Ok I found this blog on my computer and realized I had been a bit silly and forgot to send it in so here is it my annual conference blog- enjoy :D

Ah the joys of annual conference- there were some definite highs and some definite lows and to be honest I think that I could write a book of what I am thinking or feeling at the moment but you know something that isn’t my style- so I thought what I would do is write a bit about how I voted at conference and what it is like running in a national election.

So onto voting

Strong and Active Unions Zone

NUS Extra was the big one here. At first 2 years ago I have to say I was totally anti NUS extra but at conference I voted for it. I will say this the main reason I did this is because I think that it could finally mean that FE Unions will have the money that they deserve. FE Unions are so chronically under funded and NUS Extra might just be a way for them to finally be funded fairly. Here’s to a successful national roll out and properly funded FE Unions.

Education Zone

Of course in the education zone there was the policy on FE which, guess what, I voted for. I think it was great for the first time ever the education debate started with a debate on FE first as this truly demonstrates the change in emphasis in the National Union. It was great as well to see FE officers go up there and speak on behalf on policy that they had written and submitted.

The other biggies in the education zone where the national demo- I think it is right that we will be having one this year- we must send a strong and powerful message to the government in Autumn 2006 that the new students in higher education have been let down by them, that they lied to them and that they must never be allowed to do that again to another group of students by lifting the cap on fees.

I am shocked and appalled that we now have policy on targeted grants. I can not believe that we have lost the policy on free education. People keep on saying that we have to realists but you know something I like being an idealist- I like the fact that we were fighting for an ideal- we should be doing that as students- we should have our principles and stand by them. Unfortunately it has been lost and I am gutted. We have watered down our own policy. You know something the government says that getting students pay top up fees is realist- in 2010 are they going to say lifting the cap is realist? The real situation is that the government should actually properly fund higher education in this country, maybe stop fighting so many bloody wars, pull out of Iraq and use that money to actually fund education and actually do something for the future of this country!!!! It makes me so cross as you can tell. Realists! Realists! Does that mean next year we will have policy to support top up fees because the realist situation is that we have them?

It was good though to have policy passed on equality in education. This seems to be the year for equality and we need to do as much as we can to campaign to finally have an education system that is equal for all. To find out more about what I think about this go to this blog

Welfare Zone

I t was sad that we didn’t get through all of the welfare policy as there were some really good policy submitted. As you are aware the welfare policy was dominated by the HT debate and I voted that we keep HT on the no platform policy.

Society and Citizenship Zone

Now this was the second biggie of the conference- Cocoa Cola. It was sad really that this debate basically dominated the whole of conference and it therefore meant that some really good policy didn’t get discussed- but then that is the will of conference and democracy in action- as frustrating as it can be!!! I voted for construction engagement.

Elections

Running for National President seemed to dominate my whole conference experience and I just wanted to publically thank all those who supported and believed in me. You worked so hard and I appreciate it so much- a huge huge thank you.

I also supported Ellie, Veronica, Bubble, Ama, and Manishta for elections. I was so happy that the first 4 got elected- through their own sheer bloody hard work and active campaigning. No one got these people elected except themselves- and I think they should be proud of what they did and how well they had done. You are going to be great next year. I was sad that Manishta did not get elected. Not enough of the NEC are from FE and it would be awesome if FE students had just as strong chance of getting elected on the NEC as HE. Hopefully this will start to change.

If you would like to know more about the way I voted and why I voted that way then please do get in touch with me by emailing sian.davies@nus.org.uk

Also good luck to all those who got elected onto the NEC. Being a member of the NEC is one of the most truly awarding experiences, its challenging, frustrating, annoying, you’ll want to quit at some point but it is also one of the most brilliant, rewarding experiences you will have- enjoy it ?.

So what do I think of running in a national election?

Ok I had run for SWD officer twice but there is a huge huge difference between running for that and running for national president. It was shattering, tiring, a huge emotional roll coaster ride. Suddenly everyone is suspicious of what you are doing and everything you are doing is profiling. This can get you down at times. People suddenly think that they have the right to create rumours about you, slag you off and make stuff up. Hey hold me to account- I am an elected representative but it should never ever get personal. Sometimes people forget that we the NEC and candidates for elections are actually people with thoughts and feelings. Also have a bit of respect. All those people who have stood for election are putting themselves out there- they are standing up in a public forum for what they believe in and you know something this is something that we should be encouraging, not belittling and trying to knock down. Ask them about their politics, about their visions and what they believe in but also do ask yourself would you be able to do what they are? Have some respect for them putting themselves on the line- no matter their politics.

Some things should change for national elections. I spent a lot of money on my election. Luckily I had been a NEC member so I started saving in December. I had manifestos, a website, phoned people, had my gimmicks and T-Shirts. It all cost money!!! Lots and lots of money. It does make me wonder though could any student actually run for election? I feel that no not unless they have lots of savings, parents who will pay, a faction who will pay or are a sabbatical who can save. Now of course you could stand without having manifestos to give out, campaign materials etc. but then you wonder would they be a serious contender in the election? Also would the student know how to go about standing for election? Would they be able to have the money? Know how to get nominated, how to do a manifesto, campaign etc? And I know in my heart of hearts that no they wouldn’t- this seems to be wrong. Our elections are meant to be open so that any student could stand for national election if they wanted to so maybe we actually need this to happen in practice as well as policy. The democracy guide etc. this year was a great step forward in the right direction. I hope that the new NEC carry on taking those steps forward so that our national elections are truly fair and open to all.

But to anyone who is thinking of standing- and I know people have already started to think of next years elections (to be honest that is also a huge issue- the new crew haven’t even started and already people are talking about next year’s elections. Really we need a change in culture in our national movement where we are not dominated by the election cycle) I say go for it. I was a great experience- and learnt a lot and should definitely get up there and make yourself be counted.

So that was that- annual conference over and done- my last one- and believe you and me I have been to lots- in fact I think this might have been my 6th!!! (oh my god!!!!). But for me- for lots of reasons- this one will be the most memorable. But there are still 3 months to go and still so much more to do- so my life as an NEC member has not and will not stop just because we have been and gone to Blackpool. (And just when I thought I’d never be returning to Blackpool- never again be driving down the M55 with my stomach feeling all a bit odd I get an invitation to a wedding in Blackpool- the Norbreck Castle no less!!! Bloody hell- Blackpool- 3 times in one year!)

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