Elections 2016
How time flies- we're already electing our new committee for the upcoming academic year. Join the facebook event here and come along to exercise your democratic rights!
Here are the manifestos for some of this year's candidates. Note: manifestos are non-compulsory, so to find out what all the candidates stand for, you'll have to come along to the elections and hear from them yourselves.
Sarah Tay
Positions: Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary
Why do you think you’d be good in this role?
I think the three positions that I am running for all have a very similar common thread – they are all very admin-heavy roles, and that’s what I think I can bring to the table.
I’d consider myself to be often on top of things, to the point where I over-think and plan things out constantly, multi-task during lectures (which can often be unfortunately seen on lecture capture…) and procrastinate by doing non-academic things (i.e. debate). All these make me fit for roles that are not only administratively heavy, but also require a regular commitment to the society – not in the form of attendance, like some of the other roles may require, but in the form of being willing and able to put in the grunt work behind the scenes. I think I can do that, and I would be more than happy to contribute that to the society.
In terms of qualifications, I think I have a reasonable amount of experience and track record to prove that I can get these things done. I was an Undergraduate Representative on the committee, so I have a reasonable idea of how the committee operates and what needs to be done. I’ve been for my fair share of competitions, and have helped to run some in LSE as well (helped convene London Pro-Ams, helped collect the money at LSE Open) so I’m not a newcomer to the administrative tasks that need to be completed. I was also hired to organise the World Schools Debating Championships before coming to uni, so all these responsibilities were literally my job for a good 8 months. I’m confident that I will be a good fit for these roles, and that I can do well in them to keep the society running.
What would you hope to achieve while on the committee?
From my experience in the society thus far, I’ve been really happy with how the outgoing committee has run things. So my first priority is definitely to keep the ball rolling, and continue to keep those high standards.
Aside from that, there are a few areas of improvement that I’d like to look into.
First is that I would prefer more information about upcoming events to be distributed, with more notice given beforehand. Understandably, other factors like LSE Room Bookings (the disaster…) or confirmation of team slots would mean that it’s difficult to confirm many details much further in advance. Nonetheless, I think wherever possible, it would be good to have at least a week’s notice on many things, such as competitions and training venues, further in advance so that others can plan around them. Information such as how many teams we are expecting to get for competitions might also be useful, so that people have an idea of which are the bigger tournaments, what their chances are to get on the teams, and perhaps whether they would hence be interested in signing up.
Secondly, I would also like to make available more overseas tournament opportunities. Perhaps the recent flood of overseas tournaments in the form of Facebook events have influenced me, but it seems like there are many more tournaments outside of the UK that LSE does not often go to, or at least publicize about. While this may or may not be possible for the society to fund, and is certainly not a priority compared to London and UK tournaments, I think its worth at least publicizing about these tournaments and giving people an option to go if desired. It’s probably more helpful that the society does this, so that we can handle the admin woes, as well as match up anyone who is interested in going in order to form teams. I envision these tournaments to be mostly during our school breaks, entirely optional, and maybe not even very popular, but I certainly think at least the option to represent the society in an overseas tournament would be helpful for those who wish to do so.
All in all, I think the committee has already done great things, and I will definitely focus on continuing the good work of the previous committee. But there are also areas where we can expand into doing, and if elected, I promise to look into the feasibility of these ideas, and try my best to implement them to make your next year in the society even better!
Why Debate Society?
Why not? It’s one of the most welcoming, diverse, and enjoyable group of friends I have at LSE, and I look forward to getting to know everyone better, bringing new people into the fold, and making everyone’s time in the society a great one!
Also, after investing so many years (and weekends) into this hobby, I’m afraid Stockholm Syndrome might have taken over me… (Send help please!)
Omer Azhar
Positions: Secretary, Treasurer, Non-Portfolio member.
Why do you think you would be good in this role?
As the former president of the debate society of Lahore Grammar School and debating coach for O-Levels students at my school in Pakistan, I have attained administrative skills which would assist me in carrying out my responsibilities to the fullest. For example, organising the All Pakistan National Debate championship hosted at my previous school made me aware of how to co-ordinate between people, incentivize them to take part in organization and how to ensure discipline at a national event. This experience will come in handy if it comes to convening at the LSE open or LSE novice cup as well as being in any organising committee. Moreover, assisting the committee at LSE Open and LSE schools this year made me view first hand out how run things smoothly and deal with problems.
Secondly, as the president back then, I constantly planned, booked rooms and timings for debate society sessions as well as registering for external tournaments. This developed punctuality in me which would help me administer things here better i.e. running things efficiently.
Lastly, I love debating, and LSE SU Debate society. Hence I am deeply committed to the society for the next two years!
The debate society does things brilliantly but there are certain things that I hope to bring about in the following ways:
Despite not running for training officer, as a committee member I would actively try and assist novices or anyone else in improving. Approaching them directly informally after a session would not only develop a good relationship with them but also pinpoint problems for novices and guide them on strategies to solve them.
