Meet the Vice Chair Candidates
The Vice Chair election will take place later this summer by a student board appointed by our Board of Directors. The date of the election has not been determined yet.
Arnavee Maltare
“If everything was perfect... We wouldn’t be needed anymore” this was mentioned by someone in one of the conferences by Students United, and when they said it, I felt like it stuck my heart (this was the point where I realized what I care about). I want to help students and advocate for them so that they can serve as a better Human Resource to the society.I also think that, there’s a hidden potential in every person, if guided in the right direction, it would encourage them to reach the heights that they never thought about. I want to be the person who can help others by encouraging them and working for them towards their growth. I have always said that “You can help people, at any level and where ever you are.” Students United is that“Where”for me. In other words, Students United would be a platform for me to reach out to the students and the authoritiesand act as a liaison for the Students, by advocating for them.
If I run as the Vice Chair,I would work for the Students issues, focus on the creating a friendly environment around the campuses and making sure all the student voices are being heard. I would encourage inclusion of Diversity and equality among them. I have been able to accomplish it on a campus level and plan to do that on the higher level. I also plan to make sure to be flexible and prepared for the situation like the pandemic that is happening right now, and make sure the students and people I would work for are safe. I genuinely feel like if I run as the Vice State Chair, I would put all my soul and energy into it and make sure all the issues are addressed and all the student Voices are heard.
I believe in working and growing together, if I get elected for this position I would ensure I would address all the issuesand make sure to complete the projects undertaken, and which are achievable. Furthermore, laying a groundwork for the future projects for the board, so that they are also addressed.
To conclude, I would just say I love working for the students and makingsure their voices are being heard. I will give all my attention and effort to this position,and will give the best I can.
Emma Zellmer
My first experience with Students United was the first Advocacy Conference. At that conference I became even more motivated than I was from Student Senate at Mankato to get involved and stay involved in making sure that Student voices are being heard and uplifted. I want to serve and uplift the voices of MinnState Students as the Vice-Chair of Students United and help expand on the ways that Students United advocates for and with Students.
During my time as a student at Mankato I have been involved in and worked with many Student Leadership Groups. I have been able to work directly with and build positive relationships with Student Leaders and Campus Administration through being the Speaker of the Mankato Student Government, a Residential Life Senator and Community Advisor. I have also been the Director of On-Campus Organization for Dan Feehan, the Campaign Manager for a MN State House Campaign and been trained in political organizing by the Organizing Corps.
With the skills, knowledge and experiences that I have gained through these experiences and more, I am beyond confident in my ability to serve as Vice-Chair of Students United. As Vice-Chair it is my duty to assist the State Chair, the Campuses and the Students in any efforts that they see fit. There are 3 main ways that I will do this:
Collective action
Online delegates meetings (if the COVID-19 crisis continues)
Positive System Relationships and University presence
The global Police Brutality she the power of collective action and protests. At the Advocacy Conference we continuously teach our students how to take action, yet we do not help organize events to assist them in their collective action. As Vice-Chair I will help organize at least one major protest at the State Capitol (we can do student lead fundraising to assist with bringing students to St. Paul) and one protest at each Campus. The issues the protests will be decided by the Board and the Campuses. Beyond this, it is important to also help assist in collective action through email, phone call and social media campaigns.
Second, as the Speaker of Mankato’s Student government, I have the skills and experience necessary to hold a full delegates meeting online, possibly via zoom. I held Mankato’s Budget meeting online with all Senators, Administrators and appealing Departments. This meeting was finished faster than majority of the budget meetings held in person in the past. I believe this is extremely important in order to ensure that Students United is truly hearing and respecting Student voices.
Finally, with my experience with Mankato’s administration and outside political campaign relationships, I am confident that I can create and maintain positive relationships with the Chancellors, University student leaders, and Government Officials. Beyond this, I have the skills and experience through the Organizing Corps, Student Government, Students United and political campaign management to continue and expand the positive image that Students United has on our Campuses with our students.
I look forward to speaking with the members of the selection committee and can give any further information needed!