Westminster Arrives

Do you recall the excitement you felt as a child, during the run up to Christmas? Those final weeks really dragged didn't they? Counting down to my Westminster debut felt a lot like that.

The family had had friends round for the preceding weekend. It was also a time for celebrating my brother-in-laws birthday. Yet a part of me could not help but think of that place next to the Thames. It held such an allure for me. I couldn't wait for Monday to arrive. 

Everything was organised like clockwork. Shaved the night before - check. Made sure to hide the embarrassing cuts - check. Bag packed - check. Blackberry on charge - check. I had even hung my suit jacket and (pre-tied) tie on the door under the stairs. I didn't even watch the morning news as I ate my breakfast - I could catch up on that when I bought the daily newspaper. My entire routine was designed to get me up and out the house as quickly as possible. 

After making my way through the sardine tin of the London Underground again, I arrive at Westminster tube station. If Caxton House had looked Orwellian, it paled in comparison to this place. Grey and with Brunel like concrete struts at its ceiling, Westminster tube station was built straight out of 1984. Neither do I think that many tube stations exit to a more maginificent sight than this one did; the Houses of Parliament. Around the corner was Portcullis House, where I would be working in the Office of Stewart Jackson MP. 

I had previously been to a reception at Westminster Hall, with the National Deaf Children's Society, so I was familiar with the security protocols. As in airports, my bag and suit jacket were scanned with an X-ray machine. Since my permanent clearance had not yet been granted, a photo was taken for my visitor pass too. A member of Stewart's staff escorted me to the office. Everything was built with wooden panels up there, including the doors to the bathroom and the tearoom; which blended into the walls. Although clearly a design of form over function, I quickly acclimatised to this. 

The Office of Stewart Jackson MP was shared with the Office of Ben Wallace MP. I was introduced to Ben's Parliamentary Assistant, his American intern and also Stewart's Parliamentary Assistant. I already knew Stewart's Researcher from Peterborough. Everyone made me feel very welcome and, reinforcing the point I made in 'Arctic Origins', they were all keen and patient to communicate with me, both in the office and during lunch. 

It was a relatively quiet week, with some general administration, casework, testimonials to draft and some research to do. Yet a particular highlight was watching Stewart lead a debate about Government policy on Tourettes Syndrome, in Westminster Hall. Did you know that despite popular perception, only 10% of sufferers have coprolalia or involuntary swearing? I didn't. I look forward to having more of these misperceptions corrected for me in the future.

I have begun to find my feet at Westminster and thanked Ben and Stewart's staff for helping things go so smoothly for me. I wonder what tomorrow will bring? If last week is an indication of what is to come, I can't wait to find out.

    

      

Arctic Origins

I have talked a lot about my belief in the potential of people with disabilities; a belief which stems not just from faith, but led by personal example. This is my story.

It was 2001, when I first heard about the adventures of Captain Robert Falcon Scott. It seems fitting now, that a man who broke the barriers of human endurance and crossed some of the world's most extreme environments, would inspire me to join an expedition, which would awaken in me a defining purpose; one which would guide my entire outlook on life.

I remember the day well. A man from the British Schools Exploring Society (BSES) had come to give a talk in our school assembly hall. There were several different expeditions on offer, in a variety of climates, but the one to Arctic Svalbard and the opportunity to follow in the footsteps (literally) of Captain Scott, was too much to resist. Many of my concerns, I shared with everyone else.  It was to be the first time that I had travelled abroad without my parents.  The extreme conditions there; the risk of frostbite; the numerous cravasses, visible only when you are falling through them, and the little chance of immediate help, if a serious injury has been inflicted, were just a few of my worries. Yet I also faced the added fears of communication, directly related to my disability. What if my team were in danger and I was unable to hear on a radio with a poor signal? What if a polar bear was behind me and I had not heard the danger? I was also with a group of people who were largely unfamiliar with deafness.    

