As Martin Dodd, Representation Sabbatical, University of Cumbria Students’ Union describes “This year we looked around at others in the sector, we looked at what we had done in recent years and rather redraft and re-use what were very good campaigns we instead took the most successful elements of those campaign and used our energy to innovate them and not close the door on old ideas.
The fact is it is very easy for union's to get stuck in a particular way of how to do campaigns and it often only needs one student leader to suggest and co-ordinate a new idea that rejuvenates interest in the union and the issue at hand. While the issue is what solely engages the interest of student it's often the way it appeals and is explained to students that increases knowledge, understanding and can provide an injection of injustice. Examples include holding a question time style debate instead of producing leaflets and posters that explains an issue or targeting a local MP with postcards signed by students instead of a standard petition.”
Next lesson learned: Have a strong campaign plan