Lachlan Woods (12576310)
Statement of Candidature – Diversity Director, Equity Director
Contact:
Hi, my name is Lachlan Woods, and I am running for the positions of Diversity Director and the Equity Director for the 2018 UTS Law Students Society. I believe that having fresh, unique and outspoken voices on the LSS is important for more nuanced and innovative programs being developed for all students, and I believe that I can be that voice.
As Diversity Director, I believe that the role should assist students in finding their own voice to advocate for law reform and for a more inclusive legal profession. Personally, I am incredibly passionate about LGBTI inclusion within the law. I (as of the time of nominations) volunteer as a strategist for Australian Marriage Equality, which is Australia’s leading lobby group for equal marriage, and I am also a mentee as part of Out for Australia, which connect LGBTI students with LGBTI professionals. These are programs which I believe have benefitted me personally, and I believe that the LSS should endeavour to connect with other organisations and charities that are also aiming to assist students from ethnic, gender, religious and other minorities in seeing a great future for them within the law.
I believe that as an Equity Director, I would be able to assist students who would otherwise not be able to attend or experience the incredible events and programs that the LSS run throughout the year. I know this first hand, having to turn down attending various events due to a lack of finances. That’s why I wish to improve relations between the LSS and the UTS Financial Services, to ensure that students are aware of the support that the University, as well as external services such as Centrelink and charities, can provide throughout the year. I want to expand the Textbook Rental Scheme, and in particular the Donation Scheme, to allow senior students the opportunity to donate textbooks to students who would otherwise be unable to afford it – this is an incredible program that I think the LSS can promote and expand. I also want to continue the Social Justice portfolio’s hard work on raising awareness about homelessness in Sydney, by exploring more opportunities for UTS Law students, such as assisting the City of Sydney’s bi-annual Street Count, as well as supporting the work of Oasis, which specifically support young Australians who are experiencing homelessness.
I hope to serve the LSS and give back to the faculty that has given me incredible opportunities to meet new people, partake in amazing events, and strive to be the best person that I can be.