What I found, was not only that I was able to communicate, but  from someone interested in learning sign language, to being asked advice about how to communicate with deaf people better, I also discovered that people were willing to communicate with me. I had mistaken one person saying that my sleeping bag was 'in his area' for 'I have malaria', but this I took light-heartedly and was actually rather humorous. All these examples determined to change my perception of the hearing world; from that of segregation, to one of integration, although I understand there are some exceptions. Communication is not about a particular group; that between hearing and hearing people or deaf and deaf people, but extends beyond barriers of nationality, disability, sexuality or other differences. Did you know that in some mainstream schools, hearing children are encouraged to learn sign language, or that there are Christmas productions that use sign-supported English? 

I went to Svalbard to follow in the footsteps of Captain R. F. Scott. The result of the expedition was that I became aware of my capabilities and not my disability. I am now working in the Houses of Parliament, with some amazing people. If this is not evidence of the capabilities of disabled people, then I wonder what is? 

The sky is the limit.      

During the expedition, a member of the team recorded a video as part of a BBC Radio 4 programme. It can be found at http://re.flect.net./http://re.flect.net/vimeo.com/3976447.

I also wrote a daily diary, which I hope you will find interesting. If you would like a copy, it is available by email, upon request.  

What a Week!

It is the end of what has been another extraordinary week.  

I knew it was going to be different; having already arranged to shadow the Office for Disability Issues (ODI) on the Wednesday. Even then, I was unprepared for the events that were to unfold. Monday was routine and held few surprises, but when I received my schedule for shadowing on Tuesday, I felt in my heart that it would be something special. 

Having made myself look sharp in my suit and the new shirt and tie I had bought, I made my way to Kings Cross railway station and through the sardine tin that was the London underground, I walked to the eerily Orwellian Caxton House; complete with towering concrete pillars. I half expected a dark and repressive environment, with uniformed workers processing information, as if machines on a production line. Security was high, but what I found was an office block full of diverse professionals, dedicated to furthering disability equality.

The first meeting I shadowed was between the ODI Director and a member of the Government Olympic Executive (GOE), where the creation of a disability legacy for the 2012 London Games was on the agenda. That the Olympic Games were seen as an opportunity to level the playing field and further opportunities for the disabled, I found encouraging. I then progressed, along with the ODI Director, to the Cabinet Office, for a meeting on Digital Inclusion, which I discovered would be a hot topic for the disabled, both now and in the future. Welcomed by the seal of the Cabinet Office, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Good things happen here, I thought. This was one of those places where things got done and differences were made.  I was further encouraged by the fact that the ODI were pushing at a door that was open wider than I had expected. It made me proud to belong to a country with such admirable values of social justice. I venture out to Africa with the hope that the doors will be open just as wide, but armed with the same passion and dedication, I am looking forward to overcoming the challenges that lay ahead.  

My final meeting was at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), where the disability legacy was also discussed. I wasn't sure what to expect, before I went. I believed the Government Department's to be integrated in the Houses of Parliament and for meetings to be held in what may be one of hundreds of small rooms located there. What I found was a large conference room which, I admit, was difficult to follow at times. Yet it also reinforced the idea that bricks and mortar don't make the changes; people do, and some of the people I met that day were truly inspiring. I can only hope that I will meet more such change-makers throughout my career. 

Sounds interesting, doesn't it? 

Yet wait, this extraordinary week is not yet over. On Friday I received an email from the Executive Director of the Gambian Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (GADHOH). He expressed a strong interest in me applying for a development position there. I am currently doing just that. I know I can be of much value to the organisation. I also hope that by being on the ground in Africa; by using the networking skills I know I have, and by linking this to other projects I am aiming to develop there, I can deliver real change to deaf and disabled children and adults, throughout the country.

Watch this space.     

Summer is Ending but Things are Hotting Up

It's been a good two months since I last published my blog and five short weeks until I make my debut at Westminster; in an office overlooking the river Thames. Until then I have continued to work out of Stewart Jackson's constituency office and the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS). I am particularly pleased with my research on deaf educational underachievement and special needs provision. My results have revealed some interesting questions and I am currently in the process of following these up. Of particular doubt is:

Ofsted inspection reports show that there were nine schools graded 4 (inadequate), with deaf units in total. Six of the nine received a 3 (satisfactory) for Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision and three received the same overall grade of 4. Seven of the nine wrote more positively about the SEN/deaf provision than they did about the overall provision with only two saying that the SEN provision was as inadequate as the overall. None made any comments that suggest the provision for SEN was worse or more worrying than the overall provision.  The same applies for schools graded 1 (outstanding). It should follow that SEN/deaf children achieve equally, if not better, than their non-SEN/hearing counterparts. Yet official statistics state that over half of all children achieved the government benchmark of 5 GCSEs A* - C, compared with just 29% of deaf children. Clearly there is a discrepancy between actual results and the Ofsted reports.

