Ógra target further seat on Queen's University Student Executive

Keenan For SCA

Vótáil Dermot Keenan 1 - Student Community Action Officer

My name is Dermot Keenan and I am a second year law student from Derry. On Wednesday the 9th and Thursday 10th May 2007 I will be standing for election to the Students Union Executive running for the non - sabbatical position of Student Community Action Officer (SCA).

The Student Community Action Officer is responsible for liaising between the Union and local voluntary groups – including children, the homeless and senior citizens. I believe that my involvement in youth politics and voluntary work make me the ideal candidate for this role.

I have been active in Student and Community youth politics, including the current ’Shell to Sea’ campaign for a number of years, being a Student Council member for the last 2 years and the current Chairman of Ógra Shinn Féin in Queens University. I am also a member of the True North Sub Aqua Club Search and Recovery Unit. This is a Voluntary group of recreational divers who assist the Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) in helping those who get into trouble at sea.

I believe I not only have the required motivation and skills to carry out this job but also the experience and contacts necessary to ensure that if elected I will fulfil the remit of my job in a positive and professional manner.

To me it is vital that the Student population participates and interacts with the local community to ensure a positive and respectful relationship. Therefore I am asking you, the Students to make your voices heard and support the following aims on May 9th and 10th by logging on to QOL and voting DERMOT KEENAN 1 SCA.

If Elected I will endeavour to:

· Improve relations between Students and residents of the local Community, particularly in the Holylands where antisocial behaviour by a minority has damaged the reputation of students and created tensions in the past.

· Encourage Students to give something back to the local community by working with local residents groups and Voluntary organisations such as the NICVA, VSB (Voluntary Service Belfast) and the Volunteer Development Agency, as well as local churches and Charities.

· I will work proactively within the Students Union on behalf of all Students, representing their needs and interests in a positive manner within the University and wider Community.

· Work for an extension of the SSHH (Silent Students Happy Homes) campaign educating students as to what's involved and why. Focusing particularly on freshers and encouraging them to respect local residents sleep and property when on their way home and in their everyday behaviour.

· Create a number of specific volunteer weeks throughout the term. Each week focusing on a particular section of society which is in some way vulnerable and which students can help simply by giving a few hours of their time. With the intention that this would create an ethos of community activism and empowerment. Students must realize that this is not just a temporary home for the duration of their course but an active community which they form an integral part of.

· Lobby the University to cut its carbon footprint, encouraging car sharing among students or the provision of a park and ride service to help ease the problem of car parking.