Over Christmas I was confronted with the same question I’ve had (from my uncle) ever since I first became a student officer; ‘and what do you want to do when you grow up and get a proper job’. Until this year I’ve always bottled this question, and, rather than explain exactly what it is that I do, and why I considered being President of Hull, and Vice President of NUS to be proper jobs, I just reply, ‘I’ve always wanted to be a teacher’.

This year was different, I replied that ‘I currently have the best job I’ve ever had and perhaps probably will ever have in my life, and it’s a sad truth that at the age of 23 I have to leave it behind.’ It was only then that the stark reality of what I do at the moment hit me, it’s a truly incredible role, and is much more of a passion than a job, from training activists to leading ‘yes2nus’ affiliation campaigns on campuses there isn’t a single part of the role which I don’t enjoy. 

Thinking back 2 years ago I wasn’t that sure what Union Development exactly meant (although I always thought my predecessor ‘bubble’ seemed to be enjoying himself) so for my election I set out what I thought it should be. As we’re about to enter the time of year when NUS elections roll into town again, I’m keen to encourage as many people as possible to stand and to discuss what they think UD should be, 2 years ago I ran some idea’s past my predecessor who gave me his views on what Union Development should be about (he was the first VP UD EVER!) This year I thought I’d do the same and to make this transparent, I want make it freely available to everyone.

Working with my zone committee we have agreed 5 key area’s for union development:

1. Championing Students’ Unions
2. Breaking Down Barriers to Participation in Students’ Unions
3. Deepening Participation in Students’ Unions
4. Empowering Students to Make Change
5. Finding the Voice of Millions of Students outside Students’ Unions

Each Monday between now and the close of NUS nominations (on the 24^th of February details on how to stand are available here http://www.nusconnect.org.uk/conference/info/) I am going to blog about 1 of the 5 area’s, defining what it means, what we are currently doing about it and suggesting possible questions for the future, candidates can of course ignore all of my views, but I thought rather than only speaking to people who I already know it would be good to make it freely available.

If you want to talk to me about standing, or have any questions then feel free, my e-mail is Ed.marsh@nus.org.uk

Finally, 2 years ago I took the decision to stand to be an NUS Vice President, I was terrified both of the election and of the job, however I can genuinely say that it was the best decision I have ever made, I have loved every single minute of it and it has changed my life. If you are even considering standing for election (whether in NUS or a Student Union) then stand, because there is nothing worse than looking back with regrets thinking what if?

Cheers

Ed