I want to begin expressing my horror at the murder of 24 year old Barman Jody Dobrowski last weekend. It’s a disgusting and vicious attack by bigots who police believe attacked Mr Dobrowski because he was gay. It’s a stark message to those in the LGBT movement that although our fight for equality is improving there are still those out there who are willing to discriminate, persecute and even murder us for who we are. Unfortunately this is not an isolated case, over the past few months alone I have been involved (in my job outside of NUS) in numerous attacks physical and verbal against the LGBT community around London. It’s a growing problem that needs to be tackled head on. It proves the need for LGBT people to still organize, as a movement to protect our rights. It proves the need for the Police, community organizations and the LGBT community from across the country to tackle these horrific crimes together and it proves the need for LGBT organizations to be actively consulted in any negotiations about a safe and peaceful Britain after the 7/11 attacks.

It’s not enough that our Liberation campaigns still get consistently attacked by the membership, it’s not enough that although our legislative advances are encouraging we still need and must keep fighting. It’s just unfortunate that we need incidences like these to remind us of their importance.

So back to business, what have I been doing?

Anonymous Marking

It’s important that this campaign continues with the momentum it’s built over the last few months. Both Julian Nicholds and I are in the process of kicking off the second phase of the campaign. Already, we have received 15 submissions from Union’s about this issue but we need more! If someone from your union could fill the survey out it would be of great help. You can find the survey here

There is Power in a Union…

This week Daniel Randall and I met with Amicus Union to discuss Trade Union membership in Students’ Unions. We discussed the idea of promoting a joint campaign that gave Student Officer’s the arguments and tools to run effective campaigns. It will engage officers in the arguments and highlight the growing exploitation of students as workers- many of which are in the FE sector. We will provide case studies, highlight worker’s rights and offer support to those who wish to run a campaign. The guide will also offer alternative, cost effective campaigning ideas. It’s important to note here that the guide will NOT promote Amicus as an ideal trade union or advocate anyone joining them, but what we hope it will do is encourage students to seek out all Union’s to get an idea as to who is best for them…it’s just that Amicus is willing to stump up the money! For more information on this campaign contact stephen.brown@nus.org.uk or daniel.randall@nus.org.uk.

FE and the CAB

We all know the problems FE union’s face they are, under funded, under represented and under valued. It’s a nationwide problem that needs addressing and although NUS cant give FE union’s money (I know this may come as a shock) what we can do is seek out other deals with service providers to ensure FE students can access the same services on their doorstep and HE students.

This week I have begun discussions with the Citizens Advice Bureaux over a possible joint venture. My vision is that the CAB would dedicate at least one-hour-per-week to FE students. Giving them the opportunity to receive decent, free, welfare advice every week in their town or city. Furthermore it would generally promote the CAB top students as many have never heard of them or know what advice they give.

Although we are in the very early stages of this campaign, I hope that NUS and the CAB can pull together and truly give FE students some of the same opportunities afforded to our HE partners.

So apart from Campaigns, what does my diary look like? Here’s a rundown of meetings and events I’ve attended and will be attending this month:

• Exmouth Campus Closure Demo
• Various Freshers Events
• NEC meeting X2
• Meeting with Amicus
• Meeting with Unison
• Visited Leicester Uni Sabbs
• Went to speak at Demontfort AGM
• Regional Conferences (West Side)
• And hold down a 4 day job!!

In my last blog I also set a challenge to see how many of you actually read the blogs. I received a really encouraging response. People emailed declaring reading them from as close as some of my friends in the student movement to those I have never met, to as far a field as Austria! (Thanks Bettina!). I don’t want to reveal how many as I suspect Wes will just declare more ;-) but regardless it was an encouraging response. Furthermore I also think it’s a great tool to be able to promote some of the work individual SU’s have been doing. So if your Union is running a particularly innovative campaign please email me with the details and I’ll attach them to my next blog.

Finally, I want to express my sadness at the resignation of Jaykay, a colleague, confidant and friend. I wish you the best of luck in the future mate and thank you for the Car crash times (you know what I mean), advice over the years and your politics. You will be sorely missed.

Happy campaigning,

Stephen.

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