What do you make of this?

In addition, I have been following up a meeting I had with Ken Carter, Founder and currently Director of Research at Deafax.  This meeting revealed further useful contacts and opportunities, including the possibility of working on research and development projects in overseas places as diverse as Europe, Africa, India and the American continent. Exciting times ahead. Another opportunity was secured for the end of September and the beginning of October, where I am due to shadow the Office for Disablility Issues (ODI), gaining valuable insight into the mechanics of the department and attending various meetings, including a discussion on Digital Inclusion at the Cabinet Office. I will welcome any advice or questions you may have on this. I have also been informed by the NDCS Policy & Campaigns team that I could gain experience with their counterparts in Media & Communications. Since liaising with the press is a key part of working for a Member of Parliament and other Government/Non-Governmental organisations, this is an offer that I am going to take up.       

Where am I going with this? Has it changed my ambitions? No, is the answer, but is has broadened and enhanced them; given me the confidence to think bigger. I still want to work in Parliament, absolutely. It is an honour and a privilege to perform public service in such an historical institution and one that opens up contacts and doors which will inform the career which comes after that. Ultimately, I would like to make a direct difference to the lives and well being of people around the world. I could certainly see myself working on and leading development projects at the United Nations or international charities.

I know I have some way to go, until I achieve those ambitions, but it is Premier League time now and I am ready to step up to the mark.

A Party in the Sun and a Golden Palace

It's been a rather eventful seven days since last Sunday, when I took my family to Stewart Jackson's garden luncheon, at his home in Peterborough. We arrived to be greeted by some beautiful English sunshine and the perfect spot in the shade, in which to sit and enjoy a pleasant afternoon. I was impressed by the charm of the hosts and the guests; quick to welcome my family and I, not to forget the delicious spread of food.  I made sure to say thank you to Sarah and Stewart for having us. 

I had decided a few days beforehand to accept the offer of work by the NDCS and was soon invited to take part in a Parliamentary Reception, which took place last Wednesday. On the way, I passed Portcullis House and  felt a growing impatience for September to arrive; daydreaming of what might be, imagining how it must feel, to travel to work in such a place each morning and wondering about the kind of people I will meet and the experiences I may enjoy. Not too far along and standing high above me, was the clock tower which holds Big Ben. I knew then that I had arrived, not failing to be struck by the history and purpose surrounding the place. My desire to secure a long-term position there had just been strongly reinforced.

This was an event held as part of Deaf Awareness Week, organised by the UK Council on Deafness and supported by the NDCS and the RNID. Numerous MPs and Peers from across the political spectrum, as well as several deaf children were asked to attend. I was personally responsible for inviting Stewart and was particularly pleased when he turned up. The idea was for the children to share with these politicians, tips and advice, on how to communicate better with deaf people. There was also a photo opportunity,  which I made sure Stewart took advantage of.

Whilst there, I met some great new contacts who could be very useful to me, in my pursuit of a career in Parliament and am now in the process of following these up. My road to Parliament has not yet ended, but I know I'll get there. Watch this space!   

Political Goals & Football Goals

One would of had to have been living in a bubble for the general election to have passed them by. It was all over the television screens, the newspapers, on the radio, the web, everywhere. It seems like yesterday that I was out pounding the streets of Peterborough for Stewart Jackson and the Council candidates. Much like taking examinations, I was left with a feeling of helplessness on the night of May 5th, when the direction of the election campaign was largely taken out of our hands. All one could do was wait and see what happens. Oh the anxiety, oh the joy! 

I began May 6th, polling day, with a taxi journey from Peterborough train station to the home of Stewart Jackson which, I must say was a beautiful place. I was struck by the hospitality of his family while I awaited my lift; a hospitality which I found was repeated by a number of people throughout the day. 

