Robyn Varley, who has spent the last year holding the social media position on the current Rag committee, is running in this years Exec Elections. With a theme based on ‘Robin Hood’, she is hoping to win your votes.
Why are you running for this position?
I’ve actually thought about this quite a lot, my mum asked me this question the other day and it made me realise that basically I just love my section (Rag) and I feel like there is something that I can give back to make it even better than it is now.
What makes you more suited than other candidates?
I don’t want to put anyone down obviously, but I’ve been on committee for the past year and was a Rag rep before that, and I’m in the office most days, meaning I really do know the section well, and what needs to be changed, and I just have a really full knowledge of the section.
Can you tell us about your campaign theme?
My campaign theme is Robin Hood-taking from the rich to give to the poor, which is really convenient seeing as my name is Robyn, it couldn’t have worked out better really!
What do you think is the most important aspect of your manifesto?
This is a tricky one, as everything I’ve put in my manifesto I think is important. But, if I had to choose one, I would say that the main thing that I want to work on is the organisation of the section; so letting people know as soon as we can how much they have raised and I just want to make sure that things are done well in advance, such as getting posters ready before the events, as this year sometimes the posters haven’t arrived until the morning of events taking place, and I really just want to make sure organisation is key.
In once sentence why should people vote for you?
I think this is the hardest question, as I don’t want to talk myself up, but I think people should vote for me because I have experience in the role, I really think I can improve the section and I care about it a lot.
What are you most looking forward to about campaigning?
Going out every night! (laughs) But seriously I am really looking forward to the Bubble Debate, as it will be nice to show my knowledge of the section. I’m quite a fun person and I think when I first said that I was running for this position people thought it was a joke, but it will be really nice to show how passionate I am about the role and that I really do care.
What are you least looking forward to about campaigning?
Probably not getting very much sleep
What do you think will be the most challenging part?
Getting up in the morning.
What have you spent your budget on so far?
I have bought wristbands, a stamp-which I actually got really excited about as it has my name on it! I’ve also spent my budget on my costume and lots and arts and crafts. I spent £4 on glitter because I wanted my posters to look nice!. and you know glitter is totally a worth while investment.
What section of campaigning will you focus on most?
My role on Rag committee is Social Media, and although social media is important I think face-to-face contact is something you just can’t beat. I know in previous years when people have knocked on my door you create an immediate connection with that person, so yeah, door-knocking for me is where I’m hoping to get votes from.
What was it that made you want to run for this position?
For me, the other people running for the position have known since day one that this is something that they want to go for, but for me its been a much slower process, and I really only decided just in time to be in time for the running, but it is because my love for the section has just grown and grown and grown with my involvement. I am just really, really passionate about Rag and it is just something that I really want to be involved in.
What do you like about the way the role has been carried out this year?
What I like most about Danni’s position is her relationship with her committee, and we’re all really good friends and friends with the reps, and she just has a great connection with everyone and it is just such a friendly atmosphere.
What new ideas will you be bringing to the role?
The involvement from other sections has been something that has always been brought up in the past in people’s manifestos, but it has never really been targeted or achieved once they get the role. I have good relationships with other roles, which means I will be able to help get a connection going. I’m currently vice chair of The College Committee, which means we have managed to get the college quite involved in our projects, but it would be really nice to carry that on and continue to build on it.
Can you tell us something that not many people may know about you?
In April I am running the Paris Marathon for Breast Cancer Campaign.
What three characteristics do you have that make you suited to this role?
I am organised, approachable and fun.
This interview was conducted by Louise Burt, Label Editor and Matt Bourne, Label Assistant Editor.
To find out more about Robyn’s manifesto click here.
