Think you know the Union?

If so, you'll know that not only do we have over 100 Clubs and Societies, but we also have an award winning volunteering team; an Ethics, Equality and Diversity Committee making sure that your Union is relevant to the diverse range of students that we have here; a Campaign Coalition, fighting for your student rights; a team of students taking part in RAG, raising loads of money for some great charities; training programmes so that you have the opportunity to build your CVs; a number of Executive Committees, run by students, for students, holding regular meetings so that you have your opportunity to have a say in how the Union is run; and much much more.

This is the REAL Union.  It is not a bar, it is not a nightclub, and it is not owned by the University.  It is owned by YOU, the Students.  Students are the Union.  Without students, there would be no Union.

Since coming to Study at Portsmouth, I've been involved in all the aspects of the Union mentioned above, and more.  Last year, I received an award for my voluntary work in the Union, and this year, I have continued to make sure that the Union stays relevant to the students body.  I hope to continue my efforts by becoming your Student Support Officer, who facilitates Raising and Giving, helps students to run campaigns that they are passionate about, and increases the diversity of the Union by making sure there is something there for everyone, including YOU.

Next week, from Wednesday to Friday, you have a choice to make - there are 6 Sabbatical Officers who make all of this possible, and you will need to choose a team for next that you believe is worthy of your money.  Almost £100,000 of your money will be used to pay their salaries, so make a wise choice.  On top of this, they will decide how the rest of the money that the Union receives from you will be used.  Make sure you are informed about these candidates, so that you elect a team that will ensure you get the most out of the Union while you are here.

Two of the positions are uncontested, but the other four have a total of 12 candidates running.  Four of these candidates have been working hard to make sure that your voice is listened to, and between them, have been heavily involved in all aspects of the Union.  If you elect them, they will give you the Union that you deserve. 

They are: Myself - Sarah Blatchford, running for Student Support Officer; Ben Norman, your current Student Activities and Development Officer (SADO), running for President; Jenny Leggott, running for SADO; and Steve Topazio, running for Education and Representation Officer.

We only ask that you judge us by our achievements, and our obvious dedication to making the Union a better place for you.  A better Union is possible, so make an informed choice and vote for us all next week.