It's always nice to put a face to a name, or a name to a position, as you probably don't know us yet. So here is a brief profile of our beautiful and interesting committee members. If you see us around campus, do say hi.
CHRISTINA LUMSDEN
PRESIDENT
Hello! I am
currently a 3rd year student studying Physics and
Philosophy which, before you ask, do work together in an opposites
attract kind of way... I am president of Manchester STAR society this
year and looking forward to an eclectic mix of events which will
fill you with awareness and make a lasting impact.
I am a keen STAR
and have been since 1st year. I got really involved with
this society last year and helped organise the STILL HUMAN STILL HERE sleep out.
My interest in
refugees and the dire situation faced by some asylum seekers was
sparked whilst on a 6 month voluntary programme. I was based in
Swansea and quickly became an avid member of the local drop in centre
for refugees and asylum seekers. The first time I spoke to refugees I
was struck by the extraordinary struggle they had overcome to arrive here.
One man told me he had escaped Somalia on a ship he snook into, his
destination was unknown to him until he stumbled out onto British
soil. STAR are here to ensure that a welcome awaits every person
stumbling upon this isle.
All you really
need to know though is that we are a great society hoping to achieve
great things! So get involved!
Xx Christina x
SECRETARY
CO-PROJECT MANAGER OF REFUGEE TEACHING
I'm presently in my third and final year of a music degree. While this is mildly terrifying, I am feeling good about this year. I have the privilege of living in a little and lovely house behind Sainsbury's with 3 beautiful ladies, and I've already discovered some of Manchester's lesser known club nights - 90s techno (?) in Withington's Indigo on a Saturday night is surely the place to be. I'm also excited to be on the STAR committee this year as secretary and co-project manager of the Refugee Teaching Project (the other project manager is Jane, she's ace). If you want to know more about this project, or STAR in general, feel free to drop me an email at starcommitteemanchester@gmail.com and I'll be happy to fill you in/meet up for a cuppa!
ANNIE STOREY
CAMPAIGNS OFFICER
Hello, I am Annie! I study Social Anthropology and am currently in my Third Year. I have just been on a study abroad semester to Copenhagen and absolutely loved it. Whilst I was there I did some fieldwork in a place aimed at making refugees and asylum seekers feel slightly more welcomed and at home in Copenhagen. It was here that I realised many people in society assume refugees are just a homogenous group of people, yet being around many of them, they are far from the same. They come from all over the world, from different cultures, different upbringings, food, religions, geography, cities, countryside etc. The only similarity in most cases is the fact that they have had to flee their native country. I had many interesting and admirable conversations, just listening to individual stories makes you appreciate how much they have been through and how strong their will to survive is. I think many of us living in the Western world would have a lot to learn from people who know what it feels like to experience very real elements of life – pain, suffering, loss, love, survival. So I am proud to say I am campaigns officer for STAR and would be delighted to hear any suggestions from any of you to raise awareness of the situation of refugees and bring it the public light. The campaigns information can be found on the STAR website.
PHIL[IPPA] HUGHES
FUNDRAISING OFFICER
My name’s Philippa but everyone (Everyone) calls me Phil and I’m STAR’s fundraising coordinator. I’m a second year Social Anthropology and Linguistics student (culture and language, basically). I like reading, running, Amnesty International, and of course STAR. I’m hoping to throw a few nights, and generally have a good time raising lots of money for STAR this year! I would love to hear your ideas and input, especially if you or your housemate or your goldfish has a talent that you think would help us out with our STAR fundraising. So come over and say hello if you see me, I’m really nice, promise.
SOPHIA WHITE
TREASURER
I'm Sophia (so-fiy-a as opposed to so-fee-ya). I'm a third year History student, which is as fun as it sounds. I'm the treasurer of STAR, so unless you're for some reason having money woes related to STAR, you probably won't need to talk to me too much, haha. I also run the blog (what you're reading right now) and the twitter page (@STARManchester), so if you were interested in writing any articles for us, I'm your girl. Also if you would like any advice on Lettings, I'm there for that too, it's my part-time job. I like reading and writing, which is good as my degree does require a lot of that, and I've also started going to the gym, which is my proudest moment in life to date...I also play the tuba, scuba dive, ski and drive (badly) around Manchester City Centre. So yes, money, writing and also any new ideas you have for the society, just get in touch at either starcommitteemanchester@gmail.com, @STARManchester, or @SophiaWhite.
Isabelle Uren
NIGHT SHELTER COORDINATOR
Hello! I have just gone into my third year studying
Linguistics and Psychology which has led to a great interest in all things to
do with language and the brain. Also at the risk of sounding like 40s housewife
I really enjoy knitting, sewing and baking!
This is my first year
being involved with STAR and I have taken on the role of night shelter
coordinator. I love cooking and socialising and thought this would be a great
opportunity to get involved and use some of my talents. I wanted to get
involved with more volunteering work after completing the Manchester Leadership
Programme last year. I enjoy the face to face aspect of volunteering most but I
am also looking forward to getting involved in campaigning with STAR
particularly if it involves paints!
If you want any more information or want to get involved
with the night shelter drop me an email on isabelle.uren@student.manchester.ac.uk
and I will get back to you.
X Izzy x
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