Put in more effort and time to attract sponsorships by writing emails and tailor made proposals to get funding. It is easier said than done but a well formulated strategy can work.
Make debate society more present on campus by putting up a stall and holding at least one public debate on a pressing issue. This will be instrumental in getting more people into the society and establishing a better image.
More emphasis on seniors to Pro Am a novice more often than it is done now to have better development for speakers.
Send members to international debate tournaments apart from the usual ones such as Berlin IV only as long as they are willing to cover the costs of the trip.
Put in more effort and time to attract sponsorships by writing emails and tailor made proposals to get funding. It is easier said than done but a well formulated strategy can work.
Make debate society more present on campus by putting up a stall and holding at least one public debate on a pressing issue. This will be instrumental in getting more people into the society and establishing a better image.
More emphasis on seniors to Pro Am a novice more often than it is done now to have better development for speakers.
Send members to international debate tournaments apart from the usual ones such as Berlin IV only as long as they are willing to cover the costs of the trip.
Why debate society?
It’s very simple. I’ve had a very decent and successful time debating in the last 4 years. I love debates hence the debate society. Secondly, from being a young boy representing his high school to being given the chance to represent LSE at a tournament has been very exciting. It’s a platform given to me by the debate society therefore it would be great to give something back to it and help it in whatever way I can. At a highly pressurizing environment like that of the LSE, the debate society, while competitive, in general is cooler which is why I would love to devote my time to this society.
Seah Ying Ying
Position: Training Officer
Debate experience wise I think that I have a proficient knowledge of enough issues to be able to provide training sessions and even if not, I am more than happy to prepare good content for issues.
I have run training sessions for most of schools before as we had no proper coach for a long time am very committed towards making sure that training sessions are constructive.
I think that I can be friendly and helpful in making people feel at home with the society so that new members are not put off by debate as being a frightening and overly hostile competitive environment.
What would you hope to achieve while on the committee? E.g. are there are specific changes you want to make?
- Better help for novices and people new to debate
- More consistent mentorship and pro-aming
Feedback
- Long Term Feedback
Content feedback
Helps with matter generation and broadens people’s perspectives on the debate and helps them to come up with these points in future debates.
Personalised feedback
Judges should go up to speakers after the debate or at the pub and just casually provide them with constructive feedback unless they do not wish to hear it.
Feedback on training sessions
There could be a formalised method that members can provide feedback on areas where they think training can be improved.
Why Debate Society?
Debating is fun and I’ve always loved it. LSE debate is social, less corporate than the rest of the school and just great to be a part of. I just hope to be able to share that with others and let other members enjoy it as much.
Hannah Tyndall
Position: President
Why do you think you be good in this role?
As current Vice-President, I have been responsible for organising teams and competition attendance - often solving unanticipated problems - and building working relationships with society members.
While debating for LSE, I have broken as the top British team at the World Championships; I have also served as CA at multiple tournaments. I understand debating, but also (perhaps embarrassingly) debate politics: this connection to the wider debate community helps to maintain LSE’s growing national and international reputation.
I would aim to have a collaborative leadership style, to build strong relationships in the Committee, and to be as open and approachable as possible and encourage people to talk through problems and issues with me.
One of next year’s tasks is to adapt to a new financial landscape: this means running an organized sponsorship campaign as well as reviewing current spending commitments. I am responsive and imaginative enough to devise a workable solution.
What would you hope to achieve while on the committee? E.g. are there are specific changes you want to make?
- Inclusion is key – I would run more workshops targeted at specific groups such as ESL speakers and women.
- More public debates – two a term to engage a wider range of LSE students.
- Internal tournaments – similar to the Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings tournaments held by previous committees. Suggestions welcome!
- Closer cooperation with other London societies, for example joint sessions and international tournament preparation.
- Continue the good work of the current Committee, such as completing the tournament convening dossier.
Why Debate Society?
Debating society was meant to be a place were I was able to shout my opinions and those participating were, for once, obligated to listen. However, rather than merely giving me a platform for my views it shaped and changed them. As an activity it is unique in allowing individuals to explore and explain a variety of ideas and concepts and is a hobby which has made me more open-minded, and a hobby I am genuinely passionate about. I think as many people as possible should experience debate, and the people who have a home at debating competitions should find it.
I also have been utterly privileged that this hobby has allowed me to make some of the best friends I could ask for, exceptionally-understanding emotional support and genuinely good times. And I’d like to protect that structure so that others in future may be as fortunate as me.
Hannah Tyndall
Position: Training Officer
Why do you think you be good in this role?
My debate experience and achievements are testament to the improvement I’ve made over the past one and a half years of university debating. I have broken as part of the highest ranked team in Britain at the World Universities Debating Championships. Broken at some of the most prestigious competitions in the UK and also done well when pro-aming.
Secondly I have large amounts of teaching experience and qualifications, working in China for 6 months teaching English as a Foreign Language. I have also coached debating as part of Debatemate, as well as running sessions for more experienced schools’ debaters. I am committed enough to debate society to put in the work (and Bram Bram and I are very similar debaters, so his powerpoints should work just fine ☺)
What would you hope to achieve while on the committee? E.g. are there are specific changes you want to make?
Training is good, I think that can only be reinforced with a committed team of training officers. But I would also have a stricter division between Tuesday and Thursday Training to ensure rooms are more balanced.
Why Debate Society?
Debating society was meant to be a place were I was able to shout my opinions and those participating were, for once, obligated to listen. However, rather than merely giving me a platform for my views it shaped and changed them. As an activity it is unique in allowing individuals to explore and explain a variety of ideas and concepts and is a hobby which has made me more open-minded, and a hobby I am genuinely passionate about. I think as many people as possible should experience debate, and the people who have a home at debating competitions should find it.
I also have been utterly privileged that this hobby has allowed me to make some of the best friends I could ask for, exceptionally-understanding emotional support and genuinely good times. And I’d like to protect that structure so that others in future may be as fortunate as me.
Andrew Vincent
Position: Training Officer, Non-Portfolio Member
Why I am good for this role
Like all debaters, I’ve faced the challenge of learning how to debate. What sets me apart is that my learning experience has been recent, and has taken place within this society. I know what it’s like to develop as a total novice through our society’s training sessions, and this has highlighted to me the areas in which we can improve.
In particular, it has shown me what needs to be done to make debating more accessible to novices. This is something we should strive for, because it would result in more people attending our events, which is good for our society. It would also increase the number of people we train, which goes towards fulfilling our mission of developing the thinking and argumentation skills of students at LSE.
What I hope to achieve
Make it easier for novices to pursue self-teaching as a path to improvement.
- Improve access to training resources. Add useful books, articles and videos to the website on a regular basis, linking to them frequently on facebook and in newsletters. Make this all easy for people to find.
- Design a short leaflet that will be made available at all training sessions. It will explain the basics of BP debate, give rudimentary advice on how to make a good speech, and direct people to the more detailed resources online.
- Do more to make training sessions helpful for those new to debating.
- Encourage pro-am pairings in novice training sessions throughout the year.
- Offer continuous feedback on progress made by novices, in particular with comments on how they have improved since they started training.
- Give more interactive training sessions, with greater emphasis on discussion questions, sample motions and case studies.
Why debate society
Debate society offers a fantastic opportunity to learn more about current affairs, and gain exposure to ideas that challenge your views. This has helped me become a better critical thinker and public speaker, and turned out to be quite fun once I got into it.
The society also fosters a friendly, supportive and inclusive environment, which not only helps people become better debaters, but gives them a more enjoyable time at university overall. This is in contrast to the countless other career-based societies at LSE, which feel more like corporate placements than actual student societies, and is one of the main reasons why I come to debate.
Jamie Capp
Positions: President, Training Officer
Why do you think you be good in this
role?
Over the past 18 months of debating I
have shown an ability to organise, relate and engage in all the important
aspects that can make our society run and grow.
While being treasurer I have come to
understand to workings and challenges of our society and the importance of
engagement with the SU and other key stakeholders. I have also played an
important role in all tournaments we have held this year, either in support of
convening the LSE Open to time and with minimal problems.
LSESU Debate Society needs someone with
the ability to manage and make it run effectively, while imparting the
necessary strategic direction. Throughout the past year I have demonstrated I
can do this while also being a friendly, welcoming and engaging face who has
developed close friendship with members new and old, committed and casual.
These are all necessary to be an effective President.
What would you hope to achieve while on
the committee? E.g. are there are specific changes you want to make?
I broadly believe there are 4 areas we
need to grow and develop in.
First we should make sure we build
a society fit for all.
This is a constant and ongoing
commitment that is based on continued work to be inclusive as well as trying to
engage more broadly in the Student body through more public and collaborative
events.
Second we need a
committee which leads.
The executive committee needs to offer
more direction and leadership especially with the new challenges we face with
the SU and therefore should have more regular short meetings to try and offer
strategic direction and the ability to meet these challenges. We should also
review committee position to redistribute work so we don’t overwhelm certain
positions/
Thirdly we need to
secure our future.
We should do this with a thorough
review of the finances and the competitions we fund and why. In a new era of
tighter restraints, we need to adapt. Furthermore, we must conduct talks with
the SU and engage in great corporate relations to make up for shortfalls.
Fourthly we should work to make
tournaments run better. This should be done through greater
executive engagement as well as a clearer and instituted hand over process and
document so it is accessible for all members. Finally, we should look to
implement a new mechanism for tournament payment, bringing us in line with
other major tournaments and societies.
Why Debate Society?
Debate society is a fun, rigorous and
rewarding society which has been like a family for me for the last 18 months
(literally now that I live with other debaters!). Whether someone is a regular
attendee or just comes every so often you can find some of the nicest, most
genuine people who debate for the love of academic discussion in formal
settings and at the pub afterwards.
That is why it would be a great honour
to be elected by my peers and friends, because I have enjoyed all aspects
(maybe not the early starts to go to Bristol as much) and want to continue
making to better for our cohort and the ones that come after.
