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Elections 2010
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About me
I’m Vina Benjamin-Taylor, a 3rd year Geography student from the School of Environment and Technology and Entertainment Officer of Student’s Union for last two years. I’m now running for position of Vice President, Activities and Events.
Why I’m running?
I believe I am the right candidate for this role because of my drive and passion for making a difference. I also have a great deal of experience and understanding which I have gained from working with the students of Brighton University. I have an understanding of the events they need, want and enjoy.
What are my experiences?
In a way over my last three years as a student, I have had a finger in every pie, learning and experiencing what it’s like to be a part of a sports team and a society. Playing hockey for Brighton Women’s Hockey Thirds, being a part of the Surf Club and being the President of the RAG Society, has allowed me to understand the difficulties as well as experience the successes that come from being part of a group supported by the Union. Because of this, I believe I have a head start in understanding what teams and societies need to operate successfully and continually achieve triumphs as popular and engaged groups.
What needs to be done?
The societies created by students cover and wide range of interests and passions which I strongly believe have enormous cross-over. As Vice President Activities and Events, I would aim to set up society cross-over events in which different societies meet and celebrate what each of them do, as well helping each other to put on events and activities to attract new members from groups that may have been unaware of the existence of some societies.
So my vision is to set up a Society’s Night, where members can socialise together with funds from the night going to the Societies Federation Fund, much like the Wednesday night at Oceana and Atlantis does for Sports Fed.
What major changes need to happen?
Over recent years the Students Union has struggled to provide a regular night for the Brighton students. This is something that needs to change. I plan to instigate exciting, affordable nights in Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings. To do this I believe better, stronger and more outreaching publicity and promotion needs to be implemented into the Union. So bringing modern event promotions to the forefront of the SU Event operations, is one the most important changes that need to be made.
How will this happen?
As VP Activities and Events I will make this happen by bringing in a range of initiatives that the Union can use to reach students. Including better links to the Pebble newspaper, radio ads and internal Union TV spots. However, my main plan for improving publicity and promotion is through the development of Union Reps. This will be a role created for those interested in the promotional side of events, who can go out and get people interested in the events put on by the Union. As these reps will be on the front line of Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings events, this will allow the Union to use them to input their knowledge in the Event Forums that have been created in the new structure.
What about student’s wellbeing?
As much as good, entertaining nights and events are important, the safety of students will be high on my list of priorities as VP Activities and Events. And so, to keep students safe after nights out, I want to develop a programme called ‘Street Angels’. This will be a volunteer programme where students are protecting their peers. The aim of Street Angels is to make sure students are safe after a night out. This will be done though providing things like, foil blankets, flip flops and water to anyone who may need a bit of help. I believe this is a scheme that can work very well with the new Wellbeing Zone of the Union Structure.
What about RAG Week?
After working as the Brighton RAG President for two years, I believe that the RAG idea should be a key part of Union activities. With me at the helm as your VP Activities, RAG will become more than just a week; it will become a regular part of Uni life.
How will this work?
By creating roles of 3 elected RAG Officers across the three campuses, this will ensure those in charge of RAG will be fully committed to the cause. I can see RAG week as a second Fresher’s Week, where students can enjoy a week of events right after their exams. With the backing of the Union the importance, benefits and excellence of RAG can really be pushed and students will begin to see RAG events as an essential part of their student experience, something they ‘must go to’ and share with each other. At other universities around the country RAG is a huge part of student life, and I strongly believe with the right support, backing and planning Brighton Uni RAG can become a premium legacy for all students. This is why I as an officer this year I pushed for the constitutional protection of RAG week.
Why you should VOTE for me?
When it comes to voting for the Vice President Activities and Events, ask yourself these questions.
1. Who is the individual who understands the needs of active, engaged students?
2. Who is the candidate who has the drive to take the Ents programme in Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings in a New Direction?
3. And who is the candidate who is determined to take YOUR student experience and step it up a gear?
Well the answer is simple; it’s Vina Benjamin-Taylor and believe me..... I won’t let you down.
VOTE VINA #1 VP Activities and Events
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