Honest Truth, Optimism and "How Are You?"

Festive Season Reflections on 2012

These past few months, I have been finding things hard. It might not be a surprise to you, seeing as well as this role, I am in my final year of my degree and I have a part time job. I'm telling you now, it was a surprise to me! I knew I could do all of these things, as well as a weekly radio show. What I didn't count on was getting ill and then tired, and then emotionally stretched.

I got to a point where I decided to start admitting to people that I was finding it hard, every now and then in the "How are you?" question we ask each other daily. I tried to touch on being less patient and more and more frustrated, particularly with this role I volunteer in. I tried to touch on being ill and unwell. I thought that by admitting I was finding it hard, I would firstly make myself stronger and secondly it would this hard time would magically vanish. It didn't work quite like that.

I was in two minds about writing this on my blog post, which is supposed to be professional about Equality & Liberation. I didn't want to admit a weakness really, and I was afraid. However it stayed with me, and more importantly I cannot be the only person at Royal Holloway who finds things hard.

We all get caught up with the stress of our course, the essay deadlines, our part-time work, looking after our health, our friendships and relationships and much more. If there is one thing that this year has taught me, then it is that everybody has their own shit going on. I've been preparing for Mental Health Awareness Week next term, and I've realised just how important it is to ask those three words - "How are you?". We all deal with stress in different ways, but when you're living alone with people you haven't known for more than a few years, coping can be tough. Where do you even begin? Start by asking those three words. If RHULAgony Aunt and the rest of those pages are anything to go by, we're not alone.

We've come so far this 2012: Liberation Officers in Disability, BME, Women & Marginalised Genders and LGBT+ will come into place in our Union. Societies are holding more collaborative talks and debates to probe the student mind. We have changed small things in General Meetings to make them more accessible and we've altered how elections are run. We're slowly making Founders Library wheelchair accessible, and beginning to talk about liberation. We're going places.

University is a whirlwind of experiences, embrace every single one of them! Do not forget how much you've put in to your society, your ideas, your course and your passions. Not often enough are we appreciative and encouraging of each other. We forget that every one else has their own hurdles to jump on top of their workloads, which makes even seemingly small achievements mountainous!
You know what? I appreciate you. I appreciate the fact that you take the time to read my blog!

So this New Year, remember the good times when things are hard. Remember to check how the family, friends and acquaintances around you are doing. Remember to prioritise your health before your course, and your course before your hobbies. Remember that summer is coming, that 2013 is a fresh start for you to be whatever you want to be - or that you can be just the same. Remember to laugh and be silly and to forget about work for a bit. But most importantly, remember how wonderful you are, how strong, how lovely - because when the hard time comes around, you'll need reminding.

Seasonal Greetings from May and I!

Zero Tolerance, Mental Health Awareness Week and the Jolly Season

Monday 10th to Sunday 16th December 2012

Zero Tolerance

So far, we have been accredited by the Women's NUS and been sent loads of stickers and posters to promote the policy in our SU. In January next year, we will begin training the SU Security in what Zero Tolerance is and how it works. I have also made small business cards with useful contacts for any victim of sexual harassment, that security will carry around with them. The contacts include support services available in college and at the SU. We're also looking into getting Zero Tolerance posters in toilets, and the logo onto the projector and the SU wristbands. 

We're getting there, slowly but surely!

Mental Health Awareness Week

We talked about this at a Campaigns Sub-Committee meeting and also at the Inclusion & Representation Senate on Tuesday. The week begins on the 21st January, and is going to be incredible!

I spent the whole of this week taking photos of the wonderful students on campus with placards with mental health statistics. All of the facts come from various mental health charities and trusted sources - I say this because many of them can be very surprising. What touched me is that more often than I planned, people would choose a statistic that related to their mother, their brother, their friend, someone they knew. I think that this is a wonderful example of how mental health affects many of us and many of the people who are close to us. This part of the campaign is to raise awareness of how mental health is a serious issue which we all need to face up to by talking about it. Of course talk about it when you feel ready and comfortable, but it is important that we are all understanding of what mental illness is. That way, we can guide each other to getting the support when and where we need it. 

The I&R Senate will also be organising a talk by students, a video with these students, and a poster campaign with the societies. Expect to be contacted very soon!

Happy Holidays!

Yes, it is the holidays! Enjoy yourself, work hard, eat well and build your courage up again for the year ahead. I don't know about you, but the next two terms have me quaking in my slippers already. It's my final year, there are massive campaigns to run and I will have a lot on my plate, as we all do. Take this time to rebuild your immune system by taking those vitamins and eating those vegetables. Take the time to sleep and see your friends. In 2013, you'll be thankful for it.

Disabled History Month - Inspirational Person Number #3

Stevie Wonder

You must have heard of him! 

He is an American singer and songwriter, who became blind shortly after birth. He was born on the 13th May in 1950 six weeks premature, which gave his eyes insufficient time to develop. 

At an early age he began playing the piano, harmonica, drums and also the bass. He got signed to his first record label at only 11 years old, first major hit at 13 years and still performs today! He has won 22 Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award, and was named by Rolling Stone magazine as the greatest singer of all time. Now he can also play the synthesiser, congas, drums, bongos, organ, melodic and clavinet. 

I love his story (and quite a bit of his music too!), and I think the quote to the left is apt. He's had a very successful career, but it can't have been without it's hardships.

Body Hair, I&R and Founders Library (again!)

Monday 3rd December to Sunday 9th December 2012

Founders Wheelchair Access

A meeting with College again this week established that wheelchair access to Founders library is indeed possible, and certainly for evacuation in case of fire. We've been able to get one student access to the Reading Rooms on the first floor, but it should be an option for all students.

If you think that Founders Library should be accessible to wheelchair users, and that having the possibility of studying in those beautiful rooms should be an option for all, write me a letter. Tell me why you think it's important, how it influences your personal student experience, and what it would mean to you if it was possible. Email me at eandl@su.rhul.ac.uk

Inclusion & Representation Senate and the General Meeting

Tuesday evening was a bundle of excitement! 

Firstly we had the I&R Senate in Rialto (every term-time Tuesday, 5pm to 6pm) where everyone is welcome! We talked about the changes to the General Meeting structure that were happening that evening, what our representatives had been up to and where to go next with Mental Health Awareness Week. Come along up this Tuesday and we'll be structuring our plans and beginning to delegate. Campaigns take a team effort!

The General Meeting was straight after, and many things were different! The seating arrangement, the chair on the stage etc. I made a feedback box and a questionnaire for everyone there, and we got 33 replies (not bad, considering!). If you want to find out what people liked and didn't like about the changes made, then look at this link here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1venYPeulGiclWvsn8zAZthdmw_xM2y09awJKwVhYD9A/edit where you can see some very simple graphs that I've drawn up. Thank you to everyone who took the time to reply. 

The I&R Senate had been working with the Feminism Society on a motion to condemn the harassment that occurs outside of abortion clinics in London, and that could also happen here. It was about access to unbiased information and services without intimidation and harassment, something I think of as a right. It also raised awareness of where emotional, medial and spiritual support was available on campus should our students require. I'd contacted all the faith societies to check the wording and implications, and it went well. Luckily, all of our hard work paid off and the motion passed with a landslide.

Let's Talk About Disability

This was on Wednesday, in the middle of the day in an attempt to be as accessible as possible. I was a  little nervous at first, having never chaired a talk on such a personally sensitive topic before, and yet it was a resounding success. We were lucky to have speakers with such a variety of views, highlighting how diverse disability can be. The turn out was good too, considering it's a subject you might not consider unless it affects yourself or a loved one. It opened my eyes that bit wider, and also reminded me why I ran for this role in the first place - to make a difference, to further my own and others understanding. 

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the speakers for the time it took to prepare their speech and travel, and for being prepared to embark on something that can be incredibly personal. One speaker, Chris, couldn't make it due to snow near Egham, but still got as far as London from Cambridge. You can find his speech here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/chris-page/lets-talk-about-disability-some-thoughts-for-disabled-history-month/10151108394206008 which highlights a few things that weren't talked about.

Hairy Talk, then One Nation Labour Talk

Feminism Society held a talk with Emer O'Toole (who was fantastic!) on body hair. Emer began by talking about why she grew body hair, and what it means to society. It raises questions about beauty standards, why we need to be attractive in the first place, and the true source of the pressure. It was really surprising to get into groups of people I didn't know and to talk about body hair. So many questions that I had never thoroughly asked myself: Why do you shave? When did you begin? Why did you begin? What would happen if you didn't? Try answering some of the questions now, yourself.
I just wish that the session had been longer! What I liked was that it ended on a "I'm not telling you to stop shaving, just start questioning" note, which includes everyone on the body hair spectrum. We should be questioning the things we take for granted. You can find out more about Emer here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/profile/emer-o-toole
Then I went (on a whim) to a talk by Labour Society with Rowenna Davis. It was my first talk by a political party, something that a year ago I would never have imagined taking an interest in. It was interesting and alien, deliberating constituencies, direct action, positions of power and more. The discussion at the end about education and educational systems to implement showed a range of ideas. It was a "different" experience for me. I'll definitely pass by their talks again, but discussions on the implications of body hair more personally challenging at the moment!

Hop to see you next time!

Coming up this week:

Monday

7m in ALT1 - Debate Soc: Harry Potter Vs Lord Of The Rings

Tuesday

5pm in Rialto - Inclusion & Representation Senate

6pm in Imagine - International Students Sub-Committee

7pm in SU - Student Worker Forum

Thursday

9pm in Medicine/Stumble Inn - End of the World Party 

My Second Disabled History Month Inspirational Person

Disabled History Month: 22nd November to 22nd December

I&R Senate Poster: Alison Lapper

I promised to write about a disabled person that inspires me every blog post during this month, and so my inspirational person number two is Alison Lapper. 

I read her life story when I was around 11 years old, and I thought she was amazing. For me, reading it as a young girl, she broke down the barriers of what is expected of someone with no arms, had studied an art degree and also left an abusive relationship. Such things that had never even crossed my mind at that point. 

Alison was born with phocomelia, which meant that she had no arms and very short legs. She has had very little contact with her mother or family, and was institutionalised. When young, she refused to use artificial limbs as they were made to make her look 'normal' as opposed to helping her functioning. At 19 years old she moved to London, got a driving licence and a flat. She studied Fine Art at University of Brighton, and graduated with a first class honours degree. She paints with her mouth and questions physical normality and beauty, but she also uses photography and digital imaging. When pregnant she posed for the sculptor Marc Quinn, and the sculpture was in Trafalgar Square, London up until 2007, which sparked controversy. A large replica of the statue was used in the 2012 Paralympics Opening ceremony.

It's true; there are many beautiful statues of women with no arms, and yet her disability is not considered beautiful. Take a look at Venus de Milo, for example.

Alison Lapper, an Open Forum and Disability

Monday 26th November to Sunday 2nd December 2012

Disability at Royal Holloway

As you may know, it is Disabled History Month. 

I&R Senate Poster: Stevie Wonder

Disability can be physical, mental or a learning difficulty, and we need to change the stigma that surrounds this word. Disability is something that makes people feel uncomfortable - and it shouldn't. We need a kind of role model. We need to see more people who are comfortable with their disability, and not only during the paralympics. We need to acknowledge that disability doesn't define us, that we decide who we are. 

On Wednesday the 5th December, 1pm until 3pm in the International Building (IN244) we have a "Let's Talk About Disability" with student speakers from Royal Holloway and Cambridge University. Come along and show your support. You can find a link to the talk here: https://www.facebook.com/events/373952396032975/?fref=ts

You can also find images and quotes from famous disabled people on the Inclusion & Representation Senate Facebook Page, here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.251222608340594.59194.225648467564675&type=3

Let's Talk About Sex & Sexuality

This was a cosy event, and the speakers included a volunteer from the Terrence Higgins Trust who explained safe sexual health. We also addressed the concept of virginity and exploring one's sexuality at University, we talked about homosexuality and contraception, and promiscuity. We covered most things, and the whole point of the talk was to discuss various kinds of sex and sexuality, and to emphasise that it's ok as long as you and your partner(s) are safe and happy. It's important that we also talk about asexuality and abstinence, because these are also dimensions of sexuality that are often ignored. 

It was SHAG week this week (Sexual Health Advice & Guidance), so there was plenty of information available and also trips to the sexual health clinic as well. Remember, you can pick up free and anonymous Chlamydia and Gonorrhea tests from both the SU and the Health Centre throughout the year. Condoms, lube and dental dams are also available from the SU, and the Campus Health Centre has a Sexual Health & Contraception nurse every term-time Wednesday (by appointment). So even if SHAG week was only for a week, remember the information throughout the year!

Open Forum on General Meetings

This was on Tuesday evening in Imagine. It was great to see a variety of people: the President, some members of the Executive Committee, some first years and a few second years as well. It's worth noting that all of  Exec wanted to come, but I managed to dissuade the majority in order to encourage first and second year undergraduates to provide ideas and suggestions. I find that it's very easy to bat ideas away when you're used to the system, but what we needed were the fresh, new eyes we all began with once. 

We used big pieces of paper to mind map the problems and solutions around Twitter, the seating arrangement and timings of motions etc.

We came up with the following alterations that will all be implemented next general meeting (the 4th December: https://www.facebook.com/events/172806082863693/?fref=ts). We'll be wanting your feedback also, so please do keep your eyes peeled on the night! I'll have forms available and an anonymous posting box too. For accountability's sake, and because I will do everything I can to make sure this all happens, here's our list (with Exec's suggestions as well):

- Motions always published on a friday (check out the SU website!)
- Food is made available through Rialto

- Chair has an aid ( a member of the Demok team), and both sit on the stage, with the Steering Desk on the floor and to the left
- Twitter is projected onto a screen. Something nasty is tweeted = warning. If done again, blocked from twitter screen.
- Email the chair with questions from your college email if too shy to ask out loud
- Stricter on mocking or aggressive behaviour, at the Chair's discretion
- General Meeting seating arranged into a Semi-circle
- Copies of relevant documents (motions, agendas etc) available at steering desk
- Pieces of paper handed out with the elected positions available
- Chair explains procedural motions at the beginning of the General Meeting
- Maximum of 20minutes additional discussion time for a motion, in 2x 10minute increments.
- Guillotines (strict timings)
- Pause after each motion
- If someone speaks after their allocated time, then 5seconds after the chair says "time" their microphone is switched off.
- Music during each break
- Feedback box on these changes made

I'm happy to announce that the first task has already been done: the motions are available online at https://www.su.rhul.ac.uk/asset/News/6001/SURHUL-General-Meeting.pdf , and this evening I will start making our feedback box (it will be beautiful!).

Me in the Insanity Radio Studio

Insanity Radio

I was on air a lot this week! I spent an hour on Nehanda's show on Tuesday (every Tuesday, 7pm to 8pm). She was very kind, as she let my dad sit in the background quietly! He had come to visit me as he was in the area. Nehanda has an amazing show where she asks questions, talks about and plays music on life and love, all spurred on by a wordless meeting with a handsome man in Starbucks in Staines. Listen to her show, it's incredible and a great laugh to listen to. She asked me what my greatest fear was in terms of relationships - a question that actually took me a lot of thought. Now that I know my answer, I feel empowered by knowing my one weakness, but also remarkably humbled by it. My greatest fear? Not being understood. 

As per usual, I had my show Desert Island Sid with Craig McVegas (Wednesdays at 11am). It's one of my last shows, as I won't be able to continue next term. Hopefully I'll be able to record a few and fill in for people when they're ill! Anyway, Craig has led a very interesting life and we talked about his favourite songs and facts. Luckily for us, the music we needed was uploaded minutes before the show itself - Insanity has changed it's programming system this week, which led to a complicated juggle of music on the system midweek. 

Half way through my Wednesday show, it transpired that both Kenny and Jamie were too ill to take on the SU show (on every Wednesday from 12 until 2pm), so Craig and I obliged. We are both Exec Officers, you see. We talked about everything - from upcoming SU events to SHAG week to Disabled History Month, from the referendum to live music to movember. Not bad for a last minute show!

Remember, you can listen online at: http://www.insanityradio.com/ and tweet them https://twitter.com/InsanityRadio!

Craig, our Campaigns Officer at the Insanity Radio Studio

I&R Senate

We had a brief informal meeting on Wednesday where we went over what is needed to develop a campaign. Next term will be incredibly busy, and we need to start planning now! The I&R Senate now has a regular meeting: every Tuesday, between 5pm and 6pm in Rialto. Come along and show your face, share your ideas and take part in the awesomeness that is the I&R Senate! As always, like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SURHUL.Inclusion and feel free to email me eandl@su.rhul.ac.uk.

What's happening this week? A lot!

Monday 3rd December 2012

"The Crisis in Palestine: an Evening of Discussion", in ALT 1 at 7pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/128614323962729/

RHUBARB TV Board Member Elections, MLT at 7pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/442296322498266/

Tuesday 4th December 2012

I&R Senate meets at Rialto, 5pm

https://www.facebook.com/SURHUL.Inclusion?ref=ts&fref=ts

The General Meeting, 6.30pm, SU main hall

https://www.facebook.com/events/172806082863693/?fref=ts

Wednesday 5th December 2012

Let's Talk About Disability, 1pm in the International Building, IN244

https://www.facebook.com/events/373952396032975/?fref=ts

Film Night: Love Holloway Hate Hatred, ALT1, 7pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/266203586836237/

Thursday 6th December 2012

Student Worker Forum, SU Main Hall at 6.30pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/165479573593695/

Until next time!

Founders Library, Helen Keller and the Demonstration

Monday 19th November to Sunday 25th November 2012

Founders Library Wheelchair Access

I was at a meeting earlier this week with college to discuss making Founders Library Wheelchair accessible for students. The bottom line is - it's possible. We'll be trying out fire escape routes etc, and so far are working on the project at an individual student level. Students have such a variety of needs and the library is so inaccessible at the moment, that it will need to be taken on a case by case basis.
However, please write to me (no matter your disability or reliance on a wheelchair) about why wheelchair access to Founders Library is important to you. How do you feel, not being able to access it? What would being able to study there mean to you? Do you have a friend you would like to study there with? Email me at eandl@su.rhul.ac.uk

Disabled History Month

It's from the 22nd November to the 22nd December! Luckily for us, the NUS Disabled Students Officer and also the Cambridge Welfare Officer have offered to come and talk at Royal Holloway, so I'm am getting busy organising that! On Sunday the 2nd December, Student Activities are holding a Superhuman Sports Day in honour of the incredible Paralympics! Register your interest with Steph by emailing her at sports@su.rhul.ac.uk. What ever your disability, and even if you don't consider yourself to have a disability - it will be a great laugh! Give it a go, you have nothing to loose.
Because of Disabled History Month, I am going to post in each blog someone disabled that I find inspirational. Who better to start with than Helen Keller, who inspired me to run for the position of Equality & Liberation Officer with this quote:

"I am only one, and yet I am still one. I cannot do everything, but I can still do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something I can do."

Helen Keller

Born in 1880 in Alabama, USA, at 19months old she had an illness which left her deaf and blind. It was her cook who first recognised that she was trying to communicate through signs. Helen was the first deafblind person to earn a BA degree, and was an American writer, political activist and lecturer. She campaigned for womens' suffrage, labour rights and socialism amongst other causes, and was a member of both Socialist Party of America and Industrial Workers of the World. She died just before her 88th birthday in 1968. I like her because all of her quotes are perfect in length and sentiment, and that's how I discovered her. She must have had a hard time communicating without sound or sight, but with help she tackled this and was able to fight for causes I am sympathetic to, like the womens' suffrage. 

Transgender Day of Remembrance

This was on Tuesday the 20th November, at ULU in London. It was a really nice space to be in, and together we read through the names of all the people who had been murdered because of their gender. For every single name that was read out, we lit a candle for them. After reading through the names, CN played "Bridge Over Troubled Water", and I will never be able to listen to that song the same way again. It was incredibly moving, and just right after the tough name reading. After that we had various musical acts and poetry, all by people who identified as trans, and the evening ended on a positive note. It was the first TDoR I have been able to go to - and I will certainly make the effort to go next year.

Demonstration 

Oli, Joe and Jamie at the Demo

Wednesday the 21st November was wet and rainy. Incredibly wet. Nonetheless, we marched through the streets of London with our drums beating and our placards held high - until we reached a quiet suburban area with a park, where we were supposed to gather. It had been a long, cold and wet day, and we finished in the middle of nowhere. We weren't angry with the people living in the houses lining the street, we were angry with the government! But the route agreed by the NUS and the Police led us to nowhere of any significance.
I don't regret going and representing the liberation groups who will be hit hardest by the changes to education fees, but I do wish I had taken an umbrella.

Feminism Society and Debate Society: Can men be feminists, or only allies?

Well, it was an experience! I was a last minute replacement and was put on the "Men can only be allies" team. Debate Society used to terrify me, and so I had adrenaline running through me for the whole session! It didn't help that most of the room sided with "Men can be feminists" in the first place, and so most of the question directing was at the proposition side (gulp, me!). But I was paired with someone from said Debate Soc and he was very good.
My honest opinion? That men can be feminists, but should work towards becoming allies. Through personal experience, I have sometimes been able to attend caucuses that I don't actually identify with (I was an invisible presence) - and it dawned on me that for many of the people here, it was the only space they felt safe. The only place. I heard things that were so honest, so hurtful, so strinkingly true, that I felt uncomfortable, because it felt like I was imposing on this safe space. I honestly think that being an ally takes humility, takes a lot of listening, means taking criticism constructively and also leaving the spaces sometimes. It's about recognising that it's not about you. You shouldn't jump up and down screaming "Look at me! I'm a decent human being! I'm an ally!", because we all should be. It's about encouraging others to be allies as well, and always being ready to learn more.

This Week:

It's SHAG Week!
That's Sexual Health Advice and Guidance week! There will be plenty going on! You can check out the whole range of events here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/112302825597003/?fref=ts
And on Monday, at 7pm in the Arts Building, the I&R Senate are having a Let's Talk About Sex & Sexuality: https://www.facebook.com/events/301235059982109/?fref=ts

Open Forum on General Meetings
If you've never been to a General Meeting, or you love them so much you turn up just for laughs - we're having a friendly and relaxed drop in forum on the topic. Get creative with solutions, because we're going to have to tackle this together! https://www.facebook.com/events/134054006745301/?fref=ts

I&R Senate
A more relaxed one, on becoming the best activists we can be. Wednesday, 2pm in Imagine. Come along, even if you're just curious and want to know more about creating campaigns that work. https://www.facebook.com/events/527004283996019/

Radio Show
As always, I have a radio show on Wednesdays at 11am! Fill out the form online if you would like to be my next guest! http://www.insanityradio.com/shows/desert-island-sid

Poster for Monday Night

General Meetings, I&R and Placards

Monday 12th November to Sunday 18th November 2012

General Meeting Accessibility

I would like to begin with this topic. I wasn’t able to make the Emergency General Meeting (EGM) this Friday due to work commitments, but the repercussions of which seem to be echoing on the internet even today. This isn’t just about EGMs, it’s also about General Meetings (GMs). 

It’s true, sometimes we can Tweet or put things on Facebook that after reflection, probably oughtn't have been mentioned at all. It’s not one person or one group of people, but a growing culture of freely criticising people through internet forums.

GMs are supposed to promote discussion and debate, they are supposed to be spaces where ideas are challenged. Where we’re going wrong is that internet forums such as Twitter are now being used in ways that indirectly target people personally. This behaviour has steadily been growing, but judging from these same internet forums today, students no longer find it acceptable. What’s more, we’re right. 

It’s terrifying to speak to a room full of people who might disagree with you, let alone the sniggers in the audience or the judgemental Twitter feed about you afterwards. We are not the Houses of Parliament. We are an accessible Student’s Union, a safe space. We are supposed to be representing everyone, making you feel welcome whether it’s your first or fiftieth GM. 

So, what are we going to do about? Moan about it on the same internet forums we’ve previously used to criticise? Wallow in self pity and accusations?

No! 

We’re going to work together, face to face. No matter how many or how few GMs you’ve been to, whether you know the constitution like the back of your hand or you didn’t even know there was one - there is a relaxed, friendly open forum next Tuesday. Pop by and share your ideas. You can find the facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/134054006745301/

I believe in making the Union accessible, equal, inclusive, representative and liberated. So, how do you propose we get there?

Harry

Scrutiny & Accountability Meeting

This was on Monday, and felt a little like going to see the teacher for a school report! It really wasn’t as scary as all that, but did feel a bit odd. The funny thing was, they were monitoring our progress according to the constitution and the manifestos we ran for the positions with. In all honesty, I’ve begun doing loads of other things that I hadn’t put on my manifesto! And that stuff didn’t count! Fair enough really, we ran on manifestos and that’s what you voted us in for. I’ll just have to pull my socks up (is that even a phrase?) and get to it, even the itty-bitty constitution bits!

Executive Committee and General Meeting 

Exec met on Monday evening, it must have been a pretty normal meeting as I have nothing special to mention - sorry! However, Tuesday evening was the General Meeting, and I’m not sure where to begin. Some controversial motions were brought up, but more than that, it was the raw emotion behind each point of view. I suppose that’s how accessibility in GMs was brought up, as passion can always be misunderstood on the internet. I am not just talking about the Poppygate motion (otherwise known as whether Dan Cooper, ULU Vice President should have laid a wreath on Remembrance Sunday or not). For some the motion on no platform for fascists was uncomfortable to watch, including myself. I left that GM feeling raw and worn out, and I can’t have been the only one. Perhaps the internet is a vent for passion, frustration and anger that ignores the more sensitive side to us all. I’m not sure, but as Equality & Liberation Officer I am working on inclusivity and understanding. Feel free to come along to the drop-in open forum for GM accessibility, I would like to know what you think.
Also, congratulations to Hodan Elmo, who was elected BME Rep for the I&R Senate and SURHUL! We are so happy to welcome you on board - avid readers, watch this space!

Talha

Inclusion and Representation Senate

We met on Thursday evening in Imagine. It was great to have such a good turnout! We collectively came up with ideas on SHAG week, and how to keep it informative. We also talked about making sure that people can ask questions anonymously at the next talk, called “Let’s Talk About Sex and Sexuality”. Not all “Let’s Talk About” talks have to be about sex, it’s just worked out that way! The talk will be on Monday.

The I&R Senate particularly want to emphasise that however much or little sex you like, and with whoever you like - that’s alright. SHAG week is to make sure we are all keeping safe, happy and healthy in our relationships. It should be good fun too!

We also kept up to date with progress so far, including Zero Tolerance, wheelchair accessibility to Founders Library and the UCU nursery petition amongst other things. The minutes will be available on the SU website soon!

Demonstration on Wednesday 21st November 2012

To highlight how the education debts disproportionately affect those who identify with liberation branches, namely ethnicity, gender, sexuality and disability, we went around the University taking photos of people with statistics. Thank you to everyone who leant us their beautiful face! You can see the photos on the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.245883448874510.57749.225648467564675&type=1

If you would like to meet us for the march, there will be a coach leaving from Royal Holloway to take us there and back! Tickets are £5, and you get a free t-shirt (which makes excellent pyjamas!). Find out more from the reception at SURHUL!

Lizz

New Trans* Welfare Rep in LGBT+ Society 

Congratulations to Lizz White, who got elected as the new Trans* Welfare Rep for LGBT+ Society. It's a very important role, and they'll be working with Jess (Gender Rep) and Moose (LGBT+ Rep) on keeping us informed about Trans* issues and awareness. It's a tough job, but with the I&R Senate, we can do it!

Society Photo Day

For those of you taking photos with your society or sports team this weekend, I got in on the fun! I was able to help the photographers out on Saturday, taking down your names for your photos. Thank you also for your patience, spelling out your names and waiting in an orderly queue. In a noisy corridor, ‘m’ and ‘n’ sound remarkably identical! I couldn’t help out on Sunday, but Saturday I managed to sneak away for 5minutes to get my photo with Feminism Society! What larks!

As always, feel free to email me! I'll be seeing you on the march on Wednesday, then! Ciao!

Reading Week, Brighton and a Petition

Monday 5th to Sunday 11th November, 2012

What have I been up to this week? Well, I ran away to Brighton where I hid in my room and tried to get as much of my degree work done as possible. 

So, Equality & Liberation had to take a backseat this week; but as soon as my lectures restart from tomorrow, I'll be taking it all on again. But I did do some emails, organised for the Senate this Thursday and promoted the petition as best I could, so I didn't forget all about my role! Lined up this week, I have a meeting with the Scrutiny & Accountability board (they make sure we work on the things in our manifesto), I'm going to the LGBT Soc Trans Welfare Elections and also to the I&R Senate on Thursday. 

A few things for you to look out for:

1. Sign the petition! The campus nursery fees are far too expensive for the Staff of Holloway, let alone the students. If we want to be an institution that's open and accessible for everyone, including student parents, then we need an affordable nursery.  The SU is supporting the UCU in campaigning for this, begin with one small step by signing!

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/nursery-cost-at-rhul/

2. Attend the GM! On Tuesday this week is the third General Meeting of the year! For those of you who are curious, a general meeting is where students gather together to decide on what the Students Union should stand for. You usually have a President or Rep from each Society and Sport there, as well as the Elected Officers. It's a good opportunity to see EXACTLY what we do and what we say we do! Also, come and say hello! We're usually tired by 6pm on a Tuesday, but don't hesitate to tell us what you think about anything. It's what we're here for!

https://www.facebook.com/events/432993220095748/?fref=ts

3. Come to the I&R Senate! Another thing that's happening is the I&R Senate! We will be meeting this Thursday, 6pm, in Imagine. We'll be chasing up on each other's progress so far, finding out future plans, deciding what our future plans should be and also coming up with events for SHAG Week (that's Sexual Health Advice and Guidance, folks!). Pop down and say hello, even if you're only a little bit curious! Meet us all, and you can tell us what you think we should be doing!

https://www.facebook.com/events/381638841914602/

https://www.facebook.com/SURHUL.Inclusion


In the meantime I wish you a wonderful Remembrance Sunday,
and I hope that this sunshine stays with us a little longer. 

That's all for this week - UNTIL NEXT TIME, folks!

A Monstrous Essay, Movember and Activism 2012

Monday 29th October to Sunday 4th November 2012

My diary this week - one big to-do list!

A Monstrous Essay

Some of you may be thinking "Why are you writing about this in your blog? It's nothing to do with Equality & Liberation!" And you would be right. But the truth is, being a part-time officer for the SU is all about time management and priorities, particularly in third year. An even more honest truth is that I'm not very good at this balance all of the time, and I really need to be. I'm not going to breeze past the tough moments and only focus on the successes - being a part time officer, whilst working part time and studying full time, let alone the radio show, is hard work. So when it's tough, I will let you know, and when it's thoroughly brilliant, the best thing I have ever done in my life, I will let you know also.

Back to this essay, this horrible essay. It was so horrible, I spent the evening of Halloween doing it and feeling thoroughly terrified! It was the hardest essay I have ever written, mainly because it was biology based and I had never studied biology before. But I got through it, it was submitted, and now it will only haunt me when it gets marked. Until then, ghoulish essay.

Alternative I&R Senate

The I&R Senate was cancelled this past Thursday as so many people wanted to go to the talk by the head of Amnesty International UK. Instead I sat in Crosslands for two hours, free to talk to anyone about anything including upcoming campaigns, organisation for the next senate and open forums. We will be working on having open forum for self-defining women, LGBT+ students and also first years. It's exciting stuff! The talk by the head of Amnesty was interesting, and when asked about the current redundancies and strikes at UK Amnesty, she avoided the question at great length. Otherwise, it was a valuable insight into what Amnesty strives towards, and the work they have been doing during the Arab Spring. 

That night was also the launch of Love Holloway Hate Hatred, following the end of Black History Month. It was a great night, with a good variety of music! Cosy in Medicine, it was great to see everyone after hiding in the library for a week!

Jess is the Change.

NUS Activism 2012 - I Am The Change

This was a conference/training session held by NUS for activists in and around the UK. I went with Jess (our Gender Rep), and we split up to make the most of the many many many sessions they were holding! We evaluated how we campaigned and how we engaged with the wider student population. The two sessions that were most useful to me included one on education campaigns (which overlaps with Equality & Liberation, and so will begin working on that soon!) and secondly a talk on tribes and gangs. It was about how we relate to one another, and the most effective way to engage people. It was actually one of the best talks I had ever been to, so good that I told the speaker so afterwards. 

It was about the difference between running something and leading something, the distinction between reacting and responding but also about realising the importance of the people around you. Every single one of you is important to the movement, to the SU, to me; so let's not forget that. 

Regular Duties

I met with the Executive Committee on Monday, and was given the role of minuting. My fingers tapped at the speed of light to keep up with the conversation! Taking minutes is one of those tasks that I'd always prefer not to do, but when it comes to doing it I actually enjoy it. 

The radio show on Wednesday was with Claire O'Reilly, and went really well! She had a great taste in music and it was a pleasure to have her on the show. There won't be a show next week (as it's reading week) but there will be a show the week after, I promise! 

Soon we will release the video footage from the Let's Talk About Porn discussion last week - I'm just running it by the speakers first to make sure they're happy with it.
I also sat on the LGBT Soc Committee meeting this week, and I was very chuffed to have been invited. We discussed some issues and ways to tackle them, so it was a very productive!
Something that doesn't sound incredible, or life-changing, or even time consuming are emails and facebook messages - but in all honesty these take up a great deal of my time! Talking about meetings, following up on how people are doing, catching progress, talking about ideas, asking questions, answering questions... I could go on! I spent a long time doing these tasks this week, which haven't led to anything concrete just yet but will.

In other news, it's also Movember! Grow a some facial hair to show support and raise awareness for Prostate Cancer, or support those who do if you can't grow facial hair of your own! You can check out Holloway Movember teams here: http://uk.movember.com/mospace/1480550

I drew this myself - fact!

A Week of Duties and Even More Porn!

Monday 22nd October to Sunday 28th October 2012

Regular Duties

   I've called these regular duties because they happen almost every week - the Executive Committee met on Monday evening, and it was exciting as we welcomed the newly elected students. The great thing was, we were able to talk about their manifestos and to see where we could work together. For example, I really want to make our Union more accessible by making videos, and so I can work with Ashna who is the Rhubarb TV Station Manager, and also Zosia who is Communications Officer. 

   Tuesday we had the General Meeting, and to try and make the elections more accessible we made and printed out sheets of paper with each of the roles available. They also had a photo of the Exec Officer you could talk to if you were unsure about running. It proved successful, as a few people ran who otherwise might not have. 

   On the I&R Senate, we still have the positions of BME Rep and Disability Rep up for grabs! Like our I&R Senate page on Facebook to find out more here, or email me at eandl@su.rhul.ac.uk.

   Now, this isn't a duty, but it is regular! On my Wednesday radio show "Desert Island Sid" I had the pleasure of interviewing the resident Catholic Chaplain, Father John Dickson. He had a great many interesting stories to tell, and he was a genuinely fantastic guest! Next week, we have one of our very own Undergraduate Politics & International Relations students, Claire O'Reilly!

From left to right - Art Mitchells-Urwin, Anthony Morgan,
Alex Dymock and Sarah Harman.

Let's Talk About Porn

   Oh yes! And talk about it we did! The four speakers: Art Mitchells-Urwin, Anthony Morgan, Alex Dymock and Sarah Harman all provided a real insight into why it is illegal in the UK to see a woman ejaculate, the effect porn has on relationships, the legal technicalities around censorship and finally the multiple perceptions of porn. It was great to have so many people turn up and engage with the topic.

   We talked about how the narrative in porn allows for a conversation leading to consent, as sex doesn't happen in a vacuum and this conversation is important. We talked about cartoon porn, and how it created a dimension of things that are not otherwise possible or could cause harm to one party in particular, such as bestiality. The most important thing we touched upon was censorship, and how it was important not to have any. This allows the individual to search for their own desires whilst avoiding any societal pressure about what "should" turn you on. In relation to younger people accessing this kind of material, it was reasoned that we were all curious young naive adults once, and that porn is one way of exploring your sexuality. For example in a heteronormative world, recognising that being attracted to people of the same gender or sex as yourself is okay and normal. Also, the structure of the internet means you need to actively search for it. A few people talked about their own experiences in discovering porn, and we realised how important it was for us to view consumers as individuals, and not as groups of people. 

The infamous poster.

   All in all it was a fantastic talk and there will be more to follow. They are run by the I&R Senate, so get involved by liking the page (link is above). You can pick up a copy of the Orbital and find an article I wrote to promote the event!

Come in your Socs

   This was held on Wednesday night, where everyone heads to the Student's Union as part of their Societies! I went as part of Feminism Society and Philosophy Society (one lone question mark was penned onto my shoulder!). I had a great time and fully dressed up for the occasion!

Potential Founders Library Wheelchair Accessibility

   This is an exciting little gem of an idea that myself and Chelsea, the International Student's Officer are working on. Founders library is infamously shut off to students who require wheelchairs, but Chelsea has spotted an easy access route. We are currently finding out how far College have taken this request, and hoping to be able to provide input. If you would like to be involved in this, why not run for Disability rep?

Zero Tolerance

   The SU management requested business cards with the information needed for students who had experienced sexual harassment. I have made them, and although they are very simple they have all of the information that you could possibly need. On it you will be able to find contact details for welfare support from both the college and the university, and even an anonymous website where you can post if you'd like to talk about it but not report it. Security will carry these in their pockets, and hand them to both the people who report and violation of the Zero Tolerance policy. 

   In other news, our SURHUL venue has been accredited as a Zero Tolerance university! This means that Womens NUS will soon be providing us with information and resources to begin training the staff of our SU. This is great news!

That's all from me! Have a great week everyone!

London Liberation Meetings, Elections and Porn

Monday 15th October to Sunday 21st October 2012

ULU London Student Liberation Network Meeting

Monday evening I had the pleasure of attending the London Student Liberation Network meeting, orgainsed by ULU. It was fantastic to meet other activists from London University Campuses being so passionate and active about liberation and cross networking. I realised how important it was to have support from other key activists, but also to find out what worked at University, when and where - so many of the liberation or equality issues we have to focus on are sensitive yet different for every institution, and every individual. It was great to meet them all, but it also made me realise how much harder my role is at the moment, and how far Royal Holloway has come. 

As Equality & Liberation Officer, I am expected to represent every group of students - which is near enough impossible. In London, each activist specialised in one liberation branch; either LGBT+, or Black, or Women, or Disability - but not all. This meant that each activist could work with the other Officers on inter-sectionality, but also put all of their effort into promoting, raising awareness and engaging the group they were representing. 

This is why SURHUL has come so far - each Rep I am currently representing will become an Officer in their own right later this year. This means each Officer will have more voting power, more time to focus on and work with the groups they represent and also creates a team of passionate liberation activists at Royal Holloway. 

Jess the Gender Rep and Susuana the FemSoc President
after the Zero Tolerance meeting

Zero Tolerance Campaign Update

This week I met up with the SU management, the Sabbatical officers and also Susuana the Feminist Society President and Jess the Gender Equality Rep to talk about the campaign in our Union. Susuana has come across a really great idea called Hollaback, which creates an app for your phones that informs you of where and when you can get support. It's a great idea! We're also looking at designing business cards for security to give to students when they report harassment, whilst looking into getting accredited by the Womens NUS as a Zero Tolerance Union. Plenty of ideas flowing, so keep your eyes peeled! We're hoping to develop this further, which takes time!

Inclusion & Representation Senate
Our first meeting of the year! Was fantastic that so many people showed up to support what we're trying to do. The Gender Rep Jess, LGBT+ Rep Moose and Englefield Green Rep Rustam came back with some really positive things that they had been working on, and it was only the first meeting! We covered our purpose and functions, and addressed some possible future campaigns, including for SHAG week (Sexual Health Advice and Guidance). In the pipeline are talks on Sex and Sexuality, campaigns for World Aids Day and hopefully a few Gender discussions too. Come along to the next I&R Senate in Imagine, 6pm on Thursday the 1st November, would be great to see you! We will hopefully have cake (mmm) and might even be taking a video camera along too!

Martha, Adam and Joe at the Open Day a little while back

Elections and Results Night

NUS Delegate and Officer elections have been happening across campus this week - I have been helping out a the polling booth, and even went to the Candidates Question Time. It can be very nerve-wrecking, speaking to a crowd and answering questions on the spot, but each candidate did exceptionally well. Congratulations to those of you who won the roles! To those of you who lost, it takes great guts to run campaigns promoting yourself and your values - so congratulations, and I hope to see you in the SU again soon. 

Results night was last night, in Medicine. What was surprising was how close some of the votes were - no more than 10 on several occasions!
That night I also a) found out that people actually read this (!) and b) had someone give me some great ideas to ensure I am as accessible as possible! Watch this space closely. 

Radio Show

Me in the SAC Office after
our first I&R Senate!

Again, Wednesdays at 11am I interview the staff, students, lecturers or even community members of the Egham and Englefield Green area of Surrey. We find out about your lives, your favourite songs and what you've been up to so far! My guest this week was Nehanda Loiseau, all the way from the states to study a masters in playwriting here at Holloway. My next guest is Father John Dickson, our resident Catholic Chaplain! You can apply to be on the show, or listen live by following this link: http://www.insanityradio.com/shows/you-me-and-sid

This weekend I was busy, but in the meantime there was the TUC Demo in London standing up against the cuts. It's great to see so many people take to the streets in protest, to show that we are not happy with the decisions they are making. Sunday was the community tea party, which sounds like it was a hoot! I couldn't make it due to last-minute shift covering, but it sounds like it was a blast.

Coming Up This Week 

TUESDAY 23RD October 6.30pm is the next General Meeting, come along and find out what we are standing for and against in our Union. https://www.facebook.com/events/379259285482900/

WEDNESDAY 24TH October there is my Radio Show at 11am (listen in!) and later that evening the "Come In You Socs" event, where people turn up in their Societies. I won't tell you just yet who I'll be going with, but I'll see you there!

FRIDAY 26TH OCTOBER, 6.30PM we have the Let's Talk About Porn!
Come along, it looks to be a great discussion, with many different points of view coming together to talk. https://www.facebook.com/events/486281804722808/?fref=ts

Why is Zero Tolerance important?

Zero Tolerance is fighting against a deeply ingrained culture, one that is commonly accepted amongst many of us.

There is a culture of tolerance, that a grope or demeaning comment is just a joke, and because it only feels like it happens to you, you don't want to make a fuss; that each incident is in isolation. In truth, this is happening all the time all around us - and we need to stand up to it together and stamp out the culture of tolerance. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, it is not ok.

Zero Tolerance Logo

It's not just about you - it's about keeping your friends, your family, your housemates and even your acquaintances safe and respected.

You've heard of the Broken Windows Theory? When a building gets a broken window, and nobody fixes it, boards it up or replaces it, more broken windows appear. The building becomes derelict, as more and more people comfortably take liberties at wrecking it. However, if the window is repaired straight away, the building remains immaculate. Nobody takes liberty with that.

That, my friends, is the Zero Tolerance approach.

In our SU this approach is being applied to racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism and sexual harassment. Just like the building in the Broken Windows Theory, any unnacceptable behaviour will be dealt with quickly and efficiently. Even a seemingly small incident will be taken seriously and acted upon by security. This isn't to stop you from having a good time - no, it's to make sure you have a great time, so you have somewhere incredible to go out and that no matter what happens, you will be safe.

It's to create a place that lives up to the name - a Union for Students.

Because that's what we're here to do; to represent you, fight for you, support you, encourage you. University isn't just about getting a degree - it's about learning to live with people, learning to look after yourself and to keep on top of studying, finding out who you are, and what you stand for. You do this through societies and sports, through volunteering, essays, revision, part-time work, commuting and staying in touch with your folks back home. You pick up a great many skills here, not in the least how to get along with all kinds of people and show them the respect they deserve.

So Zero Tolerance isn't just about protecting and supporting other people - it's to support you, the friends you make here and the people you care about; because nobody deserves any less.

If you want to find out more about getting involved in the SU, you can turn up to our General Meetings (GM) which are every third Tuesday, or get involved in the Inclusion & Representation (I&R) Senate which meets next on Thursday the 18th, 6pm, Rialto.