Idea

Mandatory person with responsibility for Inclusivity within all society's / clubs / projects.

by Beth Edwards 02 December 2020, 15:38

Category: Other

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This idea would involve a committee member of all societies / clubs / projects to have responsibility of inclusivity.

This could be through either of these options:

  • One of the current positions, e.g... Chair, Secretary, taking on the responsibilities to ensure the society / club / project is inclusive.
  • A new role could specifically be created within the society to ensure that all students are included, and that activities are accessible to all students. 

Whatever option is chosen, it will be reflected in their constitution in order to ensure that the role is clear and there is someone responsible for the actions outlined. 

In conjunction of various student stakeholders (primarily students), the specific description of this role would need to be defined should this idea be approved by the Student Council. 

Ensuring that all societies / clubs / projects are accessible and inclusive is a vital part of ensuring everyone has a positive experience here in Bangor, within a Union that they feel they are part of. 

 

Support for this idea:

A publication by the Inclusive students unions highlighted that:

โ€œClubs, societies and sports groups are an effective way of bringing diverse groups of people together to enjoy a shared passion or interestโ€.

Common reasons for clubs, societies and sports groups are not considered inclusive:

  • Perceptions of cliques. 
  • Attitudes and behaviours can be off-putting. 
  • The presence of a drinking culture. 
  • Initiation ceremonies / auditions. 
  • Feelings of alienation from those making decisions.
  • Inclusive events attracting a low attendance, leading to cancellation. 

 

Link:

http://www.ecu.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/external/inclusive-students-unions.pdf

 

 

Comments

  • Default avatar
    Thomas Coleman   wrote, 07-07-2021 - 13:53

    You expect there not to be a drinking culture at a University? Also can you specify what cliques, attitudes and behaviours you find off-putting? And does this inclusive official want to force people to go to inclusive events if people voluntarily don't want to go? What makes the current culture so non inclusive?

  • Default avatar
    Beth Edwards   wrote, 02-08-2021 - 15:14

    Hi. Just for some clarity, the points identified were not specifically linked with Bangor, but rather the University sector more generally (which is why the link was included). The purpose of the role is not to force people to go to events, more than encourage societies and clubs to be more inclusive in how they promote events and decide which events to run. After over 100 committee members attending inclusivity training this academic year, it shows a keen commitment to be inclusive (note, this was not mandatory so there was no force). In addition, this idea has passed student council, which involves students across a range of roles discussing it and voting upon it. It does not seek to remove drinking events, this was just one of the points picked up by the research, suggesting people be aware of how this may not be โ€˜funโ€™ for everyone. The point of this is to consider inclusivity in societies and clubs so not to segregate inclusive versus non inclusive events, reflect on how societies promote events and being inclusive in doing that (for example, not everyone has social media). Iโ€™m more than happy to discuss this further or share the slides from the training I facilitated if you would find that useful. Many thanks.

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