This page should tell you everything you need to know about how to get started, but if you have any questions, please contact us at su.representation@brookes.ac.uk
A motion, put simply, is just an idea. It is a few lines of text which asks for the Union to do something which makes a difference to student life at Brookes. If you think there is something important the Union should be working on, then you have the power to submit a motion and trigger change.
You can view all the policy passed in previous years here.
Brookes Union is entirely student run - which means that motions form the backbone of all the key decisions that the Union takes!
Here are some reasons why submitting a motion is important:
To submit a motion, email it to su.representation@brookes.ac.uk. The deadline for motions to be submitted to the AGM is Monday 15th March.
After you’ve submitted your motion, it will be sent to the Annual General Meeting, and will be added to the agenda.
At the AGM, there will be an open discussion around each motion. When your motion is called, you will have the chance to speak for up to three minutes about why you think students should vote to support your motions. Students would then be invited to argue against your motion if they disagree with it, and there may be a short debate where both sides can put forward their arguments.
It is also possible that students may want to change small parts of your motion. These are called amendments. Each proposed amendment will get a separate debate and vote. After any amendments have been voted on, and there have been arguments for and against the motion, the proposer will have the chance to sum up the motion before it is put to a vote. If the motion passes (aka - receives 50% or more of ‘yes’ votes by all students in attendance), then it will become part of Union Policy. Officers will then work with you to make sure its implemented.
Even if your motion is not passed, you have the chance to resubmit your motion to future General Meetings!
There is no format that you have to use, but the clearer you lay out your motion, the easier it will be for students to understand. This means it might be more likely to gain student support!
Proposed by: (your name)
Union notes:
Union believes:
Union resolves:
Example motion:
Proposer: Joe Bloggs
Union notes:
Union believes:
Union resolves: