York Dialectic Union

Not to be confused with University of York Students' Union.

York Dialectic Union
Formation2013
TypeStudent debating union
HeadquartersYork, England
President
Adam Moses

The York Dialectic Union, previously known as the York Union, is a debating society at the University of York. It was founded in 2013, refounded in 2023, and is affiliated with the University of York Students' Union. It hosts high-profile speakers and debates, as well as more sociable pub crawls. The Union has been described as "similar to the Oxford and Cambridge Union without all the bells and whistles."[1]

History[edit]

The Union grew out of Nouse Events, affiliated to Nouse, which was founded by Adam Seldon and Harry Lambert in 2012. Until then, debates and talks had received a poor turnout from students, so it was believed that a distinct organisation to publicize and host events. This proved to be so successful that in 2013 the York Union was founded as an independent society.[2] Seldon was interviewed by the Guardian about his experiences in founding a university society, and the lessons he learnt while forming the Union.[3] Events were sometimes held in co-operation with university departments.[4]

The Union fell victim to COVID-19, when attendance and popularity of events dropped, with the last event being held in 2022.[5] However, the idea of the Union proved to still be a popular one, so in Autumn Term 2023 it was refounded by Findlay Milne, Adam Moses, Josef Bräutigam, Cameron Bennett, and Henry Howard. They gave a variety of reasons for deciding to refound the society, including to "have two more days a week with a reason to have a drink", to "have another reason to why I'm failing my degree", and "to prove to my parents I don't avoid their calls for no reason".[6] The Union were able to secure Jeremy Corybn to support on side in a debate about wealth tax in December 2023. The event was hosted in the Piazza Building's lecture theatre, with tickets selling out within days of sales opening.[7]

Governance[edit]

The society is organised and run by a committee elected by members. The committee consists of:

  • President - Adam Moses
  • Secretary - Cameron Bennett
  • Treasurer - Josef Braeutigam
  • Returning Officer - Henry Howard
  • Strategist - Findlay Milne
  • Equity Officer - Jessica Griffiths[8]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Booth, Harry (30 November 2023). "Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn coming to York to debate wealth tax". York Press. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  2. ^ "York Union enjoys success". University of York. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
  3. ^ Piñeda, Naomi Larsson (18 February 2016). "The dos and don'ts of setting up a student society". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  4. ^ "Speeches". Guy Standing. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  5. ^ Warner, Emily (24 October 2023). "York Dialectic Union: An Interview with the President". MUSE.
  6. ^ @theyorkdu (24 April 2023). "Meet the Founders!". Retrieved 30 March 2024 – via Instagram.
  7. ^ Beattie-Zarb, Kaitlyn; Shaw, Eleanor (13 December 2023). "Jeremy Corbyn Takes the Stage at the University of York". York Vision. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  8. ^ "York Dialectic Union Constitution 22/23" (PDF). Retrieved 30 March 2024.
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