I had been selected amongst others in the gang, to man one of the Campaign Centres, in which the Paston Ward Get Out The Vote (GOTV) operation was based. My job was to input and analyse the turnout of Conservative voters and determine, together with Stewart's sister, where to send teams to knock on the doors of Conservative pledges, who had yet to go out and vote. Sounds exciting doesn't it? The destiny of the Paston Ward Council candidate in particular and of Stewart, partly held in my hands. It was an experience bolstered by an ample supply of tea, pork pies and sandwiches; a food type in which my father often describes as "Gods food". Just to top it off, there was the added blessing of the Paston Ward Council candidate, in whose home I was based, being a fan of cricket, so I was also able to watch England's World Twenty20 match against Pakistan :-) 

When the polls closed that evening, we headed down to the Town Hall to await the results. I spent the first hour sat on a bench on the ground floor, below where the action was taking place, without even a television to let me know what was going on. If anxiety was what I felt on the night of May 5th, just imagine how I must have been feeling now. Luckily, armed with this laptop and my newly acquired dongle, I followed the somewhat stuttered coverage of the Sunderland results (How I wish I had Jack Bauer's PDA, which seems to be free from the endless "buffering" and the little "loading" circles at the centre of the screen) Later, Matthew, the Campaign Manager, was able to obtain balcony passes for a few other members of the conservative campaign team and I, gaining us both an active television set and front row seats to watch the facial expressions of Parliamentary candidates; a rollercoaster of elation at Parliamentary gains and nervousness at holds or losses.

Considering the amount of work we all put into the campaign and the high regard in which I hold Stewart, it goes without saying that I was both relieved and delighted that he was successfully returned to the House of Commons with an increased majority. After a night spent on the sofa at the home of Matthew & Sam, I was also able to experience being a Counting Agent for the local election results the next day. My guy in Paston Ward was also sent to serve in Peterborough Council so a double victory for me. 

I continue to work in Peterborough, helping out with the administration of Stewart's Constituency Office and covering for the Administrative Assistant when she is away. I was recently informed that I will be interning at Stewart's Westminister office from September to Christmas which, I must confess, I cannot wait for. My dreams of a permanent job in Parliament are becoming closer to reality day by day. I have also been contacted by the Policy & Campaigns team at the National Deaf Children's Society. Having experience from different perspectives might give me a key advantage in the field of equalities; something to think about perhaps?. Until then, there is a World Cup to enjoy and I, for one, will be cheering on England tonight. Do us proud boys!     

The Phoney War

The calm before the storm arrived last week, as the urgency which once accompanied our work was temporarily lifted. Yet make no mistake, this will change once the PM signals for the Queen to dissolve Parliament and initiate the General Election timetable. I am looking forward to this with  great anticipation and am eager to get stuck into the kind of work which takes place during this time. I will of course have to be discreet about much of the details but promise to provide some interesting blog reports. 

Preparations for the campaign continue to go well with more of the usual being completed. I am keen to learn more and will accept whatever new challenges come my way. Meanwhile, I hope you don't mind me asking if you ever had a disabled person apply for a job and wondered whether they could manage a simple phone call? Or take the other perspective, have you as a disabled person, wondered whether a barrier such as this or requesting your right to reasonable adjustments would harm your job prospects? This is not to forget the extra anxiety which comes from any legal action the DDA provides for if these rights are not met. This was a step in the right direction, yet we are already disabled enough without it being underlined in a court of law. I know from personal experience this kind of anxiety but it really need not be this way.

According to the UKCAE website (http://www.ukcae.com/), over 20% of the workforce are disabled and with an ageing populalation, this proportion is expected to increase. More needs to be done to alleviate this two-way anxiety. Perhaps then we will see more disabled people off benefits and into employment. Nevertheless I was pleased that I found myself in a position to demonstrate that this was no barrier for me, when Stewart kindly offered me his Blackberry in order to call Matthew. I hope I can continue to show that I have the potential to be a full and contributing member of his staff.   

