Comments on The Daily (Maybe): Equality and Diversity Co-ordinator

Thank you Shahrar and Maya for your replies.

2008-08-11T21:28:00.000Z

Thank you Shahrar and Maya for your replies.

Yep: A close call between these two. Here's how I'...

2008-08-11T15:12:00.000Z

Yep: A close call between these two. Here's how I'm calling it, over at Rupert's Read: http://rupertsread.blogspot.com/2008/08/green-party-leadership-election-ballot.html

I agree, we've got two really excellent candidates...

2008-08-11T13:57:00.000Z

I agree, we've got two really excellent candidates here - and thanks to both of them for taking the trouble to get back to me with these.

Thanks to both candidates for taking the time to a...

2008-08-11T13:22:00.000Z

Thanks to both candidates for taking the time to answer questions. This, and Chair, are really tough voting decisions!

Matt

Hi Weggis, I also see this as an external and inte...

2008-08-11T12:55:00.000Z

Hi Weggis, I also see this as an external and internally focused position.

On the one hand its about broadening our networks and membership and deepening links so that we are representative of the wider community. This involves recognising in a positive way the diverse nature of our society and that in effect people operate through a range of organisations and social networks which we must reach out to. On the other hand its about ensuring that GPEX and other bodies are really representative of a cross section of society.

In my view we can't afford to only be internally focused. We need a bigger broader Green Party which more people can identify with and which feels open to all if we are to have real influence. This in no way means a dilution of the Green philosophy as so many people of all backgrounds share our concerns and way of thinking.

We need to go out and communicate our thinking and message as well as the tireless work the party does on so many issues that people of all backgrounds may be concerned about. We also need to ensure that new members or potential members whatever their ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation etc.. feel welcome to join the party and to participate fully in it at all levels.

Maya

Looks like they would both do a good Job.Difficult...

2008-08-11T11:03:00.000Z

Looks like they would both do a good Job.
Difficult one to pick.

Nick Bristol East GP

I think the first post holder, will be instrumenta...

2008-08-10T14:07:00.000Z

I think the first post holder, will be instrumental in making sure a job description/handover document is written, but seeing as the position only currently exists in our imagination, it's hardly surprising.

It's a little sad there's no women's officer, but whatcanyoudo...?

Shahrar, your take is interesting because it's central to the debate on multiculturalism that has been a large part of my Masters (nationalism and ethnic conflict), and the fact that I've just taken my citizenship test. I haven't read this post yet... but am going to get in to it now. G

Hi Weggis, my view (though job description not wri...

2008-08-10T13:46:00.000Z

Hi Weggis, my view (though job description not written yet!) is the post has BOTH a strong internal and external dimension - necessarily so, since one can only address questions about how well the Party engages with the wider society by looking outside, too (perhaps Gordon would accept this).

As for Monro's, "We should not celebrate difference", his main contention (putting aside other questionable statements) seems to be that if politicians emphasised sameness more than difference a more cohesive society would result.

Unfortunately, it's WISHFUL to suppose that by not talking about difference, racial, sex or other discrimination would somehow disappear. And it's a mistake to suppose that a better integrated society is incompatible with diversity (even though "celebrate" is a bit hackneyed). Citizenship is a good which all of us might benefit from lessons in. And it's a two-way street - Mumbai call centre staff might teach some of us a thing or two about literacy and courtesy :).

I hope it's clear from my Q&A (esp. last paragraph) the role that Greens should play in promoting SOLIDARITY by emphasising COMMONALITY. Everyone will march for gay Pride and condemn Sacranie's homophobic remarks. Greens are first and foremost Greens.

PS. I've had a good go, so will probably wait for other candidates before any further contribution. Also, just to anticipate, in an internal election I'll want to debate some matters only internally (like why job description ain't ready yet :)

@w I think it's internally focussed, although I'm ...

2008-08-10T12:32:00.000Z

@w I think it's internally focussed, although I'm sure the remit will be to encourage women/bme/glbt candidates as well as making sure we have are showing our policies in a way that appeals to those voters.

It's sad/strange that the two jobshare candidates declined to take part.

Is this an Internally or Externally focussed posit...

2008-08-09T13:19:00.000Z

Is this an Internally or Externally focussed position?

Irrespective of the answer to that I would be interested in the candidates comments on this piece from a local Tory.

I contacted them (via Linda) but sadly they didn't...

2008-08-09T12:28:00.000Z

I contacted them (via Linda) but sadly they didn't want to answer any questions about the role they are applying for.

Thanks for this Jim - it's great to have strong ca...

2008-08-09T12:16:00.000Z

Thanks for this Jim - it's great to have strong candidates for this position on GPEX. Still haven't made my mind up though! Were you not able to get hold of the other two job-share candidates, or did they decline to take part?