Monday 15-04-2019 - 13:20

NUS Conference is now over and, following the passing of a series of reforms, the National Union of Students has secured its future. Here Anna Tatham reflects on the highlights of Day 2 and 3 of Conference, including the contributions of Durham's delegates.

 

Since my previous blog focused solely on reform, I thought I would round off my NUS Conference coverage by covering the key moments from days two and three.

 

Day two saw key speeches from Durham Students’ Union delegates.

 

First up was delegate and President-elect Kate McIntosh, which spoke about amendments to NUS reform on gender-balanced delegations and the importance of keeping the 50% women requirement for delegates. This amendment successfully passed.

 

Sam Johnson-Audini followed later in the afternoon, speaking in favour of liberation campaign committees, which would ensure vital liberation work undertaken by the NUS would be protected in a reformed National Union. This also passed.

 

Other notable moments from day two included a vote to save the Trans Officer and Trans Campaign, a motion which gained momentum prior to Conference with the hashtag #SaveNUSTrans.

 

Tom Chapman led a poignant speech for Durham Students’ Union’s Motion 207: Rent strikes. “When they say rent hikes, we say rent strikes”, he urged. The motion passed successfully.

 

The Welfare Zone was extended in order to prescribe more time to debate issues, and it was revealed that Conference 2019 passed 19 motions and 12 amendments, as opposed to just 4 motions which were approved in 2018.

 

Day three started at the earlier time of 09:00 and moved on to a topic I know I was trying to avoid… Brexit. Erica Ramos, Vice-President Union Development elect, delivered a punchy speech about how the NUS was to be protected in the case of No Deal.

 

The remainder of the third day was dominated by elections, including NEC Block of 15 (Student Director and Democratic Procedures Committee (DPC)). Numerous candidates ran exuberant campaigns – some were even dressed as vegetables – and most were accompanied by a catchy hashtag or slogan to entice voters. Durham SU Opportunities Officer Charlie Walker ran for Student Director.

 

Voting for these positions was uniquely open online, and voting will close at midday on 17 April.

 

Controversy flared when some delegates chose to turn their backs on a candidate in solidarity against some comments made by said individual during Conference.

 

Many candidates running for DPC chose to highlight the inaccessibility of Conference and called for its running to be changed.

 

Reminders were also made to avoid whooping and cheering due to the physical difficulty it can cause for those with hearing aids.

 

NUS Conference 2019 finished with closing speeches: one firstly from President Shakira Martin, which marked her time as President. Her candidature will end in July when Zamzam Ibrahim takes over.

 

Vice-President Union Development Ali Milani closed Conference by appreciating NUS staff and reflecting on the past year. Conference 2019 was officially over.

 

What a brilliant and insightful three days of debate, discussion and reform. The NUS lives to fight another day. Thanks for having me.

 

Main image courtesy of @Jason Dabydoyal. Secondary image courtesy of @annatatha