I am encouraged by the determination of some politicians and of organisations such as UKCAE to address the issue of equality at work and of those in protected groups who persist in the fight for a more inclusive society. Yet a bigger effort is required to empower employers to recruit the disabled at cost and for people like myself to be able to strive for professional success with real confidence and conviction. There are plenty of organisations that supply equipment to the disabled at work, but perhaps there needs to be more financial support for businesses in making those 'reasonable adjustments'. This is just one idea. What do you think needs to be done?       

Westminster Beckons

If last week felt six days long, this one seemed to fly, as if it had been fitted out with hyperspeed engines. Amongst the hustle and bustle of a busy campaign office, survey followed survey and newletter followed newsletter with some other bits and bobs thrown in too. This was a week which went down to the wire. In fact, as I was running alongside the railway tracks on Friday evening, I arrived at the platform just two minutes before the train was due. Phew, made it. Home at last.

I have finished tweaking my CV and my application for the role of Researcher or Parliamentary Assistant has been sent off. I have also written to an old American History tutor who has been involved with political campaigns in the States, about the possibilities of working in U.S politics too. I shall keep you updated on what becomes of that. 

Yet I have enjoyed being in Peterborough and have put a lot of time and energy into Stewart Jackson's campaign. Over sarnies and a plate of chips, kindly offered by the Secretary, I inquired about the possibility of continuing with Stewart after the election. I was pleased to be told that I could intern at his Westminster office in October. Feeling closer to my goal of a permanent job in Parliament, I for one, can't wait :-)

Until then, I have been asked to stay at the Peterborough office where I will carry on being mentored in local politics and build upon my current experience. Part of that will be to develop further my file on procedures, which includes all aspects of working on a campaign and managing a political office. Sets me up nicely for managing a national campaign myself maybe?

Behind the scenes, the clockwork visibly whirs as the Campaign Manager continues to plan. I wonder what next week will bring and the surprises it has in store? Stay tuned to find out.   

Work, Chivalry and Motherly Wisdom - Don't forget the biscuits!

Do you ever get the impression that you've just completed a six day week? This one felt just like that, helped only by the constant supply of shortbread, which the ladies have now discovered are my favourites :-) Yet it's Mothers Day now, the sun has been shining and I have just got back from a lovely meal out with my family. I hope other Mum's out there have had a nice day too.  

Preparations for the election continued where we left off, with most of my week spent inputting postal voters into the system. This is a long and tedious process but the end is in sight. I will probably be cracking on with this when I arrive back in Peterborough tomorrow morning. I did manage to catch a break from this on Thursday and Friday when I was tasked with putting together the two parts of an eight page newsletter, counting them out and then bundling them together with surveys we prepared a few weeks ago. I don't mind this. Part of me rather likes the feeling of tangible work; the texture of the paper in my hands and watching the completed piles of newsletters tower up beside me. As much as I encourage the use of technology, there is something artificial about working with it. Just to prove my point about technology, I used a computer to find some new work opportunities as either a Researcher or a Parliamentary Assistant. Covering letter is done, just tailoring my CV. Wish me luck.   

I was also delighted to find that Stewart Jackson has implemented some of the suggestions in my initial communications plan, such as registering with Twitter. I have yet to convince everyone there of the merits of digital engagement but Stewart seems to like it. I must say I was expecting his tweets to be dry, but was surprised to discover not only an astute politician, but a humorous man who is not afraid to engage in friendly banter with allies and enemies alike. I am now working on a new inclusive communications strategy in the hope it will be just as well received.

On a smaller note, we have had a number of prospective councillors come into the office; presumably to check on the progress of their own local campaigns. One such lady had come in to collect some leaflets we had prepared for her. As she was leaving, she dropped a few on the floor. I instinctively stopped what I was doing to help her pick them up. I was promptly rewarded with a smile and a warm thank you. Chivalry pays! I had also been taken to heart when watching 'Eddie Izzard: Marathon Man' on television. I noticed would be gang members talk about new purposes to life or school children donating part of their pocket money to his Sports Relief fundraiser.

I mention these only because it reminds me of something my mother had told me. That having a conscience is doing the right thing even when no-one is watching. Something to think about perhaps?  

Anyway, thanks for reading. I wish you all a good week. Speak soon! :-)

Whatever Happened to Leadership?

