Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Welcome to 2005 from the NUS Black Students’ Campaign.

Building on the success of last term: the launch of a Black Students’ Officer in Every Union campaign, production of the first NUS Black Students’ handbook and the biggest NUS Black Students’ winter conference, this mailing outlines our campaigning strategy for this term.

There are a number of key events organised including regional meetings that will allow Black students to engage in the Campaign and network with other students regionally.

This email covers:

1) Tsunami Appeal Update
2) Unite Against Fascism Conference – 26th February, London
3) NUS National Conference – 5th–7th April, Blackpool
4) Regional Conferences, 14th–23rd February, Nationwide
5) Clubs and Societies Training, 22nd February, London
6) College Events, Nationwide
7) Briefings this term

These events are open to African, Asian and Caribbean students.

1) Tsunami Appeal Update
Following the NUS Tsunami Day of Action (28th January) and Briefing Pack produced by the NUS Black Students’ Campaign and sent out nationally as a response to the disaster that hit east Africa and southern Asia, we are now taking our work one step further. The Campaign is building long-term and sustainable partnerships with international charity ActionAid to support those devastated by the tidal wave – particularly students – by getting UK students’ unions to sponsor a college in each of the countries affected.

2) Unite Against Fascism Conference – 26th February, London
Hundreds of people are coming together to develop a joint strategy to fight the threat of the BNP in the May general election. Last year, in the Euro elections, the racist BNP – who want an “all-white Britain” – received almost one million votes and came within 3,000 votes of winning a seat on the London Assembly. This time they’re standing 100 candidates and are determined to make their first electoral breakthrough.

As Black people, and students, we need to be at the forefront of this fight. Come to the conference and join a broad community, political and trade union alliance determined to limit any possible gains by the fascists.

We are also urging students to get registered to vote for the May 5 general election – the deadline for this is March 12th. We have joined Operation Black Vote to produce materials on the process of registering and outlining why voting makes a difference. Contact us for copies.

3) NUS National Conference – 5–7th April, Blackpool
The NUS Conference in April is where the organisation makes it biggest decisions. This year there may be a direct attempt to get rid of the NUS Black Students’ Officer and replace it with an Equal Opportunities Officer. We are calling for 200 Black Students to come to NUS Conference to stop this happening. The event is free but you must get elected to come. Find out from your college union when the election is, and we’ll train you on how to get elected! You can also submit motions against the BNP and for a better education for Black students at this Conference. Contact us for details of these and get them passed in your union.

4) Regional Conferences, 14th–23rd February, Nationwide
These let you know what’s going on in your area and give you practical support on what to do in your college with your fellow Black students. You will get NUS campaign material and link up with local students and initiatives. The dates are:

• Monday 14th – Midlands regional meeting, 12-3pm – Birmingham University
• Wednesday 16th – London regional meeting, 6-30-9pm – City Hall, London
• Thursday 17th – Northern regional meeting, 12-3pm – Leeds University
• Friday 18th – Southern regional meeting, 12-3pm – Portsmouth University
• Monday 21st – Scottish meeting, 12-3pm – Nautical College Glasgow
• Wednesday 23rd – Welsh regional meeting, 11-1pm – Cardiff University

5) Clubs and Societies Training, 22nd February, London
Are you struggling to fundraise for your club? Does your committee lack motivation? Would you benefit from training on how to run your society? The NUS Black Students’ Campaign has organised a one-day clubs and societies event with workshops and guidance seminars on a range of skills critical to running strong and vibrant clubs: from fundraising, to running committees, to organising successful events and communicating with your members. The event is free and lunch is provided, but places are limited so contact Pav soon.

6) College Events, Nationwide
It is important to continue building the spirit of unity and strength in our colleges, so if you would like Pav and the NUS Black Students’ Campaign to come to speak at your events or send you materials, then just contact us, and we will be there with you.

7) Briefings this term
Later this term we are publishing briefings on asylum for the STAR (Student Action for Refugees) Day of Action (Feb 17th). There will also be a briefing on getting anonymous marking at your college; implementing Black Student Officers in Your Union and the production of a Stop and Search card jointly with SAAR (Student Assembly Against Racism)

This term promises to be an exciting and effective time for our Campaign and I look forward to your support in making it a success.

Yours in unity,

Pav Akhtar
NUS Black Students’ Officer

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