York Dialectic Union: Summer Termcard 2024

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Dissimilitude

President’s Welcome Dear Members, I am thrilled to welcome you to the final term of this academic year.

My journey with the York Dialectic Union began when I stumbled upon its inaugural event during my first year. Instantly eager to get involved, I reached out to the Union's Instagram account, seeking any chance to be part of what I knew would be an incredible opportunity.

Thus, my involvement with the Union commenced. Starting as an Outreach Officer, I quickly realised I was part of a society that shared similar aspirations, particularly in fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are encouraged. Moving on to Social Secretary in the first term of this year, I focused on building a sense of community beyond just our events, including kickstarting our first formal and helping to organise fun socials for our wonderful members. Then, as Treasurer and now, with immense appreciation, I'm honoured to serve as President of the York Dialectic Union.

One of the main goals of my Presidency was to reach out and solidify our relationship with the Oxbridge & Durham Unions, utilising our proximity to the Durham Union and making the most out of your memberships. This is why I am very excited to include, within our term card, and officially announce that with a membership at our Union here at York, you are welcome to events at our partnered University Unions. I am pleased to share that starting from this term, I have organised frequent trips, from debates, conversations, and general fun at Durham Union – including a joint Durham & York Union Boat Party this summer! Thank you, President Matthew!

Another aim this term is to extend our outreach beyond social media, encompassing a wider array of students. Gratefully, with York Web and App society, we are establishing a website to ensure that all are well-informed about our past and future events and opportunities.

The York Dialectic Union has affirmed my belief that it is crucial, now more than ever, for us to engage with viewpoints that may differ from our own. As students, we should not make an enemy of dissimilarity when it comes to other’s opinions, be they political, social, or simply regarding our day to day lives. Progress relies on dialogue, change stems from debate, and by acknowledging the inevitability of divergent perspectives, perhaps as students, we move one step closer to finding some answers to questions raised and grappled with in our society today.

As this academic year draws to a close, heartfelt gratitude is due to the brilliant Cameron Bennett, Findlay Milne, Josef Brautigam, Adam Moses, and Henry Howard for revitalising and founding what we now recognise as our Union, significantly enhancing university life at York. Thank you for entrusting me to lead this term and join your team this past year. Alongside this term’s exceptional committee, we are committed to making you guys proud. You have indeed left a legacy, and I am delighted to conclude this incredible year.

With a lot of love, emails & event management forms, Alexandra Z Brates President, Easter 2024 yorkunion@yusu.org

Committee Dominic Williams, 2nd Year - PPE Secretary

‘Through the society, I’ve expanded my perspective on diverse topics and they have changed in ways I’ve never anticipated. I am looking forward to serving as this term’s secretary.’

Findlay Milne, Final Year - PPE Treasurer

‘I’m Findlay, I’m a PPE student and have been running the society for the past two years; hoping to round out this term in style.’

Penny McCormick, 2nd Year - History Social Media Secretary ‘I’m excited, as Social Media Secretary, to be a part of making dialogue accessible to everyone and seeing where people agree and disagree on important topics.’

Jess Griffiths, Final Year - English Literature Women and Non-Binary Officer ‘I’m Jess and I’m the Women and Non-Binary Officer. I’ve been part of the YDU since summer 2023. I joined because I really enjoy getting to hear from such a wide variety on all our topics that might be different to my own. I’m really looking forward to everything we’ve got planned this term!’

Cameron Bennett, Final Year - History and Politics Head of Communications

‘Having been one of the founding members of the YDU I’m so excited to witness the progress we’ve made as a society and can’t wait for this last term of events.’

Committee David Chu, 1st Year - Law Equity Officer ‘As a first year, I’m honoured to serve as the equity officer for the YDU this term. Being in the YDU gives you access to more realistic debates that are more relevant to current affairs and real life. I am definitely looking forward to future YDU events, hopefully participating in one of the debates!’

