Conference 08 report by Florian Mertens

This was my fourth NUS Conference, and it may not have been the most hectic conference, it for sure was the most unforgettable conference with the most exciting moments that I would ever experience within in NUS.
On day 1, the largest and most discussed NUS Governance review, a historical motion which would change NUS forever, was debated. Student groups, such as the Respect coalition, black students and others, generally campaigned against the Governance review arguing that the review was undemocratic and unrepresentative. Student Unions, regional and campaigning committees urged delegates to vote for, but the minimum of two thirds majority was not reached by a small minority and the governance review fell, against all expectations from delegates and executives within and out of the NEC.
The fallen motion had a clear effect on the remaining debates and elections. Motions had to be removed, speakers showed a clear disgust, and the fallen motion was referred to by many delegates and executives standing to get elected for any position.
We passed policy on education, funding, extra curricular skills, international ethics, support to many other campaigns, and much, much more. We ratified written and verbal reports from the National Executive Committee. We had a very diverse team, which was campaigning and supporting many and varying candidates, policies, campaigns and events.
Along with many other elections and other candidates, the elected NUS President 2008 - 2009 is Wes Streeting from Cambridge University. My own election for the Block of Twelve was defeated, but I felt that the profile for International Students was raised with my campaign, which is reflected on the notable high registrations of International Students Conference, to be held on the 19th and 20th of April in Nottingham.
I urge any student to stand for delegation next year, or to get involved by becoming a delegate for any of the many NUS conferences. The experience is fantastic and eye-opening, and the discussed policy affects every union in any way imaginable. It affects our societies, clubs, what we stand for, even our union prices depend on our National Union of Students.
Get Involved!