Campaigns.

There are a lot of well-run campaigns run by Imperial students that should be given all the support that they ask for. We refuse to conform to your typical “student activist” stereotype and our campaigns are more effective because of it. Take Green Week for example. They have won concessions because it is an effective environmental campaign that engages with College and the Union and is targeted at specific goals, relevant to student concerns and delivered in an adult, reasonable tone. If students feel strongly enough that they put time and effort into organising a campaign then they should be able to expect full support from their sabbaticals in doing so.

Campaigns that students have cared about in the past have been betrayed by the overtly ideological fashion in which student leaders have chosen to run them. For a dwindling minority (only 10 Imperial Students went on the last fees march) it might be tremendous fun to take to the streets with placards and shout and scream but they have a negative effect on the cause they are trying to help. We lost the battle on top-up fees because instead of presenting decision makers with well-thought out, coherent arguments the student leaders of the day thought it more appropriate to take to the streets with “fuck fees” placards. That may be our sentiment but it is no way to get us taken seriously. The great minds of tomorrow really should be able to do better. Compared to other Union’s ICU is totally apolitical which puts us in an excellent position to lead pragmatic local and national campaigns that deliver results for students.


Elect me as President and I will:-

1.) Provide better logistical support for campaigns. Running a campaign is very time-consuming and full-time officers should aim to lighten the load wherever possible.
2.) Ditch the dogma. I would rather see campaigns that deliver results than ones that are ideologically “pure” that will alienate your average student and make decision makers hostile to us.
3.) Continue with the “greening” of the Union building. We’ve started it so we should finish.
4.) Lobby the College on hall rents. Some halls are becoming unaffordable for a lot of students.
5.) Lobby college so that 1st year students are still guarenteed a room. This entitlement is currently under discussion.