Submission: New EVP plans to focus on action, unity for office

It’s no secret that I am a fan of the Kennedy family. As I prepare to take office, I look to the words of JFK and am reminded of the reality of our current situation: “We observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom. … United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided, there is little we can do – for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.” During election season, the word “united” becomes politically charged – a rallying cry for the Bruins United slate. However, as we prepare to face among the greatest challenges of our generation as students, this word must become more than rhetoric. No one student, nor demographic of students, can fight the tuition hikes alone – that requires a strong and progressive coalition willing to overcome ideological differences to achieve a common goal.

I was asked if my election represents a mandate to fundamentally alter many of the strategies and structures of the External Vice President’s office. I think it does. In my estimation, any change of hands after so long a time demands change, but it would be irresponsible to ignore the slightness of the margin by which I was elected. With election season over, I would like to clarify a few points that have ignited many passions.

There have been misunderstandings about what I mean when I say “depoliticization.” The nature of the depoliticization of the external vice president is this: My political focus must be on California politics, not Undergraduate Students Associated Council politics. I will be engaging in political advocacy, but I will not approach the office with my own political agenda. Within USAC, it is too easy to think only of the communities we come from and have developed within – but I see an opportunity for all of us as Bruins and students of the University of California. It is my responsibility, therefore, to synthesize these differing and passionate communities into a single united front, such that our common goals – affordable tuition and a more significant student voice – can be achieved.

However, the EVP office can and should facilitate the discussion of other political concerns and campus issues. I firmly believe that any student or student group seeking an advocate should find one here. This is the basis for the Bruin Defenders program: Provide students the resources, access and structure to lead their own advocacy efforts. The communities that participate will have strength and command over their own issues. The work of each Bruin Defender group and affiliate will provide a clear, actionable plan for not only the EVP office but also State and UC officials.

In order to craft these campaigns, the EVP office needs to be staffed with top-tier talent. Effective members and directors will exhibit key qualities: perceptiveness, imagination, diplomacy and bravery. These qualities are not unique to a single slate or community. In fact, I would be doing the office a disservice if I restricted its members to those of a single ideology. The issues that we face in this upcoming year are too important for me to staff the office based on slate politics or personal beliefs. I plan to proactively reach out to students from all walks of campus who can provide both the above qualities and a necessary perspective on student attitudes and needs.

As an outsider to the EVP office, I bring a perspective unbiased by previous experience and a fresh vision to the space, one shaped by my leadership in political, advocacy and organizing efforts. I do understand, however, that the level of institutional memory in this office is unmatched. Given this, I have already spoken to past EVPs across the UC, and take this opportunity to extend the invitation to any previous UCLA EVP to discuss the successes and shortcomings of previous initiatives. This year is vital to get right.

Finally, I call for the de-escalation of the animosity between Bruins United and LET’S ACT! In student government, unity of voice is essential to improving student life, even without unity of ideals. When we diminish each other in these elections or on council, we diminish us all. It is not enough to simply unite – we must also act on our united vision. When we come together to do that, lasting change will come from this office – laying a foundation that will outlast both of our slates and politics.

Helder is a second-year history and economics student and the incoming external vice president.