A Few Project Updates!

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A Few Project Updates!

Kashmire Hawker • 16 October 2021

Several Project updates, plus a Fundraising Announcement - written at sea!

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL’S ANTHEM OF THE SEA’S – 11:15AM BST, SATURDAY OCTOBER 16^TH 2021

In stating a few updates, which I write from Royal Caribbean International’s Anthem of the Seas, heading up to Liverpool and Belfast in the coming days, I commence by expressing my fullest shock and horror, at yesterday’s murder of Southend West’s Member of Parliament in Sir David Amess.

Whether on fighting for Animal Welfare, raising awareness on Endometriosis, really taking the stories those at the bottom of the income scale to his heart, rights in the Middle East and much more inbetween – more than 38 years of continued service in the House of Commons is something that the whole nation will be grateful for.

In giving my full condolences to Sir David’s family, I hope that all at Westminster; particularly Wolverhampton’s 3 Member’s in Stuart Anderson, Pat McFadden and Jane Stevenson all feel as safe whilst undertaking their incredible duties, of serving our city and its people. Public servants are among the best of our people and no matter the political colours, ultimately seek to serve and everyone should appreciate this more than ever.

Service is in my heart and has been since 2011, which gives me delight to state a few things on here; particularly in case yourself doesn’t follow my various social media accounts.

Firstly, I have confirmed to the West Midlands Combined Authority and Aspire4U, that I will be remaining on the Young Combined Authority Board, until the 2022/2023 Board are appointed at this stage next year.

These two years have made me truly realise that the West Midlands is where I belong and where I seek to serve to the best of my abilities and to supplement that, I have indicated of my interest in a 2021/2022 Co-Chair and as of yesterday, I understand that I was the only member who had done so. Regardless of whether I am appointed, I endeavour to make my 3^rd and final YCA year the best one yet and I hugely look forward to meeting the new members, which will come from a pool of 110 applicants!

I can also confirm that alongside having submitted my Application, to seek Selection for The Labour Party for the 2022 Local Elections on September 24^th, I this week took part in my 1^st meeting on the party’s new Local Government Committee – at the invitation of Council Leader Ian Brookfield. Along with seeing the progress of Election Selections, which the process for are now underway, it will give me a very good understanding of Labour’s structures and the purpose of its existence.

And knowing of the nature of politics in our city and within my very party, I feel my influence within the city’s Labour Group can now increase to a good level. This alone makes me excited and confident at helping to rebuilding our fortunes, providing people always know it’s delivering what counts and that they don’t seek to divide us, unlike some individuals…

In remaining positive and through the wonderful people at Changing Our Lives, I will in December be partaking in a new project named Colouring of the Lines, which will mark 20 years of the organisation in 2022 and the incredible role, that myself and other BAME young people have played in its work!

Also positive and despite my qualms, is my return to the fold with fan representation for Wolverhampton Wanderers. With some reluctance, but with a fresh mind, I accepted the role of Vice-Digital Media and Sport Support Content Officer, on the Wolves 1877 Supporter’s Trust, at its latest meeting on September 21^st. I look forward to working with the Officer in the excellent Stephen Bailey and ensuring that our social media content is relevant, engages Wanderers fans and reflects the important work currently being undertaken.

Last Thursday also marked another positive meeting of the West Midlands Trains Stakeholder Equality Group, which thanks to a new National Rail Contract now in place, has seen it’s budget for a Small Improvements Scheme DOUBLED from £200,000 to £400,000! This is a development that I am sure will be welcomed, knowing that the network’s stations are among the most crucial around the UK.

Finally, I have wondered when my next major Fundraising effort would be and through the power of the Wolves, November 12^th will see that occur at Molineux, for the Wolves Foundation’s 2^nd Sleepout.

All funds raised will to the Foundation and local charity The Good Shepherd who have this week secured a new permanent home, of which delights me, will delight all and will ensure that their critical work will grow as time goes by. My target is £150 and knowing I’ve already hit £125, fills me with huge humbleness, for what will be a emotional and powerful experience. Please donate what you can, via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Kashmire-Hawker and collectively, we can help ensure Wulfrunians have both a roof over there heads and as full as stomachs as possible.

On that note and with a couple more articles for this website in mind, I shall enjoy the beauty of a marvellous ship!

