Regional Conferences are a fairly depressing time. Staying in cheap-ass hotels, eating lots of carbs and hanging about waiting to be asked questions. Reform recognised we are wasting our time, but are we really ready to shape the society we all want to see?

We enjoy arguing with each other. That’s the very nature of student politics, but that’s not where our efforts should be. That wont change society. That might change each other. But what about our next door neighbour? What about that woman that drives the bus? That bloke who works in Tesco?

Too often we walk away from events or meetings think we have changed the world. But we haven’t. I challenge you today to speak to one person, someone you have never spoken to before, tell them your story, tell them of your debt, tell them about your vision for society.

Because if we all speak to one person today, that’s over 1000 people we have engaged in our movement. This is how we can change society. People only turn up to meetings if they have a view on the issue already – but lets speak to those who don’t.

Society does not formulate views in meetings. Fact. Its debateable whether meetings even change the views of already-interested people. They formulate views, values and opinions when reading the paper, on the internet, down the pub, stacking shelves, driving to the shops, even reading this note. But where are we as a movement? Where are our campaigns?

NUS reform will be a watershed for the student movement, as now we can no longer hide behind broken structures. We all need to rethink what we do, and why we do it. We might feel better about doing something or holding a meeting, but will it actually change society?

Talk to one person today. Someone you have never spoken to before. Tell them your story. Tell them your debt. Tell them about your vision for society.

Because tomorrow you need to speak to someone else.

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