Friday 21-02-2025 - 11:01

Ellen Hodges, the SU's Media Observer, writes about her recent experience with Issues to Action on 10 February 2025.

On 10 February, I attended Issues to Action in the student union, hosted in Kingsgate with a view of Durham Cathedral just beyond Kingsgate Bridge. The event was set up with tables grouped to form four discussion areas. A pile of pizzas quickly appeared, and I was given a drink token that I redeemed for a can of Coca-Cola.

We began by discussing the Non-Proliferation Fossil Fuels Treaty and International Student Support. There was an atmosphere of active listening and engagement, with any ideas written down on a mind map. At the end of the discussions, each table completed an action form, which the SU will follow up to plan the next actions. At half-time, the tables were switched to the following discussion topics: Student-led Democracy and the Belonging Project. The time went quickly, and I left feeling that the ideas that I had were being engaged with and listened to. So, what was discussed?

International student support

The discussion on international student support was led by Moi, the Community Officer, and focused on the challenges faced by international students, including mental health support, engagement with organisations like the SU, language and cultural barriers, discrimination, and financial difficulties. Several ideas were proposed, including:

• Providing specific cultural support
• Offering welfare training to Associations, which often serve as safe spaces
• Organising local trips, such as to Ikea
• Re-running active bystander training
• Raising awareness about the Report and Support system and the impact of microaggressions
• Conducting outreach into local schools to talk about racism and belonging topics
• Increasing awareness about the Student Money Advisor, financial scams, and discount initiatives
• Looking into the college allocation system

The Belonging project

The Belonging project aims to make every student feel like they belong at Durham University. This means belonging to the Durham region, the SU, departments, colleges and the wider university. Participants were encouraged to brainstorm ideas on mind maps, and Elisha (the SU’s Liberation Officer) noted these down for future phases of the project.

Student-led Democracy and Assembly

The question of how to improve student democracy was posed, and if the current format of Assembly is the best way to do it. This topic sparked interest, with extra seats pulled up to the crowded table. We were asked to think about the purpose of Assembly, and who takes the responsibility for motions passed. Is the purpose of the SU to support a motion by making a stand to capture student voice, or to support action enacted by individual associations?

Several ideas were shared to enhance the impact of Assembly and increase student engagement, including:

• Themed meetings to address specific student concerns
• Holding meetings at different campus locations to increase accessibility
• Improving feedback between meetings
• Learning from JCR meetings to increase transparency and participation

The Non-proliferation Fossil Fuels Treaty

EcoDU brought the non-proliferation fossil fuels treaty to ‘Issues to Action’ to gather opinions before bringing it as a motion to Assembly. The treaty, first proposed by 14 Pacific Island nations, has now been globally endorsed by 6 nation-states, over 130 states, the WHO and numerous universities. It is a treaty to end the exploration of fossil fuels and phase out existing stockpiles and production.

EcoDU is advocating for Durham University to endorse the treaty in line with its sustainability policy and goals. Members of EcoDU discussed how student backing from the SU is important to represent student beliefs surrounding climate change. Tom (Co-head Facilitator) shared that the parish council has already passed the treaty, and that student backing of the treaty will hopefully be a gateway to the fossil fuel careers campaign. There was a general consensus that the treaty should be passed when it goes to Assembly. It was interesting to learn more about EcoDU and their ongoing campaigns.

What’s next?

• Vote in the SU Officer Elections from the 24-27 February
• Come to the next Assembly meeting on  7 March, where new ideas will be trailed
• Join us at the next Issues to Action in April