I was interested to hear Baroness Warsi's views regarding the Equalities Bill last Tuesday. I will return to the subject of Equalities & Inclusion at a later date, as I have much to say about the matter.

This blog post is about political leadership. It is not leadership in the sense of managing employees or a business project; this kind is all too common in our working lives. The leadership about which I write is a rarer quantity.

Throughout history, there have been defining moments where mankind had found itself at a crossroads. The choices that we made determined the course of our moral future; the values that we live by, the nature of our democratic institutions and the way we relate to one another. Faced with injustices of such magnitude, it took extraordinary acts of leadership and self-sacrifice to take the road we knew was right. These moments are well documented, often standing alone against the prevailing tide of public opinion. Today we arrive at  another crossroads. Man-made climate change is no less a defining moment in the history of our species.

It has always had its doubters, but public confidence in the issue of climate change is at an all time low. Rumours of bogus emails and falsified evidence have done little to change this view. I lack the expertise to argue the scientific debate with any real credibility, yet it seems very probable that our climate is changing. Besides, it shouldn't matter what people like me think is true. There are far more informed people advising the Government on this issue than us. Take another scenario such as deciding whether the country goes to war. Should the public be able to dictate this? We don't receive the intelligence or security briefings necessary to make the decision. For the same reasons, if governments believe that climate change exists and that it represents a clear and present danger, then they should take the necessary action to combat it.   

Instead we get what Baroness Warsi  has called ‘window dressing’, a phrase she used to criticise the Equalities Bill in its current format. There has been much rhetoric flying around in Parliament about reducing the effects of climate change and which was subsequently hyped up in the media. Do you remember Kyoto or the Copenhagen Summit? The world was full of expectations. One would believe from the build up to these events, that our political leaders had finally taken action to match the occasion. Instead we got watered down targets to cut CO2 emissions without legal bindings. What followed were Governments implementing "green" initiatives such as Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) and the farming of biofuel crops which are equally harmful to our environments. There are in the UK subsidies for electrical cars such as lower vehicle tax and exceptions to congestion charges. Are we supposed to be fooled into thinking that electricity is not produced by burning the very minerals we are trying to reduce? These initiatives seem designed to give the appearance that Governments are meeting targets and international obligations instead of actually "taking the problem by the scruff of the neck" and dealing with it properly.   

Furthermore, on matters of such importance, should Parliament's allow itself to be influenced by public opinion polls and lobbyists? Arguably, the best result would come if Parliament could take a broader view of the subject and allow the Government to implement the required solutions without it being voted out of office. In truth, the issue is so vast, the timing perhaps so critical and the threat to our survival so grave, that the only way to force change, would be impose emergency powers similar to the draconian security measures taken post 9/11. I very much hope that it doesn't come to that. Either way, the initiatives and legislation that may be necessary, could prove unpopular and politically self-defeating. Yet at this environmental crossroads, should politicians now fail to exercise that rare form of leadership? Perhaps we voters should all agree that the right thing is not always what wins elections.

Consider the following:

If we were serious about tackling climate change we would limit the amount of hydrocarbon based vehicles per household, with a clear deadline of abolishing them all together.

If we were serious, we would look beyond LPG and electrical cars (unless wind turbines can produce enough power) and subsidise hydrogen cars which emit only water.

If we were serious, building contractors should be made to include better insulation and power generation (such as solar panels) when designing new houses.

If we were serious, we would set aside a budget for alternative energy research in the same way we do with defence and medicine.

If we were serious, what would you do?

Toasted Cheese, Tea and Sticky Endings

Before I start, I would like to take a minute to remember those who died and have been displaced from their homes, during that terrible earthquake in Chile. The British Red Cross has launched a Chile Earthquake Appeal and I would encourage everyone to dip into their pockets and make a donation at http://www.redcross.org.uk/news.

If a May 6th election takes place as predicted, it is now 9 weeks until election day and I have just completed my 7th week at Stewart Jackson's Campaign HQ in Peterborough. It appears I was correct in my hypothesis, that the Conservative lead would continue to fall. This includes marginal seats which the Conservatives insisted would carry them to victory. One must begin to ask, what is David Cameron to do now?

