By comrade Dominic Kavakeb-newly elected President of Essex Students' Union
The most effective way to restrict democracy is to transfer decision-making from the public arena to unaccountable institutions: kings and princes, priestly castes, military juntas, party dictatorships, or modern corporations.” The point that Noam Chomsky makes here is that democracy is essential and must be enjoyed by all. An important lesson to be learned for all organisations, including Students’ Unions.
This is why this year we are focusing on reinvigorating our democratic structures, most notably the General Meeting. The place where every student can attend, take part in debate and have a voting say on every decision. Essentially, the place where you can have a direct say in the decisions being made.
This is why this year we are focusing on reinvigorating our democratic structures, most notably the General Meeting. The place where every student can attend, take part in debate and have a voting say on every decision. Essentially, the place where you can have a direct say in the decisions being made.
So this year we want to be different. We want General Meetings to be the most important meetings on campus. We want every student to have a say, have a voice and have a vote. Anything less is not enough. Therefore we have taken the decision to double the number of General Meetings per year. We will now be having two per term as opposed to one. We are ensuring that they will be accessible and that every student will know that they are taking place.
In addition we have invited various inspirational speakers to address the meetings and give them some context to the real world. Understanding the world outside the campus is key for a Students’ Union to see its role in the wider world. The speaker for the first meeting of term will be one of the best, interesting and inspiring speakers you will are ever likely to hear. Moazzam Begg, a British citizen who spent 3 years in Guantanamo Bay, will be speaking to us in addition to the debates we will be having.
2 comments:
Here's a question: what venue will Essex use to hold 8,000 students? If their venue won't hold that many people, what will they do if too many people turn up to all get a say at the meeting?
This is the problem I see with claiming 'every student' should get a voice at the general meeting - in reality, just the people that get there first (usually people from fringe/special interest groups) can get in. Why would anyone else waste their time standing outside a meeting they can't hear and can't vote on?
Erm...not sure how much you know about essex uni but this is the first time for ages that a ugm has even been held and then advertised properly. I guess quoracy is about 150 and if they get much more than that it will be a great turnout.
I dont think the wording is the most important aspect of this poster...the fact that there even is a poster, and that they have booked in a speaker will ensure that it is not just a talking shop behind closed doors.
thanks for your imput once again :-)
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