Election post

Status
Elected
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

I hope to organise events to raise awareness and give disabled students a safe space. With Disability Awareness Month coming up, I believe it is important to raise awareness on disabilities and the problems disabled people face; this can be done by inviting students or external speakers who can share their own experiences. The disabled students' network can also work with other societies, like the Volunteering Society to help disabled charities or the Sign Language Society to teach BSL. Workshops such as mental health first aid can also be organised to educate students, while a mentorship programme could be put in place to give disabled students a space to voice their problems. 

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

In high school, I actively took part in leading and organising social events such as charity fundraisers (school dances, socials). I also led several other projects in school such as designing and producing the yearbook, as well as leading and arranging sessions as the co-president of the school's law society. 

With experience in leading and organising activities, I have gained some essential skills and qualities including time management, organisation, coordination, communication, advertising and more which I will bring to the committee and this role as social secretary. 
 

Please summarise why students should vote for you.

As an undergraduate student with a hidden disability and from a culture where emotional suppression and being 'normal' is the norm, I have struggled with finding the right support system and embracing my disability as a part of my identity. I hope that by being the social secretary, I can help create a larger sense of community among disabled students, give disabled students a safe space to discuss problems, and to encourage students to embrace their identity. 

Thank you for your time, and I hope you vote for me, Natalie, as your social secretary for the disabled students' network!