Manifesto for 2025/26 Elections VP Societies and Communication:

Introduction:

Hi, I’m Umar, a master’s student in Law and your current Vice President of Societies and Communication. Over the past year, I’ve worked tirelessly to support societies, help societies to organise collaborative events like Diversity Day, and secure funding to enhance student experience. I’ve also helped societies participate in Fresher’s Fair and Refresher’s Fair, and approved student Experience Funds and Societies Top Up Funds to ensure Societies thrive.

            One of my biggest challenges was addressing the decline in societies from 126 to 72 just before coming into my role. Through hard work and collaboration, we’ve now grown back to nearly 100 societies, but there’s still more to do. I’m running for re-election because I’m passionate about building a vibrant, inclusive, and connected student community where every society and every student can flourish.

Vision:

            My vision Is to create a unified and inclusive student community where Societies are not just a Frenchay Campus Phenomenon but a thriving part of Glenside and Bower Ashton as well. I want to ensure that every student, regardless of their campus or background, feels represented, supported, and empowered to create and participate in societies.

1. Improving Communication:

1. Create a Centralized Platform for Societies:
   • Develop an online Hub Where Students can easily find information about all the societies, events, and how to get involved.
   • Use Apps or Tools to streamline event sign-ups and communication between societies and members.
2. Amplify Student Voices:
   • Host regular feedback sessions to hear student’s ideas and concerns about societies and communications.
   • Implement a “You Said, We Did” Campaign to show students how their feedback leads to tangible changes.
3. Strengthening Societies:
   1. Promote Collaboration:
      • Encourage Cross-Society events and collaborations to foster a sense of communities.
      • Organize regular networking events for societies leaders to share ideas and collaborations.
      • Create a Collaboration month to showcase joint events and initiatives.
   2. Support Societies Leader:
      • Create a mentorship program where experienced society leaders can guide new communities.
      • Provide training and workshops for society committee members to help them run their societies effectively.
4. Promote Diverse Representation:
   1. Diverse Leadership:
      • Ensure societies committees and SU leadership reflects the diversity of student body.Organize events that celebrate the diverse cultures and traditions of UWE students.
   2. Zero Tolerance for Discrimination:
      • Advocate for a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination, harassment, or hate speech in societies and the SU.
5. Secure Funding and Resources:
   1. Promote Student Experience Fund:
      • Continue to promote and allocate funds to enhance the student experience through societies
   2. Increase Funding:
      • Advocate for more funding for societies, especially for new and smaller ones.
6. Sustainability and wellbeing:
   1. Green Societies Initiative:
      • Encourage societies to adopt sustainable practices and organize eco-friendly events;
   2. Mental Health Support:
      • Ensure societies have access to resources and support for promoting student wellbeing, will be work on that with Wellbeing Officer from SU.