ENDS

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Happy New Year! 2024 Review Part 2 and 2025 Look Ahead

by Kashmire Hawker • 31 December 2024

A Very Happy New Year! A few more Reflections on 2024 and a 2025 Preview

Season's Greetings and some 2024 Reflections

by Kashmire Hawker • 23 December 2024

As 2024 comes toward an end, I can say that this year for me has been one of change, one of further development and one of opening my eyes in many ways. In typing this reflection, I feel immensely satisfied and proud to have made this year my first in a full-time job without a fixed end date, in an organisation of the West Midlands Combined Authority, which has plenty of opportunities for me to consider in the coming months and years and working within in an outstanding team. I also feel hugely delighted at continuing to give my time in voluntary service, not least through Parkrun, Silverstone and in the perhaps once in a generation Champions League Final at Wembley in the Summer, as well as raise £405, in two events of the Great Birmingham Run of £130 for Cure Leukemia and £275 at the Molineux Sleepout for Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation and The Good Shepherd. On top, to have again sought office to serve my home city for a fourth year running and garnered 1,656 votes (even if not a winning total!), as well as contributed to successful wider political campaigning for my party’s and substantially expanded on my engagement in them gave me a privilege and deeper fire in the belly than ever before, in giving back to Wulfrunians. Finally, many more runs, seeing Taylor Swift, Kaiser Chiefs and The Darkness in concert, plus a sublime Musical about the pop heroes in Steps, marching at two Pride events, continuing engagement with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Solutions for the Planet and Changing Our Lives and completing a fantastic personal development programme on getting younger folk as Trustees in Arts and Cultural organisations, have all formed part of another busy 12 months. Naturally however, losing an Election and your best furry friend in my house’s dog Harley, alongside needing to help move my Mum to a safer place, all in the space of 7 weeks stung greatly in May and June. The death of a beloved dog and family member and Mum’s house move were not easy financially to deal with, but I managed it as has been the case with previous years. This year has also meant some greatly more honest and blunt conversations, which have burnt a few bridges with once seen trustworthy allies and pals. Being straight and upfront however is sometimes the best course and I don’t regret that for one moment, not least when the mind is burdened enough with day-to-day activity. Those things have definitely made me really realised that the world is a big and lonely place, and that sense of loneliness continues to affect my thoughts. This no doubt feels true and always will do at Christmas, with December 25th being the anniversary of Kieran’s passing in 2021 aged just 25 and I frankly will never know how to truly feel on the day itself. Knowing he is not here to share Christmas lunch will always put a size 9 boot dent in my heart. Having said that, I have good people around me and I give my wholehearted thanks to all for your continued support and good wishes, at what will forever be a sensitive and mournful point of the year, in my family’s life. In whatever way which you and your family mark this festive and new year period, I hope it is as enjoyable and peaceful as it possibly can be and that it gives a chance to rest and be with those closest to you, as well as embrace it being the season of giving, whether gifts or love. A further blog post, or two, on reflecting 2024 and looking ahead to 2025 shall come before the clock hits midnight next Wednesday.

Co-operative Party Youth Network Election 2024 - Candidate Statement

by Kashmire Hawker • 16 December 2024

The Co-operative Party has been a natural home for me for towards five years and gives me a brilliant platform to shout about and run on critical issues. As Chair of the Walsall, Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire, Branch and as a Labour and Co-operative candidate in Local Elections in my home City of Wolverhampton since 2021, I’m proud to make an impact and with the party’s immense expansion over the years, I would be honoured to play a bigger part. And as someone with experience in Youth Representation – most recently with the West Midlands Young Combined Authority and Labour Party wise as the current Policy and Political Education Officer for the Wolverhampton West CLP, I feel ready to use that skill set to the full. Thus, if Elected as a Youth Committee Member, I will: Help to establish a WM Young Co-operative Youth Network spread right across my region, which is not just stuck within the Metropolitan centre; Work with Labour groups across my region, for them to Elect a Co-operative Rep on to their committee s; Engage with our friends In Trade Unions, Fabians Society and The Labour Party to run joint events; whether campaigning, educational or socially; Work with colleagues to ensure events are accessible as possible, not least for Neurodiverse people ; Join Young Co-operators up and down the nation in campaignin g; And be Accountable and Transparent in my work as per the Nolan Principles, so fellow Members can question me at any moment . We have a wonderful opportunity to shape the Party’s future and with a Labour and Co-operative Government now in place, it would be a huge privilege for myself to play a part. Please vote Kashmire Hawker for Youth Committee. Thank You!