Jake Sawatzky, a final year behavioral neuroscience student, is running for the position of VP External in the upcoming AMS elections. His platform focuses on mental health resources, sexual violence prevention, improved transportation options, and affordability.
Jake Sawatzky: Advocating for Student Wellness, Safety, and Affordability
( Credit to: Ubyssey )
Jake Sawatzky, a final year behavioral neuroscience student, is running for the position of VP External in the upcoming AMS elections. With a focus on student wellness, safety, and affordability, Sawatzky's platform is centered around advocating for mental health resources, sexual violence prevention, and improved transportation options.
Sawatzky's passion for mental health advocacy stems from his role as co-president of Drop the Puck for Mental Health, where he raised funds for the Canadian Mental Health Association. This experience inspired him to get involved in advocacy and politics, leading him to volunteer at the MP Vancouver Quadra office as a correspondence volunteer. Sawatzky enjoys being a connector between different individuals and believes that effective communication is crucial in bringing about positive change.
Advocating for Mental Health Resources
One of Sawatzky's goals is to raise awareness about mental health resources such as Here2Talk and the UBC Counselling Centre. However, he did not provide specific details on how he plans to achieve this. He also highlighted the need for a bursary program that would enable students to afford counseling services outside of UBC's free counseling services, as mental health services can be costly and not always covered.
Preventing Sexual Violence
In terms of sexual violence protection and prevention, Sawatzky aims to solidify the Students for Consent Culture's 11 minimum standards into the AMS's policy. This would provide a concrete framework for addressing and preventing sexual violence on campus.
Improving Transportation Options
On the topic of transportation, Sawatzky supports the expansion of the Skytrain to UBC and intends to advocate for the reinstatement of the 480 bus. These improvements would enhance accessibility and convenience for students commuting to and from campus.
Promoting Transparency and Student Engagement
Transparency is another area that Sawatzky aims to improve. He plans to keep students updated through social media and in-person meetings, recognizing the value of face-to-face interactions in fostering meaningful connections.
Addressing Affordability Concerns
Affordability is a pressing concern for many students, and Sawatzky intends to address this issue by advocating for funding from the provincial government for the AMS Food Bank. He also believes that international student tuition increases should be limited to a maximum of two percent, as they are currently not protected by BC's Tuition Limit Policy.
Expanding the BC access grant is another priority for Sawatzky, as he recognizes the importance of providing sufficient affordable housing options for students both on and off campus, particularly near transit hubs.
Engaging Students in the Political Process
Looking ahead, Sawatzky acknowledges the significance of the upcoming provincial elections and aims to ensure that students are well-informed about the candidates and their positions. He plans to set up boothing stations and organize events to facilitate student engagement in the political process.
Conclusion
Jake Sawatzky's campaign for the position of VP External in the AMS elections is centered around student wellness, safety, and affordability. With a focus on mental health resources, sexual violence prevention, improved transportation options, and addressing affordability concerns, Sawatzky aims to make a positive impact on the student community. Through his passion for mental health advocacy, commitment to transparency, and dedication to student engagement, Sawatzky presents himself as a strong candidate for the role.