Tuesday 29-01-2019 - 13:10

Thinking about running for a position in our March elections?

 

Fantastic!

 

If you’ve never run before, the nomination process may seem a little daunting at first. However, this needn’t be the case.

 

In this quick guide to writing your manifesto, we’ll take you through a whistle-stop tour of the nomination process, how to go about writing and structuring your manifesto, and what happens next!

 

Already confident you have everything you need to run in our March Elections. Nominate yourself today!

 

 

 

Why do I need a Manifesto?

 

Your manifesto is like your I.D.

 

It’s the thing that potential voters are most likely to see during the decision-making process, and it therefore must give a good first impression of who you are and what you stand for.

 

In your manifesto, you should look to introduce yourself, talk about your experience, and address how you intend to use your role to change Edge Hill student experience for the better.  

 

For a better idea of how you might go about addressing these topics, manifestos for the SU elections now have a standardised format that you must follow:
 

• Overall wordcount must be below 500 words.

• A short bio or introductory statement (Max 200 words)
• Three to five bullet point statements of your campaign goals to change student experience.

Of course, knowing how to structure your manifesto is one thing, but writing an effective, engaging, and persuasive manifesto is an entirely different question. If you feel like you need more advice, keep reading as we’ll address these points over the next couple of chapters.  

 

 

 

Writing your Short Bio / Introductory Statement 

 

We’ve standardised our manifesto templates to make it easier for candidates to clearly express their views and campaign goals, and to make it easier for voters to engage with the SU elections.

 

Your short bio / introductory statement should be concise, engaging, and address the following topics:

 

• Who you are: Don’t be afraid of being personal! The best manifestos are those which voters can relate to. Are you a student parent who’s unique experience informs what you want to achieve in the role? Tell us about it!
• What’s your experience: Remember all of those societies you joined at the EHSU Welcome Fair? The sports team you captained? The committee you sat on? The Student Council you attended? All of these things show that you’ve engaged with the student body during your time at Edge Hill, so be sure to include them.
• Why are you passionate about the role you are standing for: Simply put, why are you running in our March elections? What makes you stand out above the other candidates? How will you instigate positive change for Edge Hill students by improving their student experience.

 

Don’t consider yourself an award-winning writer? Not a problem!

 

The best manifestos keep things short, simple, and to the point.

 

 

Writing your bullet-point campaign platform

 

Once you’ve introduced yourself, it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty.

 

In this section of your manifesto, you need to clearly set out what you intend to change about Edge Hill Student Experience, why you believe it’s important, and the specifics of how you intend to achieve this.

 

Sound easy?

 

Remember, you only have two-three sentences per point, so you will have to condense your campaign goals down to the clearest possible targets and actions. Here’s a few tips to help you on your way:

 

• Start with a header: This is like your headline. It should encapsulate exactly what you want to change about Edge Hill student experience, and be snappy enough to grab the attention of wandering eyes.
• Be specific! Don’t just say you want to improve the parking situation on campus…tell us your plan for doing this! Remember, you don’t have to lay out your ten-year masterplan here. You just need to show that you’ve put enough thought into a strategy that students believe could work in their favour.
• How will you use your existing resources and knowledge? Why should a student vote for you? Well, because you already have proven that you can bring about positive change on campus. Alluding to your track record in student politics, or as a faculty rep, or even just as part of a society or team, goes a long way in singling you out as a trustworthy candidate.

 

Now what?

 

Go and nominate yourself!

 

If you’re all set to go with your brand-new manifesto, go and nominate yourself for one of our full-time or part-time officer positions!

 

Not so sure on some of the finer details? Visit our SU Elections webpages for all the details you need to get involved in this year’s March elections.

 

And good luck!