This week has been one of many inductions and introductions, so this seems like a good place to start off my blog.

But first up, some introductions of my own: I’ll try and keep my blog updated regularly and each blog will start with a brief summary of what’s inside, the places I’ve visited and the work I’ve done - I’ve always been a fan of NUS blogs; if used properly, they should bring some much needed transparency and openness to our National Union. I’ll also set aside a blog from time to time as a bit of an online soapbox to comment upon (rant about) issues of the day.

In this Blog…

• NEC Induction – NEC unites around Big Brother
• MCB Training Event
• Handover Meeting
• Make Poverty History and FOSIS Conference

NEC Induction – 27th/28th June

July arrived early as the new NEC year began on the 27th June at some holiday village up at Ribby Hall, Lancashire. The day started early at 9.30am, but I managed to save my time and NUS’ money by coming up the day before and staying with my family in Preston, not too far from where we were staying.

I found the induction practical, relevant and useful. The first day was spent in a series of useful workshops, complete with the usual powerpoint/flip chart presentations you’d expect and some, er, interesting role-plays!

The second day of induction was just as useful as the first, this time with more practical guidance on how to go about our daily work as NEC members, with useful workshops on everyday scenarios as well as training for us before we join officers on the summer training programme, which has been revamped and looks excellent.

After a difficult three months as an NEC Member-elect, I really valued the opportunity for us to get to know each other better. I think the induction reminded us all of our common aims, values and objectives. I hope this stays with us as we tackle difficult – and no doubt sometimes divisive – issues during the coming year.

A personal highlight was watching the NEC bond over Big Brother, united in support of Makosi! We’ll see how long that lasts!

I got back home at about 11pm after induction and had to pack up my stuff ready to move back home to London the next morning and had to finalise the NEC responsibilities I wanted to apply for. I did so feeling refreshed and optimistic about the coming year.

MCB Training Event – 29th June

The next morning I got up at 6am to move house in time to get down to the East London Mosque in Whitechapel for the MCB Event organised to raise awareness amongst NEC members of Islam and the Muslim students we represent.

I arrived in time to make the vast majority of the day and I really enjoyed it. There were some interesting and engaging speakers and we covered some really topical areas. I’ve always been quite conscious of how it is often depicted unfavourably in the media. Somaya Ghannouchi, a PhD student and consultant did a really interesting session about the use of the term Jihad and some Islamic history and in one of the most thought-provoking sessions, Sarah Joseph, editor of Emel magazine and a convert, spoke about Islam – women and feminism. Yvonne Ridley, the Express journalist captured by the Taleban also provided an insight into her unique experience in Afghanistan.

The great thing about the day though, was the Q&A sessions and the debate we had. I think we all found it very useful and I’d like to thank all those involved in putting it together.

Jess has suggested organising a similar event about anti-Semitism for the NEC and I think these awareness events can only be a positive step towards being a truly inclusive and representative union.

Handing Over – 30th June

On Thursday I met with Darren Jones and Gareth Smith, outgoing Block of 12 members, in London to talk about their experiences on the Block of 12 and how to get most out of the role for NUS and its membership, which was really useful as both of them have done very different things on the Block.

It gave me a really good idea about how the Block works (and doesn’t work), how the organisation needs to change to get the most out of its Block members and what I need to do in terms of personal goal-planning.

On the 1st July I was back in Cambridge preparing to handover to my successor. Balancing finishing off my current job, moving house and starting two new jobs has been a really difficult juggling act and quite knackered!

Make Poverty History and FOSIS Conference – 2nd July

On Saturday I set off for Leicester to speak at the Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS) Annual Conference.

On the way there my thoughts were with events up in Scotland at Gleneagles as the Make Poverty History march got under way and Live 8 concerts were taking place across the globe. Having proposed the policy to Annual Conference, my heart has been with this campaign and I was glad to see that many unions had transported students up by the coach load! I hope that the leaders of the G8 sit up and listen.

Gemma Tumelty and I addressed the conference; Gemma introduced NUS and some of the current issues we’re facing and I spoke about some of the key educational issues facing NUS, the challenges posed from rising anti-Semitism, Islamaphobia and other forms of racism on campus, as well as the importance of uniting as a movement. Joe Rukin arrived later and we took part in workshops, fielded questions from students and discussed some of the challenges facing NUS in the year ahead.

For a campaigning, active, union of students

One of the things I enjoyed most about FOSIS Conference was the opportunity to speak to students on the ground. Too often, NUS behaves like a union of sabbatical officers; part-time officers rarely get a look in, never mind your everyday students. This really must change. One of the messages I took to that conference was that NUS is not just a federation of unions, but a union of over 5 million students. Our potential as a representative, campaigning organisation is huge and our history demonstrates what we can achieve together when we campaign collectively. I hope I can play my part this year in helping NUS to realise that potential.

All in all I’m feeling optimistic, after a busy start to life on the Block of 12!

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