Consultation: | Young Greens AGM 2020 |
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Agenda item: | I.1. Disability Group (1 Co-Chair, 3 NPO) |
Proposer: | Neve Fields (Loughborough and North West Leicestershire) |
Status: | Submitted |
Submitted: | 08/11/2020, 16:43 |
I.1.1. Neve Fields
Which role are you applying for?
- Which role are you applying for?:
- Young Greens Disability Group Co-Chair
Candidate Statement
As someone who is Hard of Hearing, dyslexic and has a processing disorder, I know all too well the feeling of exclusion and lack of accessibility in the wider society and, sadly, sometimes within our own party. Unfortunately, it is often the case that accessibility for disabled people is an afterthought- this needs to change. I have been delighted by the willingness and encouragement within the Young Greens to make their content and events more accessible, this is a great positive step in the right direction, however- there is still a way to go in terms of accessibility and inclusivity for our disabled members. As part of my role as co-chair, I would work with the many Young Green committees to make sure that this changes and instead that accessibility is at the forefront of thinking within the Young Greens. In addition, recent events within the environmental and social justice movements have highlighted the importance of liberation groups. As co-chair I would work alongside the other young greens liberation groups to help make the party as intersectional and accessible as possible in order to properly represent all young greens.
Recently, with the increased effects of climate change and of corona virus being disproportionately felt by disabled people, it is becoming ever clearer the importance of disability representation within the party and wider society. As co-chair, I believe it is crucial that we increase and maintain the visibility of disabled young greens. This will be done by reaching out to our community, improving the accessibility within the young greens (such as the accessibility of events and online content), launching campaigns, holding events, and also maintaining a constant presence within the young greens. Another way I will facilitate an increased representation of disabled people as co-chair is by supporting and working towards getting more disabled young greens elected into local councils. In 2018 only 16% of local councillors had a long-term health condition or disability, this means that disabled people, and particularly disabled young people, are severely underrepresented in local governments.
I am currently the Disability Officer for my student’s union and as part of this role I chair a disability support network, lead on the formation of new and creative campaigns, organise accessible and educational events and also chair meetings. My role as disability officer has taught me so much in terms of the disability community and skills in how to chair and run a committee. I also currently hold a position on the Midlands Young Greens committee as a non-portfolio officer. I believe that I will be able to use these experiences and skills in order to effectively and efficiently co-chair the Young Greens Disability Group.
Finally, I recognise the need to consult disabled members of the young greens- to gain an insight into their experience within the party and any issues they may have personally experienced. I acknowledge that I only know my own experience in relation to my disabilities and that, as our community is so diverse, it is important to acknowledge that everyone’s experience is different. This is why it is crucial to reach out to our community and gain a better awareness of current issues and areas of improvement to be able to work towards an inclusive party for every disabled member.
I believe that, with my passion and dedication, I am the best person to co-chair the Young Greens Disability Group and successfully represent and serve the young greens disabled community.
Links
- Twitter:
- www.twitter.com/FieldsNeve
Self-identification
- Do you self-identify as belonging to this Liberation Group? (Yes/No/Unsure):
- Yes
- Local Party:
- Loughborough and North West Leicestershire