Active Political Leadership 2006

Dear All

Having just returned from a fortnight of NUS' "Active Political Leadership" course with virtually all of your Presidents (and in many cases entire sabb teams) I thought I'd mail over some of the handouts used on the event such that you/ your staff are able to support follow up learning/coaching.

Once again officers on the course were an inspiration, plotting their political journey for the year ahead with passion and conviction.

The Course overview:

On Day One they were introduced to their context and operating environment. This involved looking at the history of Student Representation and Higher Education in plenary, plus sessions in tutor groups on politics and the role of students' unions- including handling paradox, rationalities, and values. It aimed to break apart the notion that students' unions and representation are simple and provoke debate about their purpose and role. The day ended with a Plenary on Values led by both a campaigning organisation and a Union GM. The optional evening workshop was on "Student Apathy" and tackling it.

On Day Two we turned to Power and Leadership, looking at theories and skills to improve personal effectiveness. Following this they attended three out of five "skillshops", short sessions that gave them the essential elements of some key influencing and coping skills. (Personal Influence, chairing meetings: creativity not conflict, linking thinking: perfect problem-solving, motivating your team and dealing with conflict, situational leadership). In the evening delegates watched either "Norma Rae" a movie about a textile worker that starts a union, or "The West Wing" coupled with "From the Top Down", an excellent film by Sussex Students documenting poor management.

On Day Three following a review we turned to Political Skills and communication workshops- sessions giving them skills they need to operate in the environment we looked at on Day One. (public speaking, playing politics on university committees, proactive media, reactive media, lobbying). Then it was time for Fibchester 06- a simulation in which they hit and met a variety of challenges in a fictional time in office.

On Day Four there was chance to review their Fibchester experience and an opportunity to plan getting support and developing an influencing plan. Then finally it was off to the Closing Plenary with a very special guest speaker- a student from each of the two courses (Week One Rob, Royal Holloway and Week 2 Damola from Leeds)

Note some of the handouts below are last year's versions but much of the content remains similar.

If you do have any questions please contact Ian Negus

History of Representation

Strong Students' Unions

Are Students Customers?

Leading v Managing

Constants of Leadership

Making Membership Matter

Quotes

Personal Influence

Making Change Through University Committees

Creativity not Conflict at Exec Meetings

Smash Apathy Now

Public Speaking Guide