How does the Assembly carry out its duties?

===== Running campaigns to raise awareness of LGBT issues =====
As yet none have been run, due to a lack of interest from LGBT students and lack of support from the society committee. However when interest and support for a campaign arises, all the materials to run the campaign will be bought and then claimed back from the assembly budget. Spaces in the union can be booked and coverage of the campaign can be arranged with the student media. Along with checking of the coverage to ensure it doesn’t misrepresent the campaign.

===== Proposing/writing motions to be sent to the Union Council regarding LGBT issues/needs =====
If there is an issue affecting LGBT students within LUU, the assembly can write motions to be taken to the Union Council, the chair will then have this put on the Union Council’s agenda and put forward the case. It will then be voted on, if the vote is in favour of the motion it will be added to LUU’s by-laws and become policy immediately. To write a motion all you have to do is write it in 3 parts, these are:

1. This union notes/believes – explain the current situation in bullet point form
2. This union believes/further believes – opinions/views on part 1, in bullet points
3. This union resolves – what should be done to resolve the situation, in bullet point form

Then send it to the Assembly & Assembly chair to look over and take to the Union Council.

===== Educating about LGBT students needs and issues =====
This is done in various ways, it can be writing a booklet about LGBT issues or just one issue if you think awareness needs to be raised of it, production of informative posters (for an example see the ones outside of the LGBT office), writing an article to go in Leeds Student, having an interview on LSRfm.com, talking to other assemblies and the other things mentioned on these two pages.

===== Organising and running awareness events (e.g. workshops, fundraisers) =====
As with the campaigns, the space can be booked, speakers arranged, expenses returned and advertising placed in the paper or ‘The Gist’ (the Union’s monthly newsletter).

===== Fighting discrimination and promoting equality =====
Everything the Assembly does is in order to achieve this, which is why it’s important for the assembly to be productive, co-operate with LUU & the University and ensure all criticisms are constructive. Having a constructive approach has seen the progression of equality for LGBT students in LUU & the university this year. In addition, if someone is experiencing discrimination for being LGBT or LGBT people in general are being discriminated against, the Assembly Chair will stand and fight against the discrimination, along with the Assembly. If you or your friend are experiencing discrimination for being LGBT, don’t keep quiet about it, bring it to attention and be a part of the Assembly by standing against the discrimination.

===== Dealing with/advocating complaints about the union or university in a constructive manner =====
If there is a complaint about something within LUU, the matter will be taken to the Union Exec and discussed, as well as all correspondence between the Assembly and group (be it a society, incorporated body or any other union service) being passed through a member of the exec. Followed by a discussion of the problem and how to resolve it. If it is dealt with insufficiently or the problem continues, taking it up to Union Council and having a discussion about the problems and how to resolve them and resolving them.

For complaints about the University, the Assembly speaks to the student and gathers as much information as possible, then asks the student advice centre for advice about raising the complaint with the relevant university body (e.g. lecturers, the Vice Chancellor’s office, Accommodation Services), contacts them detailing the complaint, explaining why it resulted in a complaint and how to resolve it (and in some cases meet with them), provide feedback or any response to the student and speak to them about how they feel and what they want to do. If they want to take the complaint further, the Assembly refers them onto the Student Advice Centre for specialist advice and support with the university complaints procedure. The Assembly also works with the Education Officer (Union Exec) as they have close contact with the University and Union Academic Reps.

===== Providing welfare such as advice, information, referrals to the student support network, representation and/or advocating for LGBT students to the relevant services =====
To ensure that LGBT issues and needs aren’t overlooked by the student support network, the Assembly provides Nightline, Student Advice Centre, Accommodation Services, Equality & Diversity committee (to name a few) with up to date information about services for LGBT people and issues/needs of LGBT students, as well as working with the network to run awareness campaigns and make them more accessible for LGBT students. The Assembly also provides advice about a number of matters to LGBT students, seeks advice/information from the services listed above if there are any queries about anything affecting a LGBT student and the Assembly also refers students onto the various bodies, so that they can gain the relevant support and help.

===== Working with LGBT students, the union and university to ensure the smooth running of all of the above ======
The Assembly works closely with all of the people/services mentioned above to raise awareness of LGBT issues, educate about them, providing constructive comments and ideas to improve the life of LGBT students, learn about the issues from LGBT students who are experiencing them, work closely with LGBT students as to represent them effectively, learn and seek advice from the Union and University services to improve the knowledge of the Assembly, so it can provide preliminary advice and support to LGBT students. By working closely with others, the Assembly has achieved a lot this year, and for the success to carry on it should continue to work with them.