How to write your manifesto
A manifesto is a set of ideas that you will seek to implement if elected. When writing your manifesto, it’s good to talk to your classmates and friends about how they’ve found their University and Abertay Students’ Association experience and what they think could be improved.
Your manifesto can be 500 words MAXIMUM.
- Find out what the current officers are doing and talk about what you’d do differently, or what you would continue with next year. The same issues come up each year, so don’t just talk about problems: offer new and creative solutions.
- Be realistic – pledge what you believe is achievable and seek wider support for matters that will have a life beyond your year in post.
- Don’t promise anything that is legally or financially impossible. For example, promising each student a bursary of £500 or unlimited free drinks from Annie's might get you lots of support, but you’re not going to be able to deliver!
- Consider having in your manifesto a few priority areas and a handful of smaller issues that you can confidently address and resolve easily.
Your manifesto must be submitted with your nomination form and will be published online.
Top tips for writing a manifesto
Make a list or mind map
Start by making a list or mind-map of the reasons you want to run in the elections and the types of changes you might make if you got elected. You can then use this as the basis for your manifesto.
Be specific
Try to be clear and specific - people like to know exactly what you want to do.
Speak to your friends
Test your ideas out on a couple of good friends: they should be able to tell you whether you have a vote winner or not.
If you want to be ambitious
If you’ve got big plans, have a chat with ASA staff, the President, or the Vice-President about them. They will be able to help you find ways to achieve the things you want to do.
Less is more
Remember sometimes less is more - you might want to limit yourself to a few headline points.
Make your name stand out
Put your name in big letters and make sure that it’s the same name you put on your nomination form. There’s nothing worse than voters being confused when they vote.
Add a bit of your personality
Adding a bit of your own personality is good: it will make your manifesto appear unique and will give students some idea of what you stand for.
Use a theme or gimmick
If you’re planning a theme or gimmick for your campaign, use it on your manifesto too. Catchy slogans can be a vote-winner.
Don't make promises you can't deliver
Students will see through this! Also, be aware of budgetary restraints, which may be set before the election.
If you would like assistance with your manifesto, please contact Sophie using reps@abertaysa.com.
