Alex Swallow
I believe that the fringe meetings and talks, are, in their own subtle way, one of the most important and productive elements of NUS Conference. At my first conference last year, it was an anti-racism fringe meeting which convinced me of the merits of a no-platform policy, and added weight to my speech, when I helped to successfully argue for its implementation at my university. For the first-time delegate buffeted by different factions on either side, each clamouring for your attention and encumbering you with more election publicity than you can hold, they are a safe haven to reflect on what you really want to get out of a conference that you know is costing £108 a minute. Back at your university, you are invariably asked the question: 'What did you do in Blackpool'. Whether you can provide much of an answer depends on the individual, but in a way, I think the wrong question is being asked. It should also be about, 'What did you learn at Blackpool'. It is what you take away from your time there which will determine how much you can contribute to the student movement.
At NUS Conference there isn't time for everyone to be able to speak, or for the issues that everyone wants debated to be brought forward. There is however time for everyone to learn something. If NUS Conference works properly, it can be a successful training ground for invigorated delegates wishing to make a difference in their own students' unions, all around the country. And this is where the difference is made. The battle for NUS is a battle for, 'hearts and minds'. No matter how much the NEC spent on a campaign, it would never work if the groundwork is lacking. After my first year, I could take the skills and knowledge that I had picked up at conference and use them to do a better job for my students. It also helped invigorate me to get my students involved, and my uni ended up sending one of the biggest contingents on the anti-fees demo in London. Getting 'normal students' involved with NUS at any level means that they start to see it as their union.
In was inspirational to see the fantastic work that other students, NGOs and voluntary organisations do, to connect yourselves with people who strive for what you believe in. It is great to find other people who care about improving the lot of students as much as you do. It is refreshing to hear how different people find ways to tackle the same problems you are facing, and invigorating to know that you are not the only one fighting. It is educational to hear what others have to say and to see your own reaction to it, especially in an unfamiliar environment away from your usual obligations and stresses. It brings like minded people together to strengthen the work they do. Even if you completely oppose some of the groups at conference, it gives you a chance to work out more clearly in your own mind what it is that you do stand up for. By working out what you don't care about it helps bring you to a discovery of what you do, and a stronger commitment to work for that cause. Even if you disagree that certain things should be discussed at conference, for example Palestine, what I picked up about the situation that I didn't know before helped me be more sensitive to the situation when an anti-Israeli motion was debated at my union.
I say these things with one caveat, that such meetings should not be able to interfere with the normal business of conference. Issues are on the table that people have been waiting all year, or maybe even several years, to discuss, from reforming the NUS to provision for an international students representative. Delegates should be, and usually are, prepared to stay at the Winter Gardens until late so that everything can fit in. This year, we were lucky to have Shimon Peres come to speak at a UJS fringe meeting. Unfortunately, a combination of factors including high police security meant that some delegates ended up feeling intimidated.
My gripe with it, beside these factors, was that it was scheduled for 8.30pm, during a normal conference session. This helped to result in us being inquorate, which wasn't helped by the fact that many NEC members didn't bother to stay. I was extremely disappointed by this, as I have never known of a situation before or since at Conference where a fringe meeting was timetabled at such an inappropriate time. I don't blame those who either went to see Peres, or to protest against his visit. But I do blame those who organised the event for this time, and the people who organised conference. It showed disrespect for the delegates who bothered to turn up to the session, and disrespect to the thousands of students represented who wanted to be able to discuss motions such as those on welfare. As great an opportunity as it would have been, my students voted for me to argue for their rights, not listen to Peres, so I felt obliged to stay.
I am a defender of NUS Conference against those who think it should be shorter or in other ways more limited. I think it is the best forum for real debate, real creativity, and real enterprise, for learning a lot from others, and building a solid base for the coming year. But in order for it to work to the best benefit of all students, I think it vital that each year its' role and aims are constantly reassessed. It must be remembered that what happens on its' periphery can sometimes be just as important as what happens at its centre.
NUS Conference 2003
A First Timers View
On the Fringe
Cynicism, and why I don't trust it
Presidential Election
Other Full-Time Elections
Block of Twelve and Committee Elections
NUS Conference Overview
Conference Live
