Caitlyn Taft from SCAN interviewed Lonsdale JCR Presidential Candidate, Madison Lardner, on why she is running for Lonsdale JCR President.
Over the past few days, I have interviewed various JCR Presidential candidates across campus. I asked them all nine questions, two tailored towards their personal lives and previous work on the JCR.
- What are your reasons for running for Lonsdale president?
Madison told me that she is currently the Media and Communications Officer for Lonsdale JCR, meaning she has helped out at many events.
“I love being involved in the college. I like being up to date and knowing what’s going on in the JCR. I want to contribute more as well.”
2. What are the main points of your manifesto that you would like to emphasise?
Her manifesto underlines three key points that she wants to focus on. These three points are related to having more inclusive events, including more different sports in the college, and showcasing the college more.
“I want to try to have more inclusive events and sports in Lonsdale. From my experience, a lot of people game more than play sports like football, netball, and bar sports. Although they’re important, incorporating gaming, like Mario Kart competitions, will engage more with students who enjoy gaming. I want to showcase vents throughout the year more on the social media. I want to try and catch their attention through the social media pages Lonsdale has.”
3. What sets you apart from the other candidates?
Prior to attending Lancaster, Madison had experience in another university. She revealed to me that the university she attended had no college life.
“I’ve experienced having no community experience. Since joining Lonsdale, I’ve learnt how important it is for students to engage with a community. It’s a second home for many students.”
4. What would your priorities be if you won the election? Alternatively, what would be your first priority?
According to Madison, for a JCR to operate correctly, it’s crucial for students to know who is who and what roles they do.
“I want to make sure everyone, students, and JCR members, know who everyone is and what roles they do. I want everyone to feel comfortable in their new roles. We’re all the same, we’re trying to make life more fun for the college.”
5. What do you want to change about your current JCR?
Accessibility and inclusivity are two things that every college JCR strives to have. During my interview with Madison, she mentioned how JCR members helping each other out is also crucial in her plan.
“If I was going to change one thing, I want to try to make JCR and college life more accessible. To do this, I want JCR members to help out more with each other. [To] make sure everyone is feeling involved and nobody’s welfare is neglected. I signed up to the JCR because I enjoy helping others.”
6. Can you tell me a bit about your college and are there any parts of it (social events, welfare talks, group/JCR activities, etc) you are wanting to continue with/ develop on?
Whilst stating that Lonsdale is one of the oldest colleges on campus, Madison told me about the core of Lonsdale.
“Lonsdale has such good [sports] teams with netball, football, and bar sports. We’re big on our sports and I want to continue to elevate sports events and sports opportunities.”
7. You’re currently working as the Media and Communications Officer for Lonsdale JCR, what experience from that role will help you to achieve your manifesto goals?
As the Media and Communications Officer for Lonsdale, she has to create the posts and advertisements for events.
“I’ve become very good at communicating with people. I know how to create more and better advertisements to get people in and engage with Lonsdale’s events.”
8. As you’ve been a cheer coach in the past, do you believe your experience from this will enable you with the ability to confidently lead Lonsdale JCR?
During the interview, Madison revealed that, at her old university, she was a cheer coach. We spoke about her experience of leading a team.
“I helped them out and gave out advice. I took responsibility for them. Being a leader isn’t just about telling people what to do, it’s about listening and taking in advice for yourself to further help your team.”
9. What’s your college slogan/saying/song and what does it mean to you?
The simple ‘Lonnie Lonnie Lonnie Oi Oi Oi’ chant is notorious at sports events.
“It’s simply the best one out of all the colleges. It represents our sportsmanship and our passion.”
Voting for JCR Presidents opens today. Check out the SU website to vote for your college JCR members this year.
