to say, it was emotionally draining time for us all.
On top of this immediate work to secure our students and communities, I took the lead on organising a community building event. When so many of our racialised students have had their sense of safety in the UK shattered, both Bhaskar (Postgraduate Officer) and I wanted to make sure that the SU was fostering the personal connections and relationships that are the very core of any cohesive community. First imagined as a BBQ/Picnic, given the heatwave that week, we thought it more reasonable to hand out some fruit, juice, and cola in the hive. We also encouraged people to take a break from their studies and play some board games with some friends or strangers. Even SU Security Team got in on the action (and a massive thank you goes out to them)!
So other than pushing back the Fascist tide, what else have you been doing with your time?
Even though Undergraduate students, who make up the majority of UEA students, haven't been about on campus for a couple of months, that doesn’t mean that student engagement has stopped. I’ve had a chance to dip my toe in the ‘Campaign’ part of my job title before the new academic year starts in earnest with two students having taken the opportunity to get started on campaigning for change at UEA in the new term.
While I certainly wouldn’t want to steal their thunder, here’s what I can tell you: The SU and our bars are going to be greener and more eco-friendly in the coming months, and the SU will be producing a “How-To” guide on starting, running, and building an effective campaign to change the world around us. It won’t be fool proof or a guarantee of success, but for those looking to find their footing as activists, it’ll be a useful place to start your journey!
What about your manifesto goals? Any progress on them so far?
Funny you should ask – yes!
The “Know your rights” campaign promised for international students is in the final stages of organising, with both digital and analogue versions of it ready to go live for the arrival of our new international students in the second week of September! Manifesto goal met!
The Democracy Review has been stripped of its jargon, made easily understandable for students of any discipline, and had the kinks and ‘issues’ sorted out. On top of this, the boring behind the scenes stuff has all been sorted and updated, with the SU team ready to go if the changes are passed by Union Council. With this goal in mind, I’ll also be launching a “New Democracy” campaign in the first term, looking to speak to students across the university, both to explain the proposed changes and extoll the virtues of the new system! Keep an eye on my Instagram to see where and when you can hear about this campaign! Manifesto goal in sight!
Finally – I’ve been meeting with the local Norwich branch of the community union ACORN to see how we can build closer connections with activist groups in the city and look after the interests of students in Norwich and our wider communities. Whether it be supporting students in their fight against landlords trying to keep your deposits, training students in the basics of the community work that is the backbone of any (decent) activist group, or supporting international and racialised students who can be subject to housing discrimination when seeking accommodation in our Fine City, we’re working on the best ways to engage the UEA community in worthwhile, affective activism. Not a single ‘newspaper’ seller was in sight! Manifesto goal starting to take shape!
I’m contactable through either the C&D Instagram account or by email at?c.kershaw@uea.ac.uk. From Monday 23rd September I'll also be in the Officer Hub on the ground floor of the SU building every week between 11am-1pm running ‘office hours’ for students to come and raise issues with me, chat about campaigns you’re interested in running, or just to talk about politics, history, or anything that takes your fancy!??
I’m really looking forward to working with you all over the next year and can't wait to see what we’re going to achieve together!?
All the best and good health,?
Chris – Campaigns and Democracy Officer