Community Activism: My Thoughts and Perspectives

We have arguably never seen a greater call for volunteer support of community initiatives during this pandemic. We have seen countless people from a range of walks of life help their community out. They have contributed to the efforts against the coronavirus by helping man the test and trace centres and answering the call to jab back to normal. With the added pressure that these projects would have had on the front line national health service, we likely would not have seen such a successful role out. Now the altruism shown by these individuals is both something that should be hugely admired and appreciated. This has also shown us the strength of our communities. These volunteers underwent training programs and joined the front line alongside other key workers, our health care staff, teachers, police, firefighters, and the various other professions that have worked through the pandemic. Over the weekend, I was reminded again of the importance of activism within our local community. In this article, I want to highlight why we must celebrate the communities we build, whether online social networks, local groups and projects, or acts of individual activism.

Now, litter picks have been able to continue due to the ability to socially distance yet still achieve the group’s goals. We, as volunteers, were suitably guided through the event we arrived at Hitcham Village Hall car park. We then selected our routes around the village and were given our equipment so that the small group of around a dozen volunteers could cover the village itself and then return to the Village Hall following the hours’ activity. My route paralleled other volunteers alongside the community play area and finishing at the parish church. Many of us easily fill a bag load of rubbish with discarded items that had drifted into hedgerows off the footpath and roads. When I met up with fellow volunteers, the largest item we encountered was parts left over from a damaged car and discarded traffic cones. The general openness and pride that these volunteers had in their local area were echoed in new and established residents I was happy to do my small bit to contribute.

This wants to contribute lead to my reason to get into the educational sector prompting me to help the next generation of young people in the land-based field to not only grow but to develop within their local areas. I noticed through my years of teaching that whilst in my day job I was helping the next generation take their next steps in their careers the current processes that were in place were the same ones that I had dealt with when I was moving into higher education. Being the first member of my household to go to university my parents did not have all the answers and the schools had more general advice and this started me thinking about what more could be done. I set up a small group to support graduates and offer advice to college students sharing jobs in the local economy as well as informing them about internships and scholarships. This was because in my experience the reason many applicants are not aware of these resources is because of a lack of information whether that is about additional opportunities or more general knowledge about the next steps after their compulsory education ends. Now, whilst this group could solve some of the problems I became aware of other impacts such as learners leaving Suffolk to pursue careers and study away from the county as well as making sure that the strong support systems which were in place for learners were actually getting to those that were needed. This I could not resolve solely as a teacher as it involved working with various stakeholders from across different industries and specialisms now it has always been my view that you build progress through hard work and opportunity. This drew me to stand for the County Council so I could not only work to continue to improve our educational sector but also ensure that our communities grow with the next generation and are not left behind. I was proud to be selected to stand as the Conservative Candidate for Cosford as the rural communities that have such a significant heritage and sense of belonging deserve a candidate who will make sure that our community has the tools to succeed at whatever stage of life they are. My commitment to you is to build on the strong community spirit and pride in Cosford’s heritage. This is something at the heart of the Conservative Manifesto which is our promise to you to build back, stronger, better, and greener. So on the 6th of May, I ask that you vote to elect me, Jordon Millward as your County Councillor.

Your County Council Candidate

Working for Communities and the Environment

Jordon Millward has been selected to stand as the Conservative candidate for the Cosford Division in next May’s County Council elections. 

Jordon’s passion for animals and the environment led him to study for his undergraduate degree at Harper Adams University. He now teaches in colleges in Suffolk to pass on this knowledge and passion to the next generation.  

His experience has helped him understand what it means to live and work in the countryside and the needs of rural communities. His time studying and working has informed his understanding of the balance between nature and the needs of the agricultural and rural communities.  

Jordon is committed to ensuring that the next generation has a strong community connection to the land and the opportunity to thrive. As your County councillor, he will advocate on your behalf for strong educational provision, for an environment which is there for current and future generations, and for an economy which can support them.

Farming for the Future

Together we need to ensure that our rural landscape is fit for tomorrow and today.  As your councillor, Jordon will work with farmers, landowners and countryside groups to ensure that our countryside continues to prosper and provide a biodiverse haven for wildlife for future generations. With his experience in the sector, Jordon will champion the work of the farmers, and support young people entering the industry including through promoting opportunities in our valuable County Council farms and estates.

A Voice for the Next Generation

It is crucial that we continue to develop educational provision in our communities.  As your councillor, Jordon will be the voice for the next generation ensuring that young people of all abilities have the facilities and opportunities to thrive that they need. Jordon already works with schools and colleges on how to meet the needs of students with SEND.

SUFFOLK CONSERVATIVES HAVE DELIVERED

Suffolk County Council’s Conservative Administration has led the county’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, protecting our most vulnerable residents during lockdown. 

We have balanced sound financial management with caring for our most vulnerable residents – an approach that is needed more than ever in these unprecedented times.

 Working with partners, we ran the successful Home But Not Alone phoneline and sourced and distributed PPE when it was in short supply.

 We set up the Suffolk Advice and Support Line helping families facing hardship with debt advice, as well as with food and fuel vouchers, paying utility bills, buying school uniform, covering rent arrears and more. Call: 0800 068 3131 (weekdays 9am – 5pm)

Suffolk Conservatives lead the campaign on Climate Change with our promise to make the Council’s carbon neutral by 2030. We will plant over 100,000 trees, including healing woods in memory of those who died from Covid19, and will fund and promote town and village projects supporting local wildlife and biodiversity.

Between 2017 and 2021 we will have spent over £1billion caring for our most vulnerable children and adults. We are spending £45m building 800 school places for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, with 200 places opened this year and three new SEND schools opening in the next two years.

We will set up a network of Family Hubs for children and young people aged 0-19 and their families.