I have debated writing this blog for a while but have now decided the time is right to publish it.

The blog is about the language that we in NUS use and how in my opinion it often runs the risk of disengaging us further from our membership.

I believe in NUS reform and the need for this process to continue, moving to an organising culture to ensure that key campaign messages are sent out throughout all groups within our Unions. And I believe that the way we communicate and the language that we use is a key area of reform.

Now I know this will raise a few eyebrows but it is my opinion that we disengage our membership quite often when we throw terms like ‘Activist’ around.

The dictionary defines an activist as: “a person who believes strongly in political or social change and works hard to try and make this happen”

This definition would actually dictate what happens everyday in our Students’ Unions and by our members, in our representation of students.

However, when I was RAG officer during my studies at Christ Church I didn’t view myself as an activist and felt the same when I was captaining the Hockey and Cricket teams.

Now I realise that this was ‘Activism’ but at the time had you said it to me I would have laughed at you and probably told you where to go.

We have to ensure that NUS give a definition of the term ‘Activist’ and what we mean by it. To different people the term means different things and so, dare I use the dreaded word; we have to be ‘targeted’ in when we do use the word and in what context. We risk alienating parts of our membership by calling them activists when they simply view themselves as individuals doing their bit for their Unions.

This has especially been evident to me fighting the recent Referendum campaigns at UWE, BUGS and Imperial. We cannot continue to utilise language that simply turns people off what you are saying, and so turns them off what NUS are doing.

To some they consider themselves as Activists, if you ask them about the term they give you a definition and that is often in the political context. But to some if you classify them as an activist they believe the term means they have to have a political viewpoint on every issue, and would strongly deny being so.

In my opinion, reforming the way that we communicate is an essential part of ensuring that NUS stays membership focused. The use of the term ‘Comrade’ for example should only be used in certain circles or further alienation will take place.

Part of the Strong and Active Unions campaign this year focuses on the fact that ‘Activism isn’t a dirty word’ and it will be our job to ensure that it isn’t, but remains focused and not just thrown around when anyone on one of our campuses does something, or goes above and beyond the call of duty.

I hope you found this blog interesting and it has raised some questions

Any thoughts on the issue feel free to email me bubble@nus.org.uk it would be good to know your opinions on it

Cheers,

Richard ‘Bubble’ Budden

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