The ladies and I managed to work our way through yet another load of literature this week. In previous sessions, we had all been peeling the labels, sticking them on and then stuffing in a prepaid envelope. We have since found it more efficient for the ladies to stuff the envelopes and me to peel and stick on the labels. So the process of peel stick stuff, peel stick stuff, has transformed into peel stick, peel stick, peel stick... I swear I catch myself doing it in my sleep. The monotony was halted briefly on Tuesday when I was invited out for toasted cheese sandwiches by one of the City Councillors and yesterday (Friday), Stewart was kind enough to make me a cup of tea. Very generous of them I thought. :-) So nice to feel that our elected representatives don't view such things as beneath them.

My hard work was rewarded when I was informed that I would be taken off sticking and stuffing next week and to continue my current task of inputting those who said they will be voting by post this year. We would then cross-reference these people with voting intentions and send letters to encourage Conservative leaning constituents to do just that. As I was leaving the office this evening, I was also told my communications plan has been passed on to Stewart. This is fantastic news but nervous times await... Could this be my big break?

Today, my sister has been given the day off work which is wonderful news as it is such a rarity. Both she and my brother in law will be coming over for curry in the evening. I do really enjoy it when the family are all together; they mean so much to me.         

Finally, coming to a blogspot near you, are two articles, one which addresses the Equalities Bill; criticised by Baroness Warsi in the House of Lords last Tuesday and the other, 'Whatever Happened to Leadership?', a discussion centred on climate change.

Watch this space and have a great weekend

On Inclusive Campaign Literature

In my previous post I talked briefly about a poll I undertook on LinkedIn. While working on a local campaign here in Peterborough (UK), I observed how inaccessible some of the canvassing material seemed to be. The poll asked if campaign literature should be made more inclusive by making them available in alternative formats such as braille for the visually and signed political broadcasts, for the hearing impaired. The results were overwhelmingly favourable with 77% of voters saying that they thought this was an "important and interesting" idea.

I understand that braille can be expensive so I am exploring more imaginative, affordable avenues such as podcasts: If the visually impaired are unable to see,  they may be able to listen to what political candidates have to say instead. You might be interested in having a look at the comments made at the bottom of the graph http://polls.linkedin.com/p/78690/jiekb. Take particular note of the arguments made by Jeffrey Smith on the one hand and myself on the other. Perhaps you have something to add to this debate?

That same week I had also put out a poll which asked whether in multicultural societies, various social and protected groups should have campaign literature made specifically for them. My argument is intended to be neither patronising, negative or discriminatory. As a man who has himself been profoundly deaf since a young age, I am aware we have different issues and interests which may not be able to be sufficiently addressed by 'one size fits all' round robin literature. In Peterborough, we have a growing Asian community. Should they be able to have their own say? There were race riots in the City just the other week. Should we not be reassuring them by telling them how we will sort it out? Should they not be included in the debate about solutions? What about the disabled. Are we not the ones who know for sure how accessible a local shop, public building or transport is? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts about this controversial topic.

Take a look at the following link  http://polls.linkedin.com/p/78382/xxdwo.

Views are definitively polarised in the opposite direction to my poll on alternative formats. Out of over 100 LinkedIn members  83% voted 'No'. Someone from a political think tank commented how this approach may lead to hypocrisy with political parties making different, contradictory pledges to various groups. The same person added that while benefitting from a brief bump in public opinion, the media and the opposition will soon jump all over you for the reasons just laid out. I accept that this is a risk which should be taken into consideration. Yet this need not be the end of the argument.

Once again using immigration, a subject of great divisiveness in the UK, this conflict may be avoided by keeping the politics of race out of the question - reach out to immigrants - say we embrace difference; we embrace diversity; that at the same time we are united by a common Britishness. Applied correctly, immingration makes us richer as a nation. To natural born citizens, we don't then have to say we're against immigration. Make it clear that we do not condone neither will we tolerate, racism, but say that it must be carefully managed for reasons of cost. We're a small island with limited resources. Walking around the nearby town of Boston, I remember observing immigrants selling the Big Issue, a magazine sold by the homeless on street corners. Is this really  the best thing for either us or them? Is it sensible policy to import unemployment at extra cost to the state?

