USI proudly announces 102 Students’ Union Officers from all over Ireland being trained from their national representative body. Students’ Union Training (SUT) took place from July 10th to July 14th in Athlone IT, and saw the highest attendance of Students’ Union officers from over 30 Students’ Unions. The training was in conjunction with NUS-UK and NUS-USI.
SUT aims to introduce officers to their political leadership role with their Students’ Union and provide the skills and knowledge to enable officers to consider their leadership style and effectively influence and lead those around them. Within the course there are opportunities for officers to learn more about current issues facing the student movement and discuss and debate how their role plays an important part in ensuring that student in their union are represented.
Key sessions took place on higher education funding with a panel from Students For Choice on ‘Why We Need To Repeal the 8th’ with Repeal the 8th Coalition Convenor, Ailbhe Smyth, Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland, Colm O’Gorman and activist and founder of the Repeal Project, Anna Cosgrave. The Wheel’s own Training and Advice Co-Ordinator Mairead O’Connor delivered training on the role of Students’ Union Officers as the board of USI. There was a session on Brexit and the implications on students alongside a session from SIPTU on workers rights and the Irish language.
Topics like sexual health from the HSE, alcohol, drugs and substances from Drugs.ie, accommodation rights from Threshold and student finances from Mabs were covered for Welfare Officers. To add, Jigsaw ran a session mental health followed by a session on boundaries by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.
Digital native Malachy Callan from Broadlake delivered a module on digital marketing and branding with Eric Fitzgerald handing over tips on booking acts and marketing events. The Director of Education at the European Institute of Communications, Eugene Grey, offered training on getting media for campaigns and events. Co-founder of Cuckoo Events, Mark Breen, delivered training in event management to officers lending practical advice to run the best events.
By the end of the week, officers reviewed their mission and explored the complex role of a Students’ Union at an advanced level. Officers also explored the difference between leadership and power and what that means while also considering the challenges and opportunities for the year ahead. To boost, officers left with a strong network of fellow officers from all over Ireland.
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