The Change Agenda: Training

If there is a gap in our current organisation it's training.

At some level we are able to do every other aspect of the work we are supposed to, yet, strangely for the biggest youth politics organisation we provide little in the way of training for our activists and future candidates.

This year the Copywriters have held as many training days as the NME, Reigate managed to do the same - yet only one of these relied on a huge injection of funding. Which begs the question - have we got it right?

The annual training weekend was hugely well provided for, yet the number of attendees matched that of the less well funded student conference. Overall, National CF provided training for roughly 120 people this year, 120 of a few thousand eligible people. This needs to change.

Regionalisation will allow each region to attain a 'critical mass' of members at its larger events. I propose that each region should host a series of training days throughout its year. As well as the basics - on campaigning, canvassing etc. - more detailed training can be attempted, on public speaking and media skills.

Training not only provides skills, it also provides motivation and inspires people to greater efforts. A successful exec would take the initiative in getting a coherent programme of training out to its members, fulfilling its role as an enabling body and providing for a stronger future in the party.

Putting in place a coherent training programme this year can also set the stage for a year-on-year improvement, hopefully CF can reach a future point where we fulfil the role of providing candidates not just for council, but also for Parliament as well.