Nominations: Nominations closed
Voting: Voting closed
Election
Read about what the LGBT+ Students' Network Secretary is responsible for.
In order to vote for this position you must self-define as a student from an LGB+ background.
Category
Candidates
Nelson Okaroh-Dae
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
As secretary I aim to ensure the increase of inclusive and diversity within our network, working closely with LGBTQ+ charities that aim towards support young persons as they develop in life and their experiences. I wish to ensure that even those whom are questioning and unsure of who they feel they are to have a safe space for self-discovery with aims to expand both the academic repertoire and emotional support everyone may access.
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
Having worked for multiple years within both employment advisory roles and later within a mental health development role, I aim to bring an emotional depth and understanding to mental health that impacts so many LGBTQ+ persons. As someone from a mixed ethnic background and lower socio-economic standing I also aim to ensure that varied and tailored supportive approach in support for LGBTQ+ students in UCL. With a range of skills within networking and arranging events, I seek to not only increase the fundraising capabilities but the breadth of our outreach for support.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
If I am given the opportunity to serve you, I would ensure that every moment I am available for providing tailored support. From helping with nutrition, improving inclusiveness, all the way to being someone you can talk to, I’ll be there. No issue, no query, no uncertainty is too small for my attention and I will ensure that not only are you heard, but that your voice is amplified to the greatest degree. After all, what are we without our siblings standing by and supporting us. I shall fight for you, not matter how challenging it may be.
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James Canning
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
I want to make sure that the network is run effectively and efficiently to help make the most of its essential work.
For many LGBT+ students, coming to university can be a scary experience. The LGBT+ Network is an essential support, through the events it runs and when representing students' needs to the university. I want to help make sure that members are listened to and supported. I will also make sure that everyone within the network is being clearly communicated with so that our advocacy work is powerful and coordinated.
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
I was Treasurer and am now Communications Officer of Board Games Society. I've organised events and meetings and helped ensure that the committee works well together to make sure our events are enjoyable for everyone. It's been great to both run things behind the scenes and get to welcome so many new people to the society over the last two years. I've really enjoyed my role helping to organise entertaining and fun evenings.
As a PhD student I'm used to working and coordinating in teams. I'm organised and efficient but also friendly and approachable and enjoying chatting to people.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
When I went to uni as an undergrad I was nervous about being out and still dealing with a difficult experience at school. The work of the LGBT+ group there made me feel safe and welcome and I want to help others get that support too.
I'm a passionate believer in LGBT+ equality and supporting young LGBT+ people. For the last few years I've been a volunteer with an LGBT+ charity, going into schools to talk about what being LGBT+ means and why bullying is harmful. I've also co-authored a children's non-fiction LGBT+ book (the photo is from the launch of the book).
I would love to do this role!
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