Accept no one’s definition of your life; define yourself.
A manifesto? That is what one pledges or indeed aims to achieve during their tenure. I have nothing incredible to give to my manifesto other than an aspiration and a heart-felt desire to promote and demand equality for every person.
My name is Tommy, I am first year student studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics. I hope my manifesto below lists and provides you with the information and dedication I will place upon my role if elected.
Many of us have had to lie and feel uncomfortable with who we are and with our identity, and University is often the first place we can truly open up to being who we are and who we identify as.
Ultimately in the 21st century we must have the freedom to not be defined by labels imposed upon us. And the right to be individual means we need to fight, cajole and persuade those who wish to label us or treat us unfairly to understand that we are all unique and equal and have the same rights and privileges. The role of ambassador is to lead that struggle, to combat indifference and injustice and to support each and every person. To come to a common agreement and understanding so there is no need to hide who we are from anyone. My aim would be to support the rights of each individual, to fight inequality and ignorance through appropriate channels and to ensure advice and guidance is readily available so that no one feels alienated.
We need to be able to celebrate our differences and similarities. We need to stand up to those who are ignorant and who share their hatred, showing pride in who we are and our identities. That may be straight, lesbian, bisexual, transexual, pansexual, non-binary and in so many other ways. We all have feelings, emotions, ways of living unique to ourselves and no one has the right to tell us to be otherwise.
If this needs to be summarised in a manifesto, I would represent, present and listen to everyone in this University and the society around me to tackle injustice and mistreatment and to celebrate diversity. I will be a positive role model and advocate for basic human rights. I will offer a voice for those who feel unable to be who they are, building structures and providing support mechanisms until ultimately – ironically- there will be need for such a role.
All the best!