Madi's Focus Areas
PLATFORM
"I come from a close family that has always been about kindness and inclusion. Having been involved in SBA since I arrived at Emory Law, I know how things work - but I also know how to change the status quo. I think that things can always improve, and I believe that I can make large strides before I graduate in 2019. I want to work for you. We need to foster a friendlier community, improve our schools' offices, resources, and amenities, and make listening to students a top priority. With significant experience dealing with every facet of this school, I know what it takes to find solutions, navigate the complicated issues, and get things done."
-Madi
Diversity & Inclusion
According to the policies & procedures website, "Emory University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran’s status." I want to make sure that this is actually implemented. Steps that I have already taken to move in this direction involve communicating beyond Facebook and joining international student group chats, starting the "Dinner Around Town" series, and more. But we must do more in order actively include our colleagues, and I have many ideas about how to do that.
I would also like to continue to hold Diversity & Inclusion coalition meetings, and have quarterly Town Halls open to all students and faculty. I'd also like to personally meet with our diversity groups (such as CALS, APALSA, SALSA, BLSA, MELSA, JLSA, LALSA, LAWS, & OutLaw) regularly to ensure that we are doing everything we can to tackle various issues.
Power to the Students
All students deserve to be heard. This year I've prided myself on creating and implementing the SBA suggestion boxes, and I have been able to grant every request I have received. However I want to be accessible for face-to-face time with people, so I would also implement weekly office hours if elected President. Additionally, I would encourage both students and faculty to participate in Town Hall meetings so that we can discuss these issues on a more effective platform.
Through my work this year, people have seen that once I know what the students want I go and get it. For example, I've done work this year working with the Dean's office modifying the faculty handbook regarding stringent attendance requirements, and I also worked with the office of Academic Engagement & Success creating a website similar to RateMyProfessor on which Emory students will be able to ask questions about classes, exchange outlines, and review their courses.
I'm not going to make any false promises, but I can tell you that with my experience and relationships (with various school offices, groups, and faculty) I will do everything in my power to get the student body what they want and need.
Funding
Orgs have been low on funding ever since I can remember. This year I started a new initiative to raise some more money called the Gavel Games, which was not only successful for us but also benefitted the Children's Miracle Network. If elected President, I would like to have a yearly fundraiser benefitting our orgs because the students deserve it.
As a previous member of the Emory University Senate, I would utilize my connections with vendors, venues, and the other grad schools to make it an even larger and more successful event. Additionally, just as I did this year, I would get all of the org leaders together in a room to make sure that nobody else's events are lessened in the process.
The great thing about having worked with all of the orgs is that I have specialized knowledge as to what these groups need in order to thrive - every student group deserves a chance not only to continue events that have been successful in the past, but to continue to improve upon them. Additionally, new student groups deserve a chance to lift off the ground. I want to ensure that this is something that our student body doesn't have to worry about, and create clear-cut guidelines for chartering and budget requests so that it is fair and everybody is on the same page.
Addressing Issues
While a lot of us are great at identifying issues, the problem at our school is that nothing is really ever done about it. Instead of me telling you, I want you to look back at what I've done in my current position as Vice President of Student Programming. Ask anybody who I have ever worked with if they believe that I am effective, I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
I am always easily accessible, and as soon as I am given a task I work to complete it. I don't stop until I'm done - you can ask anyone. Talk to those I've helped, who have shot me a text, who have sent me an email - I am always there, efficient and effective. Let me be there for you!
Kindness Coalition
One of the biggest items that requires addressing in our community is kindness. In this profession we already have a reputation, but the law school environment being competitive and stressful also adds into the mix. I would like to form a kindness coalition exactly for this reason. The coalition would meet monthly to figure out how to address particular issues we are noticing, and also organize activities and events fostering a friendlier community.
This year, as a House Coordinator, I hosted an event with my house and another at which we got to know each other on a personal level - it was so effective, they wanted to do it again! It is so important to feel welcome here, and I'm going to spend a lot of time ensuring that that's as easy as possible for everyone - not just incoming students.
SBA Transparency
Since the Student Bar Association serves as the primary connection between the students and the administration, the students have a right to know exactly what is going on. I believe that all General Body Meeting Minutes and Budget matters should be published to the student body.
I'd also like to increase communications between orgs and implement an easy-to-use calendar so that groups are not scheduling over each other. Additionally, I would like to send out a monthly newsletter via email with everything SBA has done the previous month and everything that SBA is going to do the next month. Not only will this keep people's Facebook feeds from clogging up, but it will help people with their planning and ensure that everyone is informed.