One thing is important - subjects like this need to be talked about - we shouldn't avoid these questions because they're controversial or hard so lets talk...

Equality, Inclusion and Other Business

Before I begin this week’s blog, I must apologise for not publishing an installment for the past few weeks. Regretfully my trusted laptop for the last year sadly passed away. I have therefore had to wait for my new netbook before resuming my writing. The good news is that I’m back, so without further adieu, let’s begin.

I have been at Stewart Jackson Campaign HQ for six weeks now and I must say that I am really starting to feel at home there. I am grateful for the trust that they have shown in me and only hope that I can continue to serve them after the election. There have been whisperings in back corners that this will be sooner than previously thought. Our economic recovery remains a fragile one and political analysts are raising the spectre of an early election before any public backlash against the government can ensue. Yet the Conservatives, who once commanded a 16 point advantage, have seen their lead drop to just 5 points and I predict that the government will continue to wait and see if this drops any further.

We have continued to reach out to voters with further campaign literature being sent out in the last week – that means plenty of address labels to stick on! I have also, after a long slog, completed inputting the current batch of electoral data.

Finally, I have revised my strategic communications plan, adding further research and some extra ideas, making my graphs look more professional and things like that. I think it’s a lot stronger as a result. Speaking of my communications plan, I published a poll this week which asked

“Should campaign literature be made more inclusive with the use of braille and sign language on political broadcast?”

Go to the link http://polls.linkedin.com/p/78690/jiekb for more information. It would be very insightful to hear your thoughts.

I was rather surprised by the amount of interest that people took in it, with one professional from Connecticut writing in to say that she thought it was an "interesting and important question" and has posted the link to her Twitter page. It just goes to show how significant the issue of equalities is to people at the moment.

As I was saying before, I really appreciate the efforts that Stewart, Matthew and the team have made for me and I am glad that they are pleased with my work. I rather like the idea of being a Communications Assistant/Online Political Analyst after the election. I’ll discuss this further with them nearer the time – they have enough on their plate at the moment than to worry about little old me. I envisage maintaining a newly revamped website, attending Stewart’s engagements, taking photographs and publishing the stories online. I could monitor social networking sites and articles on Stewart in local newspapers, analysing them and writing responses. Perhaps I could do some research on a particular field i.e. the issue of access and equalities in Peterborough? Sounds like an interesting job for me.

I am currently waiting for the England v Ireland rugby match to start. England have yet to lose in this tournament having beaten both Wales and Italy in recent weeks and are on course for a Grand Slam win… One thing is for sure, Ireland will be tough and England, being England, won’t make it easy for themselves or their viewers…

I'm already biting my nails

Meeting Stewart Jackson MP

Things continued to gather pace this week.. made slightly easier by the cups of tea and plate of biscuits which regularly turn up on my desk. I've begun working at Stewart Jackson MPs Campaign Centre five days now rather than the three days I used to. I think the election officially starts in 14 weeks and there is still so much to do. I spent much of my time laying the ground work for what could be a close campaign.. I made ready three boxes of surveys for distribution and have completed the electoral data input that I wanted done this week. Talking of Stewart, I met the man himself today. I shook hands, said 'a pleasure to meet you' and went about my business. A rather pleasant, down to earth man I thought.

So glad its the weekend.. Time to recuperate and catch up on some sleep.. What bliss :-)

Stewart Jackson MP, Communications and the State of the Union

Oh what a week this is turning out to be.. and I thought last week had already reached a high when I started working with Stewart Jackson MP in Peterborough. I returned there on Monday, which was no bad thing, but the real highlight of the day was my meeting in Newark, at the office of Patrick Mercer MP. The Chairman of the Association had faith enough to tempt me with a proper job title come the election, an opportunity which I must grasp with both hands! :) I wonder how I could best make myself useful? Today I decided to write a position paper on Communications Strategy- about ways of using modern media technologies such as Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Blogger to reach out to voters. I've sent it off and hope for the best :) I for one am dead chuffed with it.

I'm looking forward to the State of the Union address tonight, an occasion reminded to me by a Rock the Vote tweet. So glad I didn't miss out on hearing that! I must say.. I envy the speech writers who wrote it.. What a job.. what a job.. what a job..