Activist Academy
Students’ union officers and staff met in Coventry for this year's Activist Academy two day national seminar. The aim of the event was to explore and encourage an active campaigning culture. Participants looked at the role of structures and people in creating and resisting change, as well as a series of practical skills based workshops. They also had time to share best practice, problem solve union specific problems, and action plan for the rest of their term. Delegates left feeling motivated and inspired.
A number of one day regional Activists Academies have been planned for February 09. These events are directed at activists in your union. Full details will be released shortly. We encourage you start identifying potential activists now.
Activism at work
“The Activists Academy became two of the most important days of my life as an officer and inspired me to campaign in a new, more practical, and definitely more exciting way.” explains John Cox - President University of Exeter Students' Guild. “At Exeter it led to saving an on campus theatre, the second highest electoral turnout in the country, campaigning for quality childcare, as well as many other projects, but most importantly it made our union stronger than it ever has been before.”
The Activist Academy is key to supporting and sustaining a campaign culture, as Jane Whalen Chief Executive Liverpool Students’ Union explains: "With the challenge of creating a long-term campaign culture, the Activists Academy gives the knowledge, skills, and planning tools that will excite and inspire our members to want to create positive change for students.”
Other feedback from delegates included:
"I very much enjoyed the Activists Academy – it has really given me a boost of motivation needed! I plan to use the skills and techniques that I learnt and am looking to apply and implement them as soon as possible."
"Thank you for the training, it was really helpful and has given us a lot more focus!"
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