Clubs & Societies Training This week is your chance to have your say on whether the Union should build a Campaigns and Representation Hub upstairs in the Hive. This vote was triggered by a petition from a group of students, and all students have the chance to vote and make sure that their voice is heard. Voting is simple: pop along to the Hive on Tuesday or Wednesday this week to cast your vote. There’s two sides to every story, so both sides of the argument are outlined here and also all the information about how to vote. Use your voice Vote today This is a fantastic chance to increase student involvement in the Union. It is essential for a Union that’s run by students that your representatives are visible and accessible, open to your questions and opinions. Every part of the project aims to reduce our carbon emissions. We’ll be replacing a heating system that currently can’t be turned off, insulating the ceiling for the first time and installing energy efficient light tubes and motion sensors. This should save enough money in energy bills to pay for itself over future years. Although this project looks expensive at first glance, much of it will be paid back in the future through reduced energy bills. Vote YES for a Union which is open to all – not run by a hidden clique Vote YES to investing our resources in a sustainable Union Vote YES to the Campaigns and Representation Hub. For We are against the “Campaign and Representation hub” because we do not believe that the problems of our union can be solved with a new expensive and frankly unnecessary office. This office will apparently make students more inclined to get involved in union politics. Students are not so shallow that we need a glass wall before we will get involved! Costing as it does £110,000 – a third of our budget – this will take a significant chunk out of our union funds that we can’t really afford to gamble away on a project that is not income generating and not proven to be of any real benefit to union democracy or it’s functions. This office won’t be able to fit all of the current executive in it let alone any extra campaigning students that will turn up because of clear glass walls. We believe that the Executive should be concentrating on building a better union, not a better office. Against “The Union should proceed with creating the Campaigns and Representation Hub.” Voting will take place in the Hive/LCR on: Tuesday 12 May - 11am - 7pm Wednesday 13 May - 9am - 5.30pm. How to vote Don’t forget to show your support for the Union’s campaign to improve feedback on all exams and course tests. Write: “I’m hungry for feedback” On your exam papers and help change UEA’s exam policy. For more information visit: www.ueastudent.com Debate Learn more and join the debate in the LCR on Monday 11 May at 1pm. E u r o p e a n E l e c t i o n s T his June is the European Parliament Elections, as well as elections for Norfolk County Council. While lots of UEA students may well have already gone home by then, it’s really important to make sure that you’ve registered to vote and that you use your voice. Because of the way that the voting system works, there’s a very strong chance that the some parts of the UK will elect racists or fascists to represent us in Europe, so if your home address is in the North West, North East or the Midlands, it’s vital that you get out and make sure you vote against racism and fascism. Students need to stand up and say that racism is not ok, and nor is prejudice against LGBT people either. There’s a lot at stake in the elections and it’s important to make sure you’re counted. The European elections are also about other issues too – from the environment and recycling to transport and human rights. First of all, you need to make sure you’re registered to vote and that your address is correct on the electoral roll. Registering is easy – simply pop over to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk and fill out one of the handy forms online. Once you’ve registered, make sure you vote! If you want to vote in Norwich, but aren’t going to be around, make sure you apply for a postal vote so that you can still be heard! www. aboutmyvote.co.uk has all the information about getting hold of postal votes. If you’re a new committee member of a Union club or society, take the chance to find out more about your role and how to make next year a roaring success for your club/ soc. They’ll be compulsory training in October for all members of committees, but in the mean time, why not try one of these optional sessions? Publicising Your Activities Find out about how to get your message out there! Tues 19 May - 5:30-6:30pm Room 1.33 How to Run a Fun and Inclusive Social Make sure that everyone ishaving fun and your committee doesn’t run into hot water with this helpful session. Thurs 21 May - 5.30-6.30pm Room 1.33 How to Get the Most from SocWeb Find out how to use a key tool for committees! Tues 26th May – 5:30-6:30pm Room 1.33 Abstain Choose this if you do not have a view.