Welcome to the second term mailing from the NUS Black Students’ Campaign.

Following on from a very successful first term in which we held the biggest-ever Black Students and Anti-Racism conferences, launched the Black Students’ Officer in Every Union and Anonymous Marking campaigns, as well as the MP and Magistrates Shadowing schemes, we’re looking forward to an equally busy term ahead.

I am pleased to include details of events taking place this term which are all designed to help you involve Black students in your local union and with the national campaign for effective, long-term representation.

Empowering Black students in every union is a priority and your support is critical to successfully meet the needs of our diverse members. These events support this ideal:

Active Anti-Racism Campaigns (Mon 16 Jan, £free, Leeds Uni)
The need to tackle racism in education and provide support for students’ unions in this campaign will be developed. The event will equip you with the tools to be a successful anti-racism campaigner in your union. NB This event has been advertised since last term

Mental Health Day (Tues Jan 24, £22 HE/£12 FE, Uni of London)
This event will take up the needs of the Black community relating to the Mental Health Bill that is going through Parliament at present, and how students can continue to campaign on it. To register visit: www.officeronline.co.uk/events

Black Sabbaticals’ Network (Fri 10 Feb, £free, Birkbeck College)
Black SU officers come together to discuss experiences, share learning and look at how to increase representation and activities in unions. We will also look at the Black students’ mentoring scheme.

Involving Black Students (Weds 15 Feb, £Free, Coventry Uni)
This is open to all officers and will have workshops and keynote speakers from external organisations to help you ensure Black students take a full and active role in your union, as well as providing an update on the Campaign’s activities.

Unite Against Fascism Conference (Sat 18 Feb, £free, TUC, London)
Anti-racists gather to learn how to counter the rise in racism and and defeat the BNP. We will also look at how to run successful events in colleges, and give attendees tools to build anti-racism campaigns on campus that unite the Black, Jewish, LGBT and all other anti-fascist/anti-racists groups on campus.

Involving Black Women Event (Weds 22 Feb, £free, Leeds Uni)
An open event for all women to develop strategies on involving more Black women in union activities and elections while tackling academic under-achievement, welfare and social needs.

NUS, STAR & SAAR Refugee Day of Action (Thurs 23 Feb, national)
During Student Volunteering Week, STAR, SAAR and NUS are asking students from across the UK to take action to show they care about refugees and make a positive stand to welcome those who come to the UK in need of protection and are students in our unions. See the briefing in this mailing for details.

Clubs & Societies’ Training (Tues 28 Feb, £Free, Manchester Uni)
Opportunity for all clubs and society officers to explore how to run effective societies and successful events, while getting specialist advice on fundraising and sponsorship. Also a chance to find out about the Clubbing Together Fund.

British Medical Students Lobby (Weds 1 March, £free, Parliament)
NUS is backing the British Medical Association (BMA) call for the Government to review financial support for medical students on 5 & 6-year degree courses. Medical students’ debt is soaring at a faster rate than other students, and now stands at £22,635, an increase of 17% since last year. Get your medical students involved in this parliamentary lobby to demand change.

NUS-ActionAid 24-Hour Coffee Break (Fri 10 March, national)
As part of FairTrade fortnight we have joined development charity ActionAid to hold a 24-Hour Tea & Coffee Break to highlight the negative effects of global trade rules on poor farmers and support their work with 13 million of the world’s poorest people. Contact us to get a fundraising pack with ideas.

It is necessary to book your place for any of these events as numbers are limited. Email me directly: pav@nus.org.uk stating clearly which event you wish to attend and the names of delegates. I will confirm your attendance and look forward to having you there

In unity,

Pav Akhtar
NUS National Black Students’ Officer

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