Debating Society: Treasurer

as i did convening work for UCL IV, i asked the CAs to set a motion that said "TH, as a debsoc member, would vote parsa for treas," to which they said 'no are you stupid this is too gov weighted. 64 + lost my vote.'

when i ran for convenor last term, i made 2 big promises: to run UCL ProAm and to bring back UCL IV. 

with those now fulfilled, i'm going even bolder as treasurer. i have 3 exciting plans:

1. Scared of trials? 🫩
   • this year, trials for oxbridge and worlds were brutal - only 5 people were sent from a trialing pool of 20. this was largely because we didn't have enough money to send more people. as treasurer, i will ensure we have more slots next year, so more people can attend majors like WUDC and EUDC.
2. Want more comps? 🥸
   • this year, we only sent official UCL contingents to 6 in person, open/IV-tier competitions. for every other open comp, from TC Dublin IV to Amsterdam Open and Athens IV, our debaters had cover their own reg fees. this is no bueno. i will expand the amount of competitions we send UCL contingents to, including competitions beyond the UK.
3. Parsa, Where will this money come from? 🤓
   1. grant applications: my high school debatesoc had zero school funding, so i had to get creative by getting money through grant applications. i will use this same formula at the university level to get us thousands more pounds.
   2. fundraising opportunities: i will create channels for debsoc to coach schools in the UK, allowing you to pad your CV while making the soc money to send you to comps.

When I started uni, debate was entirely new to me. I will never claim to be the best debater (pretty sure I am one of the worst!). Despite this, debate has become a huge part of my life, being lucky enough to attend Worlds/Euros. I've been deeply entrenched in the society for two years so I understand thoroughly our committee needs cohesion and a shared vision next year. 

So how can I help?

• Convened 5+ comps this year ( most we have run in years!)
  • Calculated financial output carefully alongside current treasurer and pres
• SU transparency
  • attended several logistics meetings building a good relationship for future treasurer work 
• Connections
  • I’ve debated competitively world-wide and will use circuit connections to leverage comp/event discounts 

But what will I do?

• Arranging new financial opportunities 
  • Public debates using the ticketing system i’ve trialed this year
  • Events, socials, and community dinners at cheap prices 
• Debate is elitist! 
  • I've already started investigating grants and methods to fund better participation for all!

Away from the competitive side, the most important part of debate for me is the people who have become my closest friends, without whom I wouldn’t have stayed. From twelve-hour bus journeys to an Airbnb that was somebody's garden shed, my uni experience has been forever changed by the amazing people in this society. Thus my main reason for running; to support the society and people who have made my life in London a million times easier for my final year. 

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