Consultation: | Young Greens AGM 2020 |
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Agenda item: | H.3. YGs of Colour |
Proposer: | Nannette Youssef (Norwich Green Party) |
Status: | Published |
Submitted: | 07/30/2020, 23:03 |
LB11: Nannette Youssef
Which role are you applying for?
- Which role are you applying for?:
- Young Greens of Colour Co-Chair
Candidate Statement
It is often claimed that tackling racism is not, and should not, be a prerogative of the environmental movement. I believe this to be inherently incorrect; good climate activism is activism which not only acknowledges the unique experiences POC have with the environment, but that also deconstructs the racist history of the environmental movement itself. Within the Green Party, we have historically struggled to engage POC. We often resort to virtue signalling in desperate attempts to appear more diverse- and this isn’t good enough. If we are serious about diversifying the party and working to create an actively anti- racist society we need to see more Young Greens of Colour elected throughout the country at both a national and local level, who will be able to create radical Equality and Diversity policy.
As the only Young Green of Colour Councillor, I am well placed to lead in creating this change alongside Wesley Walton. Elected in May 2019, I am the youngest and only Person of Colour on the Norwich City Council. I have worked hard to ensure that the council is not just not- racist, but is actively anti- racist. Within my first year in the role I have written and presented a motion to council which called for greater training and support for members to eradicate discrimination and champion diversity and for greater proactive steps to be taken to create a more inclusive council. I was proud that this motion was passed with unanimous support from across the floor. If elected, I would bring my professional experience of writing policy to help other YGofC create anti- racist policy.
In my role as a councillor, I have appeared on regional television and radio news to discuss a range of issues, including the Black Lives Matter Movement. This has given me a strong understanding of how to communicate these issues sympathetically and accurately.
As an outgoing member of the Young Greens of England and Wales Executive Committee (2019-2020 term), I am keen to bring the skills and experiences I have gained in this role to the Young Greens of Colour. I have worked closely with the other Young Green Councillors to establish a de facto Young Green Councillor Community, and believe that these connections will be invaluable to encouraging other Young Greens of Colour to stand in elections. I have helped organise and convene online talks on a range of issues, and have helped run online training sessions on Elections and Campaigning. I believe this range of skills and valuable first hand experience place me in a strong position to co- lead the Young Greens of Colour.
The Young Greens of Colour needs to be radical, proactive and intersectional in its reach. We need to be providing not just a voice for Young Greens of Colour, but a platform from which we can create sustainable and just change.
Links
- Twitter:
- @NannetteY_95
Self-identification
- Do you self-identify as belonging to this Liberation Group? (Yes/No/Unsure):
- Yes
- Local Party:
- Norwich Green Party