To introduce myself, my name is Amy, and I’m a second year lawyer from Murray Edwards. I’ve been the Diversity Officer at the Union for the past two terms, and I’m running for President because I want to play an instrumental role in putting together one of the terms I have enjoyed so much in my time here. However, I’m also running because I recognise that there is still so much we can do to improve the Society, and I believe I can be the driving force behind this change.

 

First and foremost, speakers and debates. Providing our members with the opportunity to engage with the world’s most influential figures in politics, in film, in science, in academia; this is what sits at the heart of the Union. We are so much more than a student debating society, and, if elected President, I would ensure excellent speakers and quality, topical debates. Following the amazing turnout of the past term for speakers such as Michael Sandel, I’d put a renewed focus inviting top speakers who are famous in their field, rather than necessarily on the front page of Hello! magazine.

 

To do so, I’d reform and improve the invitations process the Union uses. The Speaker’s Committee set up this term has showed us how efficient we can be; I’d formalise and expand this, and hold a letter writing week at the end of Michaelmas. I’d reform the current scattergun approach we have to invitations, by establishing real links with agents, government departments, major newspapers and political think tanks.

 

The question of whom we should be inviting is always raised around election time. I make no apologies for strongly opposing “no platform” policies. The Union exists to promote free speech and debate, and no individual should be excluded from speaking at the Union for holding controversial, or even abhorrent, views. However, there is nothing to be gained by courting controversy for controversy’s sake, by hosting an unpopular figure with nothing interesting to say. We have a power of invitation and no one has a ‘right’ to speak at the Union; they must interest our members, who must have the chance to scrutinise and question them.

 

However, I recognise that a significant minority within Cambridge will disagree. I hope to establish a stronger, continuous dialogue between the Union and other Cambridge societies, for better relations in the event of a clash of perspective. We may not agree on issues, but open, strong communication militates against the sheer hostility that previous terms have witnessed.

 

In terms of who we do host at the Union, our members should have a greater say in who we invite. I’d encourage speaker and debate motion suggestions and prioritise these invites. Alongside this, I’d set up an online forum for pre- and post- debate discussion, so members get the most out of these events. But then, it’s not all about debates; I want more and better ents, live music, drinks deals and to promote the Union Saturday night bar nights, becoming not only the political but also the social hub of Cambridge.

 

Members should have maximum opportunities to become involved in the Union; when I first started in the distant past of Supplementary Committee, pathways in seemed limited. To challenge this, I’d expand the new Speaker, Treasurer and Social Ents Committee and promote student debating, encouraging new and old faces to take part in emergency debate and debating workshops. For those who simply want a say in how their Union is run, I’d establish better feedback mechanisms, overhauling College Reps and introducing weekly drop in coffee breaks with the Officers.

 

As President, I’d continue to pursue a Union that is inclusive and accessible. I’d introduce an annual report recording progress and setting targets, and continue the push to host more female speakers. Alongside this, I’d finally introduce membership payment by instalments. Last term, I brought proposals to Standing Committee for fees to be paid in instalments via college bills, to both ease the immediate financial impact of buying membership and avoid the problem of cancelled direct debit. As President, I would coordinate discussions with College bursars to make this a reality.

 

Finally, I want to introduce long term change for a stronger Union. The current website is archaic; I want a professional new website that is both more accessible to you and more attractive to sponsors, that we can use to promote the union in the 21stCentury on a global stage. I want greater continuity, by introducing longer terms for appointees and a new committee that brings together the wealth of experience of former officers.

 

In short, my vision for the Union is excellent speakers, greater member involvement, structural change and improved access. I plan to ensure than Lent 2014 is one of the strongest terms at the Union yet.