Parallel Session Discussions
Management Committee Representation and Accountability
Download the full notes of the MC Representation and Accountability session.
The small, but perfectly formed, group discussed whether the Management Committee (MC) was fully representative of our student network and whether they are as accountable to the network as possible.
The group decided that the MC wasn’t diverse enough, however it was also agreed that this was a problem with the wider network. A potential proposal was put forward for a reserved BME position for black or ethnic minority (BME) students on the MC which the group felt needed to be called for by BME members of the network. The MC will discuss the possibility of a BME focus group to tackle these problems.
A discussion was had on the pros and cons of whether a one-year term for MC members would increase accountability. The group wanted the MC to discuss further and possibly bring this issue to the next Forum.
How should the P&P support office focus its efforts to
support students’ campaigning?
Download the full notes of the How should the P&P support office focus its efforts to support students’ campaigning? session.
From emails and phone calls to Facebooking the support office supports People & Planet groups in lots of different ways, but is it using the most effective techniques? Different groups have different needs and new structures like the Redress Fashion working group offer exciting new ways for the People & Planet network to organise campaigns.
This session examined the effectiveness of ways the Support Office is currently assisting groups and explored new techniques it could be using.
The session started with an introduction to each of the following areas then split into three smaller groups to discuss the various areas in more depth.
- Using Web 2.0 to support groups
- DIY campaigns and the future of Redress Fashion
- Local campaigns and the People & Planet network
How can we build a mass student movement?
Download the full notes of the How can we build a mass student movement? session.
The aim of the session was to gain ideas from the network on how to confront the lack of diversity within P&P.
Students discussed what diversity means, why it is important and what the barriers to campaigning are. Students heard about the new Further Education College and Higher Education project which focuses on increasing the diversity within the P&P network.
The idea of diversity reps was discussed, from the feedback students seem happy with the idea. Diversity reps will now be recruited in June 2009 for a pilot year of Sept 09-Sept 10.
Participants also worked on how to increase diversity within individual P&P groups. Their recommendations will feed into an on-line resource for groups.
How to fund P&P campaigns without diluting our campaigning
The session aimed to highlight the importance of the student network helping P&P raise funds. It aimed to help groups integrate their fundraising with their campaigning, so as not to divert their valuable time away from having a campaign impact.
The session explored how fundraising and campaigning go hand in hand. Participants generated lots of great ideas for fundraising for the newly chosen Corporate Power campaign strands.
