Running for DCU Student’s Union’s (DCUSU) Vice President for Community and Citizenship, Ross Boyd is a final year student studying Social Sciences and Cultural Innovation, with his main goals involving advocacy and awareness.
Having studied politics, Boyd believes he possesses the political awareness for this position, “I can bring that edge of how to engage with the community and citizenship, and I want to bring that towards a DCU aspect as well”.
One of his pledges involves A Global Campus, starting at grassroots level, with the hope to create a more engaging campus on a political plane through workshops which teaches students how to lobby TDs.
On a national level, Boyd is involved in various organisations including mental health and global awareness campaigns. Within the college, Ross is a class representative and a member of The Sustainability Working Group.
Acting as a spokesperson for students, he provides feedback to the Sustainability Council concerning necessary improvements for the campus.
Boyd believes the students’ union is important as it has the ability to “connect students to create positive change”. It is important for making “students feel represented on any issue, whether it be large or small,” said Boyd.
Aiming to encourage students to volunteer to their potential he said, “I’m running for this position because I believe I can make positive change with my experience and passion, especially in volunteering and creating a sustainable campus”.
Boyd believes volunteering isn’t just about “making friends”, but also about gaining the skills and experiences which employers are looking for.
He emphasised that volunteering has the potential to maximise student’s talents when entering the employment market. He spends his time volunteering with Spun Out, Text 50808, Plan International Ireland, ONE campaign, and the National Youth Council of Ireland.
According to Boyd another objective of his is to “fight for the rights of accommodation students as well as those who commute to campus”.
He says he aims to lobby for “reduced commuter costs and safe commuting between campuses”.
He believes “the last thing people need is a rent increase, and I will definitely be advocating for a rent freeze for the next year”.
As part of his campaign, he is advocating for additional cycle lanes on campus. And for those commuting by bus he hopes to champion for sheltered bus stops.
Boyd is involved in climate activism locally and nationally and is passionate about sustainability issues, with the aim to create a greener campus and increasing awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals.
He plans to achieve this through separated bins and wildflower planting around the campus.
He hopes to be an active advocate for climate change action, lobbying for a private college bike scheme which involves accessing “the private bike scheme provided by ride-share bikes, such as Bleeper, allowing bikes that can be exclusively used by DCU students and staff as well as the overall network of bikes,” he explained. A similar system is carried out in UCD.
Voting for DCUSU elections takes place on March 24th and 25th, information on all candidates can be found at https://www.lead.dcusu.ie/
Niamh McGovern
Image Credit: Ross Boyd