What does Equality, Diversity and Inclusion mean to you?
To me it means inclusivity for everyone, regardless of their backgrounds, abilities, beliefs, religious or otherwise and disabilities. Their preferences, sexual or otherwise, values, or any differences whatsoever. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect and made to feel a valued member of any community, including work opportunities. It means being honest and impartial in any judgements I personally make, and to ensure prejudice and discrimination remains firmly in the past, in order that everyone has an equal opportunity. I am fiercely proud that my values extend to our community, and I strive to ensure everyone remains safe and protected, receives the same fair treatment, encouraging diversity and participation for all, that way we learn and understand from each other.
Why would you like to stand as Chair of the Disabled Students Group?
I would love the opportunity to contribute my energy, time and skills to the DSG, which I firmly believe have gone from strength to strength during the years I have been a member. It has become self-sufficient, with the assistance of its brilliant members and staff support and has grown out of all recognition; I would love to say I helped that happen. I feel I can make a positive contribution to take the DSG to the next level. I want to learn from the experience, be excited to take the next step and celebrate with our members. Being part of a team gives an amazing sense of self worth, especially knowing we can make a positive difference to our members.
What skills and experiences would you bring to the committee of this group?
I have acquired a number of skills since joining the Open University in 2006 and I am truly grateful to them. I studied and gained my B.A and am partway through another, so Being a mature member of the DSG, I feel I can offer my skills and experiences, both study and life skills to those who need them, and where better to learn from one another than the DSG.
I have experience of the DSG previously, but unfortunately was taken ill and have recently returned. I have 7years experience volunteering as a Listener and am also a Bereavement Counsellor, but this would be adjusted should I be successful. I have also studied several learning courses.
Ongoing collaboration with the committee and its members is crucial in exploring exactly what we all need to study successfully, be supportive and happy students. I would like to ensure our members feel included and able to speak freely in our community.
I feel I can make a positive impact in our community, and it would give me the opportunity to give something back, that’s really important to me.
Being a part of the DSG committee would give me immense pride. This opportunity would also allow me to learn from those within the DSG and share their joys and concerns and be of service to our members. Above all, I feel I could continue to make the DSG a group that works both for and with the community, to improve all our lives.