Geranium – Pelargonium

by | Dec 19, 2023 | Geranium

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Not to be confused with University of York Students' Union.

The York Dialectic Union, previously known as the York Union, is an award-winning society which brings speakers and debates to the University of York. Founded in 2013 (and then re-founded in 2023) the union is affiliated with the University of York Students' Union. It hosts high-profile speakers and debates, as well as social events for its members to enjoy. The Union has been described as "similar to the Oxford and Cambridge Union without all the bells and whistles."[1]

History

The Union grew out of Nouse Events, affiliated to Nouse, which was founded by Adam Seldon and Harry Lambert in 2012. At this time, debates and talks were not yet attended by a wide range of students. To solve this lack of engagement, a separate organisation was created with a purpose of publicising and hosting events. The success this organisation enjoyed led to the founding of an independent society, the York Union, in 2013.[2]

Naturally, the Union was affected by COVID-19. Due to safety restrictions, attendance and popularity decreased, with events coming to an end in 2022.[3] Following the pandemic, however, the Union’s return proved a popular idea among students. In acknowledgment of this demand, a group of students (Findlay Milne, Adam Moses, Josef Bräutigam, Cameron Bennett, and Henry Howard) decided to re-found the Union in the Autumn Term of 2023. The Union’s revival was a success, as recognised by its multiple awards. For example, at the 2024 York University Student Union Activities Awards, the Union won the Student Engagement Award. At the Love York Awards, it was presented with Student Society of the Year. The Union thus continues to be a popular and exciting association within the university.

Governance

The Dialectic Union is run by an elected committee. The current committee includes (but is not limited to) the following:

  • President: Dominic Williams
  • Secretary: Penny McCormick
  • Treasurer: India Rawlison
  • Head of Outreach: Milo Morrod
  • Publicity and Press: Eavie Wardill-Bartlett
  • Equity Officer: Benedicta Owusu

Events

The Union were able to secure Jeremy Corybn to support on side in a debate about wealth tax in December 2023. The event was hosted in the Piazza Building's lecture theatre, with tickets selling out within days of sales opening.[4]

See also

References

  1. ^ Booth, Harry (30 November 2023). "Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn coming to York to debate wealth tax". York Press. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  2. ^ "York Union enjoys success". University of York. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
  3. ^ Warner, Emily (24 October 2023). "York Dialectic Union: An Interview with the President". MUSE.
  4. ^ Beattie-Zarb, Kaitlyn; Shaw, Eleanor (13 December 2023). "Jeremy Corbyn Takes the Stage at the University of York". York Vision. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
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