Why Elections
As some of you may know, the society was only established last Summer and the work of KDS so far has been achieved by a small group of committed individuals who have all worked hard to create a successful society. The elections will be the last step in the society’s establishment. Now we have a core group of members, we decided this should be the time to allow more members to have the opportunity to have an active role, to facilitate the society’s continual success/expansion and to create democratic legitimacy. We feel holding these elections at this time of year will also smoothen the transition between committees and academic years.
The Roles and their responsibilities
President (currently Tom Barker): the figurehead of the society. Ultimately responsible for all decisions made, leads the society, chairs meetings and delegates responsibilities.
Secretary (currently Ben Bowles): responsible for the content of the website, mailing list and all other correspondence. Keeps minutes at the meeting, chases up committee members to make sure they are ticking off their ‘to-do lists’. Responsible for organising participation in inter-varsity debates.
Treasurer (currently Matt Burgess): in charge of the society’s finances, must understand the complex bureaucratic proceedures involved with operating a Kent Union budget.
Vice-President (currently Vish): assists the President with his workload. Inherits the President’s responsibilities when he is ill or absent. Acts as a port-of-call for anyone who has grievances with the President
PR Officer: Responsible for promoting the society, expanding our memberbase and improving relations between those inside and outside KDS as well as between the committee and its members.
Debate Convenor (currently Harriet): responsible for all internal debates. Books rooms, confirms speakers and roles for the evening as well as general hospitality.
Social Secretary: responsible for diversifying the range of events the society have to offer, organises socials (negotiates drink deals etc.), hoodies etc.
Who can run for these positions and vote in these elections?
Anybody who is a paid-up member of Kent Debating Society
Interested?
Anybody interested in running for any of these positions needs to prepare a manifesto by 5pm on Friday the 4th of December and be ready to make a 2-minute speech at the elections. This gives time for members to scrutinise manifestos and enables them to come up with important questions to ask during the elections.
If you have any further questions about this do not hesitate, as always, to get in touch.
Do you think you’ve got the best society on campus? Would the University of Kent experience be incomplete without you? Do you provide the best extra-curricular experience for students?