Hi, I’m Joe Holmes. Outspoken, experienced and tough. You may have heard of me from my writing or presenting work, spoken to me in the Rebel studios, know me from my Creative Writing course, seen me at an event holding a camera, follow me on social media or have seen my work on the Advisory Board of Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation striving towards mental health support for young people. But it’s not about me, it’s about you. 

Here’s what I want to do for you…

End the Broken Parliament

Student parliament has failed to represent and be representative of students. Some of the main reasons for this are: representatives failing to speak up, representatives failing to engage with students, tokenistic roles that operate with positive discrimination and fail to represent all students.

I will speak up and employ a devil's advocate position to ensure necessary scrutiny is given to all ideas and issues in order to achieve the best possible solutions. I will engage students at all times by gaining live feedback from the places where students are actually talking: group chats, social media and socials. I will carry the spirit of Rebel and be a voice for all students, no matter who they are or what their interests are.

Media is about having a conversation so as a Rebel Rep, representing our student media, I won’t just speak up for our members but I will listen to all students. 

Prioritise Impactful Spending

I believe that in order to unlock the full potential of helping students, budgets must be spent on things that have an impact and not just on appearances. Financial decisions are tough, but they have to be. I will provide opposition and scrutiny to ensure initiatives and projects are providing value to students instead of creating an illusion of providing value. Many students feel that many events and projects are fun but lack value, Rebel can provide that value if we’re given the support we need. 

Rebel, our student media, has been neglected and underfunded. It has the potential to be a hub of community, skills, creativity and growth. From using a range of software, feeling confident on camera or on the airwaves, using technical equipment, gaining public speaking skills, networking, understanding marketing, improving writing skills, public relations, to honing a journalistic style - Rebel has the potential to provide an extraordinary range of valuable skills to students.

This year at Rebel, we’ve been focusing on recovering from the pandemic, establishing systems of organisation, and fixing errors created by poor continuity and a lack of attention. The students we have reached have gained valuable skills and have felt a sense of achievement. It’s time to unlock Rebel’s full potential and ensure that all students can benefit from our endless opportunities. 

Energise Extracurricular Learning

University isn’t just about the degree, it’s also about the student experience. Wouldn’t it be ideal if the student experience could be just as, if not more, valuable than the degree? Rebel can do that. Experience, skills, and just having ago at the range of media that Rebel can offer CV content, portfolio pieces, vital knowledge, job interview topics and forever memories. 

Extracurricular learning can be fuelled by passion and excitement like any hobbies and interest, but you’re also upskilling at the same time. As we graduate and move into competitive job markets, we need all of the help we can get.  Rebel’s video, radio and editorial teams can provide that, so can getting involved with a one off project, article, video, radio show, podcast, workshop or event.

Rebel is not the only opportunity for extracurricular learning. I want to energise extracurricular learning and boost opportunities to provide a holistic student experience full of fun and memories that will kickstart careers and possibilities. 

Vote for Joe Holmes to represent you.