How To Write a Manifesto

Your manifesto should include the following:

• Why You’re Running: Share your motivation and what inspires you to stand for this role.
  
  
• About You and What You Will Bring To the Role: Introduce yourself briefly, e.g. your course, where you’re from, involvement in Clubs/Societies, and any relevant experience.
  
  
• Your Aims: Clearly outline the changes or initiatives you want to focus on – these will be the points that convince students to vote for you. 
  
  
• Include a Call to Action: End with a strong reminder to vote and how to do so.

You can upload your manifesto as either text or images. 

An effective short text-based manifesto usually contains around three or four key aims, accompanied by a short slogan and a good clear profile picture. 

The manifesto, including all graphics and images should not be more than 4 A4 pages in length. It is helpful if you also provide it as an A4-sized series of images or PDF, as it can look more presentable to voters. 

If you provide your manifesto as a series of images, you should add also upload the text as well to ensure that your manifesto can be read by assistive technology tools.

Here are three example showing different approaches: 

Image led: Candidate for the position of Students' Union President 

Text led: Candidate for the position of Students’ Union President 

Text led (Faculty Rep): Candidate for the position of Faculty Representative 

Be Concise:

• Keep it clear and to the point—students are busy!
• Try not to waste space with obvious statements. (e.g. “It is important that we all get a good education.”)

Use Simple Language:

• Avoid jargon - make it easy to read and accessible to all.

Set Realistic Aims:

• Remember, once you’re in post, it will take time and energy to achieve things.

Make It Visual:

• Use headings, bullet points, or graphics/images to grab attention.