Being involved with Guild societies has made my University experience the best of my life. My desire to run is in part based around a hope to give something back. I’m aware that ADO is a taxing job and isn’t one to be taken on lightly based on noble sentiment, but I know I am a strong candidate. As well as being an incredibly committed and hard working individual, I work in Student Groups, giving me experience with working with groups here at the Guild. On top of this, I’ve been Treasurer and Secretary for Watch This, where I’ve helped run the society and co-ordinated/produced almost 20 events, from showcases to the Edinburgh Fringe. Here’s my three policy points:
ROOM
It’s no secret that societies have had lots of issues with finding space for all of their activities, especially as the Guild grows in size. I want to expand the annual room booking system to allow groups to confirm their major events in advance. This would also allow other groups to be more sure of room for smaller or regular activities.
I’ll lobby the university to try and get more uni rooms open in evenings, and ensure that societies are at the forefront of the Guild’s potential redevelopment.
SUPPORT
I don’t claim to know how to magically improve every society, but as ADO I’d be very keen to get to know groups personally and learn how they engage with the Guild – and particularly what challenges they face when they run their groups, so we can implement ways to fix them. Miniforums are useful but not everyone is comfortable in that environment – I want a Guild where any committee member can come to the ADO with their issues.
Working at Student Groups means I deal with your paperwork and I know it’s tricky to get used to. I’ll create visual guides that explain how to do the paperwork and run your events in a concise and snappy manner.
ENGAGE
Every Guild society puts on great events, but one thing that everyone wants is more people to know about the stuff they’re doing, as do I.
The Guild does lots of publicity but we can do more, especially for the good stuff that groups do. I'd particularly like to focus on getting people into volunteering groups, because the work they do is amazing and rewarding.
I’ll work closely with the Student Groups Staff to promote events to traditionally ‘hard-to-reach’ demographics. I’ve always promoted equal opportunities in Guild Drama and I’d like to maintain that ethos as ADO.
I also wish to engage with the non-Guild departmental societies to encourage cross-promotion of events, because right now we don’t have much of a relationship with them.
I’m not a perfect candidate nor would I ever claim to be. Vote for me and you’ll get a fair and hard-working ADO who will improve the Guild for societies – because that’s what the Guild is about, at heart.
Vote ‘Judge’ Jacob Standbridge for ADO.