Join the Movement: Embracing Diversity with Southampton Liberal Democrats
The Vision:
The Liberal Democrats in Southampton are not just a local branch of a political party but a community that is deeply committed to inclusivity, diversity, and equality.
To quote from the preamble to the Liberal Democrats’ Constitution:
“The Liberal Democrats exist to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society, in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community, and in which no-one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity.”
Southampton Liberal Democrats endeavour to create a safe and welcoming space for everyone, regardless of:
- Age
- Disability
- Health issues
- Race
- Ethnic origin
- Religion
- Gender
- Gender identity
- Marital status
- Pregnancy
- Nationality
- Sexual orientