Annual Report by the Equality & Liberation Officer 2012-13: Sidonie Bertrand-Shelton

At the end of the academic year, each Executive Part-Time Officer is required to give a report on their progress during the year. We are asked to write a report, and to give a one minute verbal summary at the Annual General Meeting - which is this Tuesday, the 4th June 2013. As you may remember, I ran in the elections to become your next Vice President Education & Welfare (your next Kenny) - and I won! So in this report I will touch on a few issues that I hope to continue working on. As active and as persevering as I am, implementing fool proof policies and changing current systems takes time. Luckily for me, I have an extra year to do this with a bright new team of officers next year!

This is my written report!

Zero Tolerance Campaign

This was a campaign I was keen to continue working on as Equality & Liberation Officer. I worked closely with the full time staff at the Student’s Union (SU) to make the ideas into policy. We created a form for the victims of sexual harassment to complete, I briefed and explained the policy to the SU security, and created small business cards with all the information needed for both the victim and the assumed perpetrator. 

It has been brought to my attention that the forms and the business cards are not always given out - that is something I will continue to work on next year - but it has been noted that the SU security staff have since been more understanding and pro-active in the light of sexual harassment. This is a good step forwards. 

Next year I hope to implement an anti-sexual harassment app that has been used in the U.S. and at other universities successfully. The new ULU Women’s Officer, Susuana will be working hard to make the app apply to all London Universities - making us a part of a London wide campaign. 

More Talks

Following the success of ‘Let’s Talk About Porn” in my second year, I re-ran it again this year. It was as successful, and the speakers were different but with interesting points of view. My favourite part of these talks is when the audience asks questions, as that’s when we get to the controversial topics, the ones that question what you thought you knew. That’s why I am so keen on talks, I think it’s vital that we question what we think we know. We come to university with so many assumptions, we’d be fools not to embrace university life and to question ourselves, doubt ourselves and assess beliefs whilst here. You end up being a stronger person by the end of your three/four years, I believe. 

A talk on Disability was incredibly enlightening. Disability is such a broad term for the enormous spectrum, with anything from difficulties with energy to dylexia to physical impairments. Coping, and identifying, are huge tasks in a society that focuses on ability.

We also held talks on Sex & Sexuality, to show the spectrum. We forget that everyone likes different amounts of sex (a lot, to a little, to none at all) and with different people. What we forget is not to assume that everyone around us is like us. As a mostly straight person, I forget that not everyone I meet will be mostly straight also. That’s something I work on, but I’m acknowledging it here anyway. 

A talk on Liberation Officers had speakers from the NUS - although we had a very small turnout (as it was the same evening that Farage had come to visit) but it was an encouraging talk, with much wisdom. Being a liberation officer is hard work, you sometimes put yourself in situations for people you’ve never even met. 

Mental Health Awareness Week

This is one of my proudest moments. I worked hard with Kenny and Jamie, and together we made a great campaign week, but what made the week what it was, was you. Those of you who stood up and spoke about your experiences in mental health, who felt comfortable enough to talk about it to fellow students you didn’t know but might see again. In ‘Let’s Talk About Mental Health” I sat in a room full of people, some I knew well and others less so, and I learnt. Slowly, people mentioned their own experiences, own difficulties, and we became aware that we were in a room of 40 or more people who cared about mental health. It was empowering, just like liberation should be. 

I also went around the university taking photos of people with placards of mental health facts. I got 99 photos of individuals and pairs, and by uploading them on to Facebook we were able to raise the awareness that we were aiming for. I then went around societies and took photos of them all together, before getting them to write anonymously on a small peace of paper whether they had ever experienced a mental health issue. The turn out was astounding, and heart warming. It was another way to show that people weren’t alone, without outing anybody. 

For half a day I stood at a stall in the SU on market day with lots of information about mental health. 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health disorder at some point in our lives - remember this not just now, but in the future also. It’s a hard topic to breach, and often misunderstood but more often than not it will affect someone dear to you, if not yourself. 

Inclusion & Representation Senate Empowerment

This was on my manifesto, and something that I have been working on all year. We met every week, and so turned a senate which hardly ever did anything to a group of people who worked hard to spread the ideas of equality and liberation - ideas which do not automatically interest all of us. We tried to set up caucuses for each of the liberation groups, and to write blog posts also. We sent our members to the NUS liberation conferences as observers or delegates, and I created a Facebook page which posts interesting articles, motivational images and blog updates. 

We created a small body positivity campaign with a small video, that was an enormous success! This opened our eyes to the potential of Rhubarb TV and liberation awareness raising. We hope to continue the body positivity campaign this year coming. 

We also were sure to celebrate each history month, including Women's, Black student’s, LGBT+ and Disability. We created images of famous people from each liberation group with a quote on their disability or some general advice. These proved to be engaging and useful when promoting the talks that went alongside them. 

I went to a few NUS conferences and London wide liberation meetings as well. I created my own blog which I updated every Sunday, explaining what I was working on and why. It actually provided a useful frame of reference for me, so I could see what I had been doing and what I would be aiming to do later. I think it might have even opened out the SU a bit, as people were telling me that they read my blog and were keeping up with the SU progress. This is what we should aim to do all the time!

Demonstrations

In the build up to the November 2012 demonstration - against the cuts to education - I went around campus and took photos of about 60 of you with statistics of how the academic and employment structures disfavour those of us who identify with a liberation campaign. It worked, as people would read the placards with shock. I went on the rainy demonstration. Later on in the year, I demonstrated against the cuts to Lewisham A&E - this was a sunny protest with families, and so a completely different atmosphere. 

Online Forum for Student Parents and Carers

I wanted to work on this, but I’m sure you’ve heard of the difficulties surrounding the remodelling of our SU website. I’m still going to try and make this happen, as it’s important to provide a forum not limited by time or location. This is a promise.

Founders Wheelchair Access

I worked with the International Students Officer and the Educational Support Office (ESO) to make Founders Library accessible. We made it possible for one student who uses a manual chair, and it’s seems feasible now to make it possible for more. This is one of those tasks which takes time and patience, even if it is seemingly simple. This is something that I would like to continue working on from July. 

Extra Duties

Like most things, priorities and duties change over the coming year. At the beginning of the year I helped the first years move in with a very cheerful group of volunteers. Half way through the year it became apparent that General Meetings (GMs) were not accessible for everybody, and so I created an open session to mindmap the difficulties and solutions. If people are unhappy, then it is our duty to work together to do something about it. We made several changes and I handed out a questionnaire to see how it went. Our changes were successful - but what happened next stopped the progression: I got burnt out and tired, and to make it work I would have had to chase up to 10 people before and during the GMs. I took a step back, expecting us as a collective to step up to the small adjustments we had made. Some changes are still there, like the curve in the lines of chairs: but the bulk of them fell. I have learnt from this experience, and  I am more informed for next year! I am hoping to re-implement some of them with the help of the next Chair and Democracy Officer.

Towards the end of the second term, our Chair left and I was asked if I could chair until the following academic year, when it will go to the next elected Chair. So, I have been chairing the General Meetings, and this evening, I will be chairing the Annual General Meeting (AGM). It is quite confusing and demanding, and so I thank you all for your patience with me! This is the last meeting I am required to chair this year (I can hear your sighs of relief already!) but I promise to try and make them enjoyable. 

That’s it. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be your last Equality & Liberation Officer - like most things there were good times and tough times. I was honoured two weeks ago to have earned a SURHUL Laurel which is only awarded to students who exceed expectations in contributing to the SU. In all honesty, I only tried to do my best, and was fighting not to let down the liberation groups that I didn’t identify with. Some of you sent me testimonials during elections, and I will keep them with me for the rest of my life. I was always doing it for people I didn’t know or understand completely just yet, and if I did you proud then it is the greatest success that I could have dreamed of earning. I am lucky to have found something that I love doing, but luckier still to have the opportunity to be here next year to continue working with you all. 

I leave you with a favourite quote of mine:

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot

Nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

Dr Seuss, The Lorax

Martha and I at the Laurels last week

SURHUL is Increasing Representation!

Today, I am very happy. I write this blog post in a mist of content (if such a thing never before existed, it does now).

Last night SURHUL held the by-election results. I've been away so I wasn't able to keep updated on the campaigns, but looking at the Facebook pages, manifestos and sheer number of people talking about the elections, it was a success. Running an election campaign, and even more so a successful one, is hard work. Congratulations to everyone who participated, because taking part really does deserve recognition as much as winning. This goes to not only the candidates, but the campaign teams also: it's people like you that make SURHUL what it is.

So onto the winners: congratulations to you all! You can see the list of winners here.
Of all of the elections, I am most proud that the positions of Disabled Students Officer and Black and Minority Ethnic Officer have been filled with two excellent candidates: Matthew Reuben and Lucinda Violet respectively.

This is the penultimate stage to replacing my current role as Equality & Liberation Officer with the four new officers. Already we have Victoria Butcher in the role of Women and Marginalised Genders Officer, and Jack Saffers as LGBT+ Officer, which completes the four Officers replacing the one.
It is the penultimate stage, as this week we will begin meeting, comparing manifestos and organising ideas in such a way as to make next year as successful as possible, whilst making allowances for extra commitments and, obviously, studying.

To tell you that I am excited about this is an understatement. I have been working during the whole of this academic year trying to engage people in liberation and awareness raising. Sometimes it worked really well, such as the Mental Health Awareness Week - and sometimes less so. I learnt from all of
these events and mistakes, much like we all would. The most amazing thing was making the I&R Senate work, through a Facebook page and regular meetings. This is as much a credit to the people who made up the senate, as to myself. It would not have been possible, nor nearly as engaging, without you all.

In the meantime, remember that I am free this week to talk to anyone and everyone with ideas for next year - simply get in touch.

Hope you're having a wonderful day!

An update to make up for lost time

It's been a while since I last wrote a post, and I apologise. Like most of you, I got caught up in exams. This time of year is always particularly busy for me, and this year more than ever as it was my final year. The SU had some really good stress events, organised by our Vice President Education and Welfare Kenny - these included some cute stress balls!

As some of you might be aware, I ran in the elections to become your next VP Education and Welfare officer - and won! So in July I'll begin working closely with Kenny to learn everything there is to know about being a Sabb at RHUL. I'll be working with Ian, Jamie and Singh next year, which I'm looking forward to! Once again, thank you to everyone who voted in the elections, and thank you for choosing me. I can't wait to begin, and it's thanks to you all that I have this opportunity in the first place!

Next year I'll begin a new blog - but this one will be passed on to the four new liberation officers for them to keep you all up to date with their equalitea and liberation antics! The bi-elections are beginning soon if you would like to run for any of the positions available, including Black & Ethnic Minorities Officer and Disability Officer. You can find out more on the SU website here.

More good news is that we passed a motion in the last general meeting to allow all of the part time officer positions to be shared between two people - they can run in an election together, or be co-opted in at a later date. This makes our part time roles more accessible to disabled students, student parents and carers, and anybody else who can't commit as much as they'd like.
One step closer to being a more accessible, engaging and creative union!

I've been chairing the general meetings at the moment, which has been very fun although quite tiring as well! Looking forward to handing over the responsibilities to the next Chair, though really chuffed to have had the opportunity to do so as well.

Last night, SURHUL held the Laurels, an event to recognise the contribution of students. I was lucky enough to be mysteriously nominated - and honoured to have won one. There have been times this year where I felt alone and frustrated, so it feels amazing and humbling to be recognised. Each award was thoroughly deserved, as were each nomination. I consider myself lucky to be able to work with such incredible people, and as many of you are leaving I will be sad to see you go. I know you'll move on to bigger and better things, so I wish you all the best of luck!

Between Monday the 3rd of June and Friday the 7th June, I'll be around campus. Plenty of you have come up to me with ideas that I didn't have time to fully process - please get in touch with me if you'd like to meet up, one on one to talk about any ideas or plans you may have for next year. I want to listen, I want to spread infectious ideas with you and learn how to support you, I just have to create a space for that. I'll be sure to do the same when I become a sabbatical officer.

Chairing, I&R and the End of Term!

Monday 18th to Sunday the 24th March 2013

Inclusion & Representation Senate

We met on Tuesday in Rialto at 5pm (as per usual). We reflected on our campaigns over the past year and our successes, our failures - in short, what we could learn from this term and last. We decided that the photo campaigns were good, but that working with Rhubarb TV on videos was more engaging. We talked about whether this blog should continue, and about the new Liberation Officers taking it over next year (which we thought would be an excellent idea!).

I mentioned how I had wanted to work on a Disability Video this term to highlight the variety of inclusion here at Royal Holloway, but that time had slipped from my fingers. We've decided to try and organise it for during the next term if possible. If you would like to get involved, or would like to know more then do not hesitate to get in touch!

Next term we will have one long meeting to come up with as many ideas as possible for engaging next year's freshers, and we'll have an I&R Senate meeting every other week until the exams are over, when they will resume. Keep your eye on the I&R Senate facebook page to keep in the loop: https://www.facebook.com/SURHUL.Inclusion

Chairing the General Meeting

On Tuesday evening we had the General Meeting (GM) where I was asked to chair. 

I had never chaired such a large gathering of students before, and was honoured to have Hannah by my side to help out! It was odd to be on the other side of the meeting. Usually I would have sat amongst you, but I was in front and I could see all of the tired and moody faces! Fair enough, it was deadline week and the last week of term. We all needed a break. 

I tried to make it engaging by getting people to high-five the people next to them, pat each other on the back. It was fun to behave unexpectedly, I was pleased with how many people got involved. I think that I will be chairing the following General Meeting, so watch this space! If you think I could improve as chair, then please do let me know. I love hearing new ideas, and I am just trying my best. 

It's cold outside, so wrap up warm!

My usual duties this week went by as they usually do. As you may know, my role has been split into four: and two positions are still open. These are the Black & Minority Ethnicity Officer and Disability Officer. There will be bi-elections in June, so if you are curious about any of the roles then do not hesitate to get in touch! I can tell you how much time it takes, what you have to do etc. It's not as scary as it first seems!

It's now Easter Break, although "break" suggests there is some rest involved, but we know we have a long revision period ahead of us. Do take time out to treat yourself, to relax, to be active. The I&R Senate are hoping to share through facebook lots of tips and ideas for an effective exam period, and one that is a little less stressful! If you have any ideas, do get in touch!

Over and out, catch you later alligators!

Zero Tolerance, Taxis and Women in Leadership

Monday 11th to Sunday 17th March 2013

I've spent most of this week either recovering from campaigning last week, or focusing on my Project which is due this Thursday. Campaigning can really wipe the energy out of you! It's exhausting both physically and mentally to continuously approach people and convince them of your cause. I'm lucky to have had such a motivated and cheerful campaign team on my side last week. Anybody who took part in the elections, I hope you've taken the time to rest, and properly!

A campaign photo from last week

Egham Wheelchair Access
It's come to my attention that there are no wheelchair accessible taxis in the Egham area. I've called all of the companies, and confirmed that this is the case. More than the average individual, students who use wheelchairs may have compromising levels of energy - making a safe and quick route home essential. I was going to write a motion on this for the next GM (this Tuesday at 6pm in the SU main hall, for those of you who are curious!) however, I am currently wondering whether it would be better to campaign on making Sshh buses wheelchair accessible (which is difficult, but probably not impossible). If you'd like to tell me your thoughts, please email me! Regardless, it is something that we will be working on!

Zero Tolerance policy to sexual harassment in action

Friday night I went out to the SU (as you do) and somebody who I both work with and is a friend of mine told me that they reported sexual harassment to the security staff. It was dealt with quickly and efficiently, which is great because it means that the Zero Tolerance policy to sexual harassment is working! There are a few small things to iron out, but it works and made this student feel safer. It's great to be working on things that are actually making a difference. It's even better when it works!

Duties and the "Women in Leadership" discussion 

As per usual, I have also been going to Executive Committee meetings as part of my role. 

This Friday, there was a discussion held by the Feminism Society and the Inclusion & Representation Senate on Women in Leadership. Both Susuana Antubam (ULU Women's Officer and NUS Women's Committee member) and Joanna Killian (Chief Executive of Essex County Council) spoke about the utility of quotas, their experiences and consistently proving themselves. It was a very engaging talk, one that reminded me of the NUS Women's Conference that I went to last year - powerful women spreading their enthusiasm. We talked about the importance of mentoring and of knowing the jobs that are out there, that can apply to you. It was great, a small turn out but a discussion that made a difference.

Radio and Dinner

On my radio show this week, Martha Gillespie was my guest! Listen online at www.insanityradio.com next week at 11am, when my guest is Simon Davidian!

And on Friday I was lucky enough to go to the History Society's Formal Dinner, which was a hoot (despite the fire alarm between starter and main!). I went as somebody got ill and dropped out, but I can tell you that I appreciated the meal and wine more than you'll ever know!

Absurdly cheesy photo here, in case you've forgotten
what I look like!

This Week!

The I&R Senate are having their last meeting of the term in Rialto this Tuesday at 5pm, just before the GM. Come along, let your curiosity guide you! https://www.facebook.com/events/514409521939056/?fref=ts

What can I leave you with? Look after yourselves, and have fun. Exam period is coming up next, and there is nothing more testing than months of revision and exams! Come and talk to me anytime, I'll be around campus all Easter to get going on the work that needs to be done. Have a great week!

Election Results and a Week Off Duty

Hello! So, seeing as it was election week and I was running for a position, I had to put all that was Equality & Liberation aside for this week. I wasn't allowed to officially continue my role, in short. This also meant giving up the radio show this week, but I will be back on air at 11am this Wednesday!

But you really want to know about the elections, right?

I ran for Vice President Education & Welfare, against five other candidates.
We were all invited to take part in an Insanity Radio Question Time, and a live Question Time event at the SU. Here we were asked about our ideas for the role and checked on our knowledge of the role so far. We were also filmed by the Demoks and Rhubarb to create a compilation video of what campaigning is all about!

It was an incredibly long and tough week: my campaign team and I were outside every day in all kinds of weather - sunshine, clouds and rain. Not only my own campaign team but others as well.

I have to say, running for the position of VP Education & Welfare was tough. Not only did each candidate have interesting and engaging ideas, but there were 6 of us all campaigning tirelessly. I am honoured to have been able to compete with such excellent candidates.

I am pleased to announce that my team effort paid off, as I am the VP Education & Welfare Sabbatical Officer for the following year with over 600 vote!. Feels so strange to type that out, I still haven't gotten used to the prospect! Been walking around in a smiley haze for the past 24hours or so!

I'm looking forward to spending an extra year here, in order to make even more of a difference. I won't let you down.

My manifesto, thanks to Milo Hartnoll

History Months, Elections and a General Meeting

Monday the 25th February to Sunday the 3rd March

It has moved on from LGBT+ History Month (February) to Women's History Month (March)!

LGBT Society had organised a great load of events, which was a pleasure to attend and promote. Now though, the history month passes on to Women! Feminism Society have plenty of things planned with the Inclusion & Representation Senate, not to mention that Friday the 8th March is International Women's Day, and various acts will be performing in Stumble Inn, so come along to check us out! You can find out more on the Royal Holloway Feminism Society page: https://www.facebook.com/RoyalHollowayFeminismSociety?fref=ts

Helen Keller

So, let's kick of the month with a woman that I find inspirational. I know that I mentioned her for Disabled History Month, but I'm a major supporter of intersectionality!

She is not only an incredible woman, but an incredible person. 

I'm fond of quotes, so here's another one from her:

"Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light."

She was blind, which gives this quote all the more resonance. Find out more about her here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Keller

Someone I discovered fairly recently was Sylvia Plath, through Twitter nonetheless! Fragments of her writing were tweeted, and I loved a great deal of them. She is someone else I think we should remember on International Women's Day! Find out more about her here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvia_Plath

Relax with some Equalitea.

What else can I update you on? 

The General Meeting on Tuesday was long, and sometimes tedious - but we were passing motions on student worker rights, the right to choose and also the right to have a place to live. That GM, my friends, is what they should be like. A body of students making incredible decisions that input on the national student body, the NUS. We were shaping our future.

It also struck me how much I'd grown. I'll never forget the first time I walked into a GM, shy by the sheer number of people I didn't know. I'd resolved to run for Gender Rep, and so I sat by myself and waited right to the end for the elections. I was nervous during my two minute speech, but I gave it my best shot and I got it! I will always be proud of that moment. I had no idea what I was letting myself in for! I remember the first time I proposed a motion, and the second. I remember the nerves and my notebook with my speech notes, and I remember the relief when it passed and the slight disappointment when it fell - no matter, we'll try again.

I knew I had grown this time when I had very little time to prepare my speeches, and when amendments were proposed that I rejected or accepted as I saw fit. I was able to judge very quickly whether I thought the suggestion was reasonable or hampering the point of the motion - something I never thought I would be able to do. Standing in front of everyone, making quick decisions and then explaining your reasoning - that's something I didn't know I could do until this Tuesday. And now I can!

Me in my room. Oh yeah.

Elections!

They are happening as I type. By this Saturday, we will know who has earned which role! It's very exciting as I am running myself as well, for the position of Vice President Education & Welfare! You can vote this Thursday the 7th March and Friday the 8th March 2013. I'll attach the links so that you can find out more if you're interested!

You can see my manifesto here: http://www.su.rhul.ac.uk/asset/News/6001/VPEdWelfare-Sid-Bertrand-Shelton1.pdf

You can find my facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Im-With-Sid-for-VP-Education-Welfare/164382117047594

You can see everybody who is running here: http://www.su.rhul.ac.uk/news/article/6001/Elections-2013-Nominees/

Next time that I write a blog post, we'll know who's won. Good luck to all of the candidates!
Until next time, folks! 

Being Body Positive on a Monday!

Check out the blog post I wrote for Feminism Society on why Body Positivity is important. You can find the link to the post here: http://rhul-fem-soc.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/surhul-love-your-body-campaign.html

You'll also find the video, which I've attached here!

Enjoy!

A Magical Monday in February and More!

Monday 18th February to Sunday 24th February 2013

What has my week been like? I'd like to begin with the first day of the week; Monday. 

I'm beginning with this because Monday was one of the best days of my life, something I realised upon waking up the following morning. 

Usually, as a student, everything feels like a battle. You work hard to get your essays done, you fight to do your reading, you push to get out of bed and go to your lectures. Working in the SU with Liberation, I'm used to working on campaigns and with people that requires effort to function. This Monday, however, was one of those days where everything fell into place - and I mean everything!

One of the main things that fell into place, was that the I&R Senate secured funding for an extra Observer Delegate at the NUS Disabled Students Conference 2013. This is all thanks to the Educational Support Team, who secured the funding. This conference is actually this week, and so we're wishing our Royal Holloway delegates all the best. Liberation conferences are an incredibly inspiring experience, and if you identify with any of them I thoroughly recommend going to one. Even if the opportunity for the NUS Conferences this year has passed you by, try and find or even set up your own caucuses (forums of self-defining individuals). I promise that you'll learn more about yourself and your identity than you thought possible. 

The talk last week.

Monday evening the I&R Senate held a discussion called "Let's Talk About Liberation Officers", and we were lucky enough to have Hannah Paterson the NUS Disabled Students Officer, Aaron Kiely the NUS Black Students Officer and Susan Cook, the London Met LGBT+ Officer come and speak with us. They provided incredible insight into their own struggles, their collective struggles and the importance of Liberation Officers in any Student's Union. They made me so proud of SURHUL and our four new Liberation Officers who will come into their roles early next year. If you would like to run for any of those positions, nomination packs need to be handed in to our SU by 4pm on Monday. You can find the nomination packs online here: http://www.su.rhul.ac.uk/elections/elections2013/

Speaking of Mondays, this Monday the 25th February is our very own Body Positivity Day! We have a viral video and several body positive blogs that help spread the positive image. Keep an eye on our facebook page to find out more! https://www.facebook.com/SURHUL.Inclusion

The Thursday just gone was Feminist Society's second birthday, and we partied like it was our birthday! Susuana has done an incredible job, including organising a Student Feminist Conference in London with the help of Ruth and Victoria. Fantastic people, if you talk to them you'll be in as much awe as I am, as they seem to be unstoppable feminists. Just as I was saying about caucuses and self-defining conferences, it's incredible to be around people who think like you and yet challenge you further. It's thoroughly refreshing. You can find out more about the RHUL Feminism Society here: http://rhul-fem-soc.blogspot.co.uk/

Rose, Me, Ruth, Susuana, Vic and Josie!

As usual, get in touch if you would like to be involved in anything! We'll be seeing you at the General Meeting this Tuesday at 6pm, and you can find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/298427506953500/?fref=ts This week is also RAG week, where we are Raising And Giving money to several charities. Find all the events (and there are some awesome ones) here: https://www.facebook.com/events/482778861782225/?fref=ts

Some final words: don't give up. Whatever it is that you are fighting for, whatever that essay is or project deadline - don't give up. 

This is me with a long face in a library, with a really cool jumper.
Have an awesome week everyone!

And it was Reading Week...

Monday 11th February to Sunday the 17th February 2013

This week I went home, and didn't do a lot of studying. A bit, but not enough. Still, I recuperated - I ate healthy meals, drank lots of tea, slept lots and saw lots of family (and babies!). It was a lovely week.
As usual, I've been emailing, messaging and organising stuff, so here's my top pick for the week ahead:

MONDAY 18TH FEBRUARY 2013

6pm, ALT1 - Let's Talk About Liberation Officers
Why do we have Liberation Officers? Who are they for, and what do they do? Is their role even important or vital to a functioning Student's Union?
We have four speakers coming, one from each liberation group to talk about why liberation is important, and what for. It will only be an hour long, but each speaker is an experienced activist, and all but one are involved with either the NUS or London Met. I am also the fourth speaker, so come check it out! https://www.facebook.com/events/313064318797046/

That's my main pick. Enjoy it! 

As always, if you would like to chat about being an Executive Officer, becoming a Liberation Officer, or just curious about what the SU can do for you, feel free to Facebook me, email me or meet me for a coffee. I promise that it will be worth your while!

In the meantime, I wish you all a very productive week, one filled with sunshine much like today's. 

I'll leave you with a lovely little quote that I came across today, that seems apt for my thoughts these past few weeks.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=500236740018727&set=a.204542062921531.45848.184599864915751&type=1&theater

Over and out!

Strictly Come Holloway, Societies Ball and the GM

Monday 4th to Sunday 10th February 2013

Usual duties - Exec and the GM

The Executive Committee met on Monday to talk about the upcoming GM - and so I'll move on swiftly to the General Meeting (GM)!

The motion for liberation officers to be self identifying passed with an overwhelming majority, which is excellent. This means that just as your First Year Officer is in fact a first year, and your Postgraduate Officer a postgraduate, the Liberation Officers will be self-identifying also. This will however be based on trust, so that if you are a disabled student you do not have to come out about the specifics of your disability in the elections. You only reveal as much as you want to, and nobody can force you otherwise. We are young adults who should trust each other. 

However the motion for the voters of Liberation Officers to also self-identify fell. Hopefully the motion can be worked on so that it becomes true at a later date, or it will have to be left. In student politics you win some, and you lose some. I know that with a lot of Liberation issues, what you think depends on where you're standing. It can be tough to recognise that, and to see where the people around us are standing also. Perspective changes everything! So I'm saying that if you think differently to me, that's alright, but I'd like to know your perspective. 

Another motion was passed to support Roma, Gypsy and Travellers rights to a safe and secure place to live. This, like the first motion I've mentioned, passed with an overwhelming majority! There are students here who are Gypsy, Roma or Traveller, and that's why these motions are important. 

Strictly Come Holloway

Strictly Come Holloway

This was on Thursday night! A massive shout out to the Ballroom and Latin Dance Society for organising and holding this fantastic event. It alone raised just over £1,700! Tommaso and I danced the Quickstep - and it was great fun! I forgot how when performing, you practice over and over again, but that the performance is always over before you know it! I slipped a little on the floor and it threw me - but Tommaso just kept dancing, as the catch phrase goes. At the Ball on Saturday, this event won the "RAG Event of the Year" award, and very deservedly so as well!

Societies, Media & RAG Ball 2013

What an incredible evening! The food was delicious and the event very well organised. Well done to everyone who was nominated for an award, who won an award, and of course to all the unsung heroes as well. It was fantastic to see what each society had been working towards over the course of the year, and to join in on the enthusiastic clapping! Well done to everyone, and I hope you all had an excellent time!

Your Executive Committee

Blog Post for RHUL Feminism Society

Over the weekend, I wrote a blog post about checking your feminist label. Here's a sneaky peak!

"If weʼre supposed to be leading a movement or a new wave of thinking, how can we expect others to listen to our challenging ideas when we cannot challenge our own? We should question ourselves and each other more often. We should look at our actions, not only in our political lives but our work lives, our private lives and our relationships. Attitude shapes behaviour, and it should be an attitude worth being shaped by"

You can find the rest here: http://rhul-fem-soc.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/check-your-feminist-label.html

Liberation, Liberation and more Liberation!

Monday 28th January to Sunday 3rd February 2013

Organisation and Duties

Although I may have less to show for this week, I have still been busy! I've been going to my meetings as usual, such as Exec every Monday at 6pm. Did you know that any student can sit in on these meetings? It can be quite curious sometimes! 

Together with the I&R Senate we have been preparing for a Body Positivity Campaign on Monday the 25th February, a talk on Liberation Officers and also a SURHUL video on Disability. If you want to get involved (or are even curious) about any of the above, pop along to the I&R Senate which meets every Tuesday at 5pm in Rialto. I promise you won't be disappointed!

I've been to Feminism Society this week, including their collaboration with ISoc which was a very interesting and eye opening. I think it comes down to personal choice and belief - but we certainly smashed some stereotypes!

Motions on Liberation for the next General Meeting

The GM is this Tuesday, from 6pm in the SU main hall. We have two important motions going through:

1. For Liberation Officers to be self identifying

Just like the first year Officer is a first year student, and the International Students Officer is an international student, it's the same for the Liberation Officers. The people running for election need to identify themselves as part of the group they want to represent: so the person running for Women and Marginalised Gender Officer is someone from that group. So how do we make sure? Well, it's based on trust. We may be young adults, but Liberation Officers are for the common good, not only the people they represent. Liberation is as much political as it is part of your identity and the roles deserve to be treated with sensitivity and respect.

2. For the voters for Liberation Officers to be self identifying

This would again be based on trust. Everyone would be given the same ballot form, but it would have different sections for the liberation groups. These sections would explain what it is to identify, and how to vote. This is important because it recognises the different experiences each student has had, and it asks us to respect that. 

You can see the motions and the agenda for the GM here: https://www.su.rhul.ac.uk/asset/News/6001/GM.05.02.13.pdf

What else, Sid?

Sometimes, I like to tell you what else I've been up to! I've calculated my priorities and am putting more work into my course. Sounds obvious, I know, but sometimes these things take a while to figure out. I went to Senate House yesterday and was very productive, more of that to follow I hope!

Also, THIS THURSDAY IS STRICTLY COME HOLLOWAY! I am very nervous! I have a week to work on my feet, the position of my head and my manic smiling. Come along and vote Sid & Tommaso! You can find the facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/435061423234517/?fref=ts

All of the money raised is going to a charity called Parity for Disabilities. See you there!

At Senate House

Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Monday 21st to Sunday the 27th January 2013

Mental Health Awareness Week

After preparing for this week for so long, it finally arrived! I'm going to stick to my favourite bits - and I've even numbered them!

1. Taking photos of societies

I went to several society gatherings this week and last, and made some posters. Not only was it lovely to meet you all, but it was an enormous pleasure that you were taking part in Mental Health Awareness Week. Unravelling the pieces of paper that people had scribbled "yes" or "no" onto, was incredible. Each slip of paper was anonymous - and with every "yes" I wondered who you had told, if anyone, and how you were doing. I wondered if that piece of paper was the only one that knew. I'd like to thank Voices of Holloway, Gospel Choir, IFIS, Ultimate Frisbee, MTS, Amnesty, the Dance Society committee and finally Exec for taking part in this project.

2. Let's Talk About Mental Health

Previously a little nervous about how the talk would work - it turned out to be fantastic. Each speaker (and contributor) was honest and yet open minded to others experiences. People felt comfortable to talk to each other about what was and wasn't useful - we even touched on the experiences of the family, that mental health is a class issue and also how it disproportionately affects BME. These were all things I'd never really thought about (despite preparing for this week for so long!). We were slowly breaking down the stigma surrounding Mental Health. We talked about how to work it out, where to seek help and what kind of support friends and family can provide.

3. Mental Health Stall in the SU on Tuesday

Tuesday = market day. Kenny and Tina (SU advisory services) took the stall for a bit, and then I took over. It was lovely to see people cautiously come up to the stand - we had so much information, so many cool postcards, so many helplines that you couldn't help but walk away with a couple in your pocket! It was nice to talk to people to see what they knew about Mental Health Awareness Week already, but more importantly, what they knew about mental health!

An enormous shout out to Kenny and Jamie, because together we made the week happen.

Say "I do" to Equal Marriage!

Philip Hammond

This gentleman is our local MP, and he disagrees with same-sex marriage. He came to Holloway for a talk this Friday, and up to 60 people turned up to protest outside when he entered the building. As Equality & Liberation Officer I believe in marriage between people who love each other, so sex really doesn't come into it. We chanted with our banners, and Jack and Joe had a short interview with the MP. I suppose that if I was hoping for him to change his mind and agree with us, then I was naive. You can find the excellent report on the interview, written by Jack here: http://anticuts.com/2013/01/25/philip-hammond-homophobia/

The turn out was fantastic, so thank you to all of those who came to stand in the cold and the dark to prove to our MP that we do care about how he votes, and that he should think about that. 

http://www.savelewishamhospital.com/

Save Lewisham Hospital

Are you fed up of seeing me being revolting in a red beret? Then look away now!

Lewisham Hospital in London is facing threats of cuts to it's new A&E, it's intensive care and Maternity and children's services. The truth is that this Hospital performs very well, and serves 750,000 Londoners - it shouldn't be cut. At the last demonstration for this cause, there were 15,000 marchers. This time there were 25,000! It was a beautiful day, and although the walk was long the young children were very entertaining to watch. I haven't been on many Demos, but this was the first community march I had been on. There were dogs and children, families with grandparents and aunts - many holding signs revealing the date that Lewisham Hospital had played a part in their lives. It was lovely. Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary will decide come February. Find out more by clicking on the link of the above photo.

Save Lewisham A&E

Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. There is a service in the Chapel at RHUL at 6pm, find it on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/events/504382472956073/

That's all from me this week!

Mental Health Awareness Week - A Perspective

A little while ago, I was part of a facebook group that was looking for submissions on mental health. They wanted the experiences of friends and family as well, and so I wrote this short piece for them. I think it's appropriate to share it here and now, for Mental Health Awareness Week.
It's written to be read aloud, and is dedicated to several friends of mine.

"It turns out that the people around me, the ones I care about, have had troubles all their life. They only told me when they had perspective, when it felt like the worst was over. I think I’m grateful for that, really. Now I feel like I can listen, truly listen.

I’ve learnt so much - not to push, but to wait. To challenge gently. To be supportive, but to admit when I just don’t understand. To be honest. 

You have taught me so much, all of you. And none of you know about the existence of the other. I might have mentioned a nameless friend of a friend who had felt a little like what you had said you felt...so that you know that you’re not alone. But you know that no two experiences are identical.

Do you know how strong I find you? It’s incredible that after so many tough boulders, so many big things to be dealt with in small actions, you’ve fought through to be in this place where you can talk about it, if you want to, or forget it for a while, if you choose. 

You have the biggest heart. You love, even though you’re afraid. You think of everyone, always making sure that other people are ok. You listen to me when I have small, silly worries! Most of all, you’ve taught me not to judge, not even a little bit. You accept everyone so whole-heartedly, I respect you for it. 

I respect you for the things that I don’t understand, but that you know too well. 

Sometimes, it makes me sad. I wish I was a mirror, so you could look in my eyes and see what I see in you. A strong person, an independent and loving person. Someone who has been hurt and who fought it. Someone who fights it today too, sometimes. A person who can admit when they’re finding it hard. A person who manages this on top of work, a degree, volunteering, a family, children, friends, housemates, housework, doctors appointments, counseling sessions. All of this. You only let people down when you really have to  - and even so you avoid doing that at all costs. I respect that. I see beauty, in your smile, because I know that for a time it was rare. The same for your laugh. I see you as untouchable by fear or doubt...but I guess you have to get good at hiding that kind of thing.  So I respect you so much more when you let me in, for a moment, for an hour, for a day. Each moment with you is precious. 

I want you to know this on bad days. I want you to know this when your spoons run out and you’re tired. I want you to know that I’ll always have a place for you. 

I know, that when things get really bad you won’t call me. But a little while later, you’ll write me a letter or we’ll go out for coffee and have a chat. 

And then I am so glad, to have you back."

Mental Health Awareness Week is upon us!

Monday 14th to Sunday 20th January 2013

NUS Liberation Conferences

Congratulations to all of you who ran in the General Meeting! The NUS Liberation conferences are happening later this year, and we are sending some very fine delegates (that were voted for by you!). If you have any issues you would like them to address on a national level, then please do let them know. If you get in touch with me, I'll be more than happy to put you in touch with the right people! 

Congratulations to:

NUS Womens - Susuana, Rose, Hodan

NUS Disabled Students - Matthew

NUS Black Students - Kenny (Our very VPEdWelfare!)

NUS LGBT - Moose, Jack, Toby and Young

Matthew is also running for NUS Disabled Students Officer at his conference. You can find out more information here: https://www.facebook.com/Matt4NUSDSO?fref=ts.

Some facts on Mental Health.

Mental Health Awareness Week

After having gone around campus last term, taking photos of your wonderful selves with placards highlighting the prevalence of mental health issues - they are now up! You can check them out online here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/set=a.269415586521296.63629.225648467564675&type=3.

I'm now taking photos of Societies to help raise awareness. If your society is meeting up this week, then we could use your help! I will take a photo of you all, and get you to write anonymously on a small piece of paper whether you've ever had a mental health problem. It allows us to pull up statistics and raise awareness without outing people. Send me a message if your society doesn't mind if I borrow them for 5minutes! Email me at eandl@su.rhul.ac.uk.

There are plenty of events going on, including a discussion by students. Monday is typically the most depressing day of the year, yet our Sabbatical Officers have turned it into "Happy Monday". Pop along to the SU between 11am and 4pm for a bouncy castle, candy floss, information and hugs. Actually - I'm not sure about the hugs, but that can be arranged! You guessed it - there will also be a Let's Talk About Mental Health! That's happening this Thursday. You can find the list of events, and when/where they will be here: https://www.facebook.com/events/126236727543943/?fref=ts. It's well worth taking a look. This has all been set up to support students such as ourselves, and you never know which of your friends it could benefit most. 

Photos I've been taking to promote the week.

Zero Tolerance Security Staff Training

This Thursday I gave Zero Tolerance training to the SU Security staff. Although we have accepted the policy and been accredited as a Zero Tolerance Union, we're trying to make it something that will last even after we've left. That's one of the tough parts about this role - making sure that this will work even after we've left! The training went fairly well. I've made small business cards which explain what Sexual Harassment is and where you can find support if you have been a victim of it - these will be handed out to you if you go to a Security member on a night out. Joe (Union Chair) and Doug (President) have made a form for the victim to fill out if they choose to report it. Together, we're constructing a more durable system! If you think we could improve it, then please let us know. 

Inclusion & Representation Senate

We met on Tuesday (as per usual!) and talked about Mental Health Awareness Week. Some amazing stuff is happening! We're also sketching plans for LGBT History Month this February and Womens History Month this March. If you would like to be involved - you know what to do. Do not be afraid of the time commitment, we could use whatever you can offer!

We're also setting the wheels in motion for a talk on Liberation, and also a Body Positivity Campaign. 

Remember - next year my role will disappear and be replaced by four new officers - Women and Marginalised Gender, LGBT+, BME and Disabled. Are you considering running? Get in touch and I will tell you everything you need to know - how much time it takes, what you'll be doing, who you'll be working with and how. Curiosity never killed anyone (apart from a cat, and satisfaction brought it back anyway). 

Strictly Come Holloway

In other news, I am dancing ballroom. No, your eyes don't deceive you! It's pretty tough doing the fancy footwork without looking at your feet! We've had a few practice sessions so far and my dance partner Tomasso is very patient with me. I'm going to work really hard on being graceful, I promise!

The event is February the 7th, and I will be competing against the likes of Jamie Green(VPComCam), Adam Carver, Ciara Williams and Calum Roy.  Good luck to all of the contestants - may the best dancing pair win! Come along, you can find the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/435061423234517/?ref=ts&fref=ts

Enjoy the Snow!

January 2013 - Terrifying Term Begins!

And so the term begins. The next big holiday coming is Easter, and you know that most of that will be spent revising and worrying and doing practice exams. We've come through the entire education system, you think we'd be used to the end of year exams! Yet it's a surprise every time.

This is a quick early blog post, because I'm actually going to be away from tomorrow for a week.

BUT! I wasn't going to just leave you all! I wanted to wish you a fantastic start of term, I hope that you are returning well rested and content. Let the academia begin!

There are some really exciting campaigns coming, not to mention Mental Health Awareness Week in the third week of January. The Inclusion & Representation Senate are going to hold an informal talk by students and for students on personal experiences. Obviously, this is a sensitive subject, but it is important that we talk about it. If you think you would like to be a speaker at this event, just get in touch at eandl@su.rhul.ac.uk and I'll get back to you next weekend!

We are also going to do a short video to raise awareness. Here, we will have students who have mental health problems introduce themselves, their course, and where they're from. Mental health does not define us, and this video is to help raise that awareness. Many students have signed up for this, so again, if you would like to be a part of it then please get in touch.
It will be like this video (this is one of my favourite videos, it makes me so happy!) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irV-DsuOpHU

Are you part of a society? Because we need you! I want to take a quick photo, (yes, you guessed it, for Mental Health Awareness Week!) of your society. Let us know where you will be in the next two weeks, we'll pop up and not even take five minutes of your time! Message us on this page: https://www.facebook.com/SURHUL.Inclusion

Now - as you may be aware, next year the Equality & Liberation Officer position will vanish and four new positions will open up. They are: Women & Marginalised Gender Officer, Disabled Officer, Black & Minority Ethnicity Officer, and last but not least Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans + Officer. We would like to hold a talk on liberation officers - so who would you like to hear from? Or even if you're thinking about running for one of these roles, get in touch and I will tell you what it involves. I can tell you right here and now, it's one of the most rewarding roles I have ever had the honour of having.

The I&R Senate won't be meeting this Tuesday - but next Tuesday at 5pm you can find us at Rialto in the SU! Upcoming plans include a body positivity campaign. You know what to do if you're interested!

FINALLY! I am continuing my radio show this term - would you like to be on the show? All you have to do is choose six songs that mean something to you and six facts about yourself, and that's all we'll talk about. Trust me, it's a very enjoyable experience!

P.s. Stick to your New Years resolutions if you can! Good luck!

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!