Consultation: | Young Greens AGM 2021 |
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Agenda item: | E.1.1 Executive Committee Co-Chair (x2) |
Proposer: | Kelsey Trevett (Oxford Green Party) |
Status: | Submitted |
Submitted: | 06/18/2021, 00:25 |
CC3: Kelsey Trevett
Which role are you applying for?
- Which role are you applying for?:
- Executive Committee Co-Chair
Candidate Statement
As we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic, one thing is clear: the crisis is far from over. A broken system of neoliberal capitalism continues to prioritise profit over people and planet, whilst politicians gamble away our future to maintain power, at the expense of justice, equality, and our rights. Attacks on our democracy, and on the rights of traditionally-oppressed groups, are a daily occurrence, a weak opposition sliding further and further to the right serving as no threat, or means of accountability, to a government hurtling towards radical far-right populism. Boris’ “build back better” rhetoric is fooling no one: “build back better” for the rich, for the privileged, for the Tories and their mates.
But there is hope. Young people have been exploited at every turn of the pandemic, bringing to light the stark injustices which have existed for years, and we’re fighting back. Now, more than ever, there is a space on the left for young people to stand up and take action for our future, and it is time for the Young Greens of England and Wales to fill it. With a radical vision for youth politics, we can build solidarity, mobilise young people and students across the country, and deliver meaningful change for a sustainable, fair, and democratic future. Unapologetically anticapitalist, unwaveringly eco-socialist, and the loudest, most effective voice on the left for youth and students, it’s time to put the fantastic work of past Executive Committees in engaging and educating hundreds of activists to use, and to mobilise around our shared vision.
I’m Kelsey, and I believe I can lead the Young Greens to deliver the change we so desperately need.
This year, on the Young Greens EC, I have led on the relaunching of the Young Greens liberation groups, working to promote the voices that are so often overlooked, and reaching out further into the Green Party to work with liberation groups to increase education and advance our party’s policy on trans rights, and in defining forms of discrimination.
I have a background in campaigning: representing visually impaired students in the campaign for equal education for disabled students; running an awareness campaign to improve inclusivity within the green Party’s internal democracy; organising local protests as part of the Youth Strikes in 2019. I have fought for the rights of students, chairing a student union during my two years at college, and now working under the portfolio of ethics & environment at university.
Proactivity in Agenda Setting
Defund the Police; Divestment in our universities; Deliver radical education and support for activists to resist neoliberalism
We can deliver transformative change, fighting for the rights of all young people and students with grassroots campaigns. We don’t need the Tories or the right-wing media to set our agenda — we can, and must, do that ourselves. Whether it’s campaigning to defund the police, to force universities to divest from fossil fuel companies, or to defeat the Police, Courts, and Sentencing bill which threatens our democratic rights,, and Traveller communities, we will take a proactive approach to delivering change.
Solidarity
Strengthen our liberation groups, ensuring autonomy and capacity; Support the rent strike movement as a powerful grassroots force for student activism; Develop links with trade unions to push for a just transition
We must continue to be a powerful force in standing up for the rights of traditionally-marginalised groups, acting in solidarity, and creating a safe space to develop intersectional approaches to liberation, directed always by our liberation groups. There is no space for discrimination on any grounds within or beyond our movement, and we will take an unequivocally strong stance in support of those whose rights and freedoms are oppressed by structural inequalities in our society.
Looking Ahead
Create a five-year political and organisational plan
Let’s create a five year plan: a political and organisational strategy to propel our agenda forward. Thousands of young people feel disenfranchised by a Labour Party hurtling away from socialism; a political strategy will solidify our position as the party of the left for young people and students, and will create a well-connected network of activists across the country, who have the support to run campaigns and engage in national strategy, and the autonomy to grow their membership, increase local presence, and tackle local issues.
Links
- Facebook:
- https://www.facebook.com/Kelsey-Trevett-110333830761167/
- Twitter:
- https://www.twitter.com/CouldBeKel
Supporters (minimum 2 required)
- Supporter 1 Name:
- Orla MacMahon
- Supporter 1 Local Party/Affiliated Group:
- Bristol Green Party
- Supporter 2 Name:
- Matthew Hull
- Supporter 2 Local Party/Affiliated Group:
- Camden Green Party
Consent to form data being shared (except email and mobile)
- Do you consent to the contents of this nomination form being made publicly available (this does not include email address or phone number):
- Yes
- Local Party:
- Oxford Green Party