Friends, Colleagues,

After having received the encouragement and support of so many of you, I have decided to stand for the position of Vice President.

Democracy is a principle which I value immensly and firmly believe in. It is a principle that we campaign for in our every day activities, a principle that an organisation like JEF should have at heart.

An organisation that criticises the EU for lack of democratic process; that condemns intergovernmental bargaining and that campaigns to bring democracy to opressed states but is incapable of ensuring it within its internal structures, is not a credible organisation.

JEF’s consensus based mentality should be replaced with that of free election and competition -  a sign of a well functioning and healthy organisation. And its with this belief that I stand for this position.

After campaigning for Federalism in the UK for over four years as President
and International Officer, I have gained the necessary experience to
concentrate my efforts at the European level and work tirelessly for the
Executive Bureau.

I have an incredible passion for this organisation and the political message
that it strives to deliver. It’s the frustration, the anguish, the struggle
for change that keeps on motivating me – the conviction that our message is
the right message and the responsibility that we carry, to fight for the
cause of European unity; because if WE don’t, then who will?

I believe that over the past years I have demonstrated my effort and
commitment to this organisation and I stand for election not as a
representative of a section, but as a committed individual.

-An individual who worked to unite the two conflicting sections of the UK -
politically and constitutionally reforming and regenerating the section;

-An individual who has worked with sections across Europe through seminars,
projects and actions and gained valuable experience;

-An individual with a profound Federalist conviction who will never get
tired of proclaiming it;

-An individual who knows how to listen.

I see myself as the motivator in the future EB; getting Jeffers back on the
streets, organising actions and campaigns and working on grass-root
membership. I intend to:

-Co-ordinate actions and work to ensure that JEF will be ready to face a
future campaign.

-Be responsible for the media/PR, TNF and publications to promote our
organisation;

-Ensure that all sections – large and small – have a voice and are being
listened to.

-Co-operate closely with sections but especially regional and local groups and assess
their needs;

-Increase dialogue with sections regarding policy between FC meetings;

-Focus on policy rather than theory; concentrate on issues that citizens
can relate to, and work on increasing the visibility of the organisation;

-Further co-operation with similar minded organisations and act as a link;

I am looking forward to seeing you in Copenhagen and hearing your views regarding the future of JEF and to discuss my priorities and vision for the organisation with every one of you.

Yours,
Toni