James Hensman, 4th Year - Computer Science and Mathematics Webmaster ‘I want to capture the success of the YDU and their great work by building a site to showcase such work. I am helping to to give people real experience in development, putting the cherry on top of the work the YDU is doing: bringing intrigue and dialogue to the University of York.’

Adam Moses, Final Year - PPE Sponsorship Secretary ‘I’m so proud of the successes of the YDU this year, as both a former President and a regular member. I have no doubts about the upcoming events we have in store - hope to see you all there!’

Darwin Crick, Final Year - Politics and IR Social Secretary Peter Wood, Final Year - Politics and IR Social Secretary ‘Having first come across the YDU at the start of this year, both of us were intrigued by the idea of formal guest debates on campus and wanted to get involved by positively contributing to the society. We want to create a lively atmosphere for socials that members can’t get enough of to get them excited for the next socials. We know that the formal will be one to remember with paper plates. dancing, and all-around great vibes! With some classic socials planned and many more, we can’t wait for a brilliant term.’

Speakers’

Addresses

“An accountable second chamber: why the House of Lords needs replacing”

Darren Hughes Managing Director of the Electoral Reform Society

9/4, 18.00 P/L/002

“The extinguishing of the United Kingdom”

Ben Habib Co-Deputy leader of Reform UK and Former Member of the European Parliament

25/4, 18.30 Berrick Saul Bulding

“The Law of Unintended Consequences”

Nick Newman Military Veteran, Business Leader and Rural Estate Manager

7/5, 18.30 SLB/118

In Conversation with:

Dominic Cummings Former Chief Advisor to Boris Johnson

At the Durham Union 5/6, More details to be revealed soon

In Conversation with:

Konstantin Kisin Social Commentator and Comedian

At the Durham Union 12/6, More details to be revealed soon

a t b e e s D

York Mayoral Election Panel Thursday 18th April - Central Hall - 18.45 Felicity CUNLIFFE-LISTER Liberal Democrats

Keane DUNCAN Conservative

Paul HASLAM Independent

York Mayoral Election Panel Thursday 18th April - Central Hall - 18.45 Kevin FOSTER Green Party

Keith TORDOFF MBE Independent

David SKAITH *TBC* Labour

Open to the public *Tickets will be available soon*

“This House Would Abolish Tuition Fees” 26/4 At the Durham Union

“This House Believes That Museum Artefacts Should Always Be Returned to Their Country of Origin”

2/5 - PZA/103 - 18.00

Proposition Dr Vera Mey

Lecturer in Art Curating

Cameron Bennett Final Year History and Politics Student at York

Opposition Professor Thomas Harrison Keeper of Greece and Rome at the British Museum

Dominic Williams 2nd Year PPE Student at York

“This House Believes Just Stop Oil is On the Right Side Of History” 16/5 - Room TBC - 18.00

Proposition Anna Holland Just Stop Oil Figurehead Known for Throwing Soup on a Van Gogh Painting

Alex Khandke Climate Change Activist for Just Stop Oil

Opposition Speaker TBC

Speaker TBC

“This House Believes That Palestinian Leadership is the Biggest Barrier to Peace” 7/6 At the Durham Union

Social Events

Calendar

Social

Deramore Arms 6 in 60 30/4

*Redacted* Wine and Cheese Night

3/5

Courtyard Cops and Robbers 9/5 *Redacted* Summer BBQ 14/5 The Principle Summer Formal 31/5

Boat Party x The Durham Union 1/6

Join us at The Principle For Our

Summer Formal On Friday 31st May @ 19.00pm Dress Code: Black Tie Join us for a meal, awards and some great photo opportunities!

Tickets on sale soon!

Boat Party At the Durham Union

Disclaimer In light of the dynamic nature of our events, please note that all arrangements are provisional and may be subject to lastminute changes. While we strive to minimise disruptions, we kindly ask for your understanding in the event that adjustments are necessary. Stay updated through our Instagram and the forthcoming launch of our website—plus, some more events in motion...

Furthermore, it is important to clarify that the opinions expressed by speakers are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions of the York Dialectic Union, its members, or the University of York.

Thank you!

YORK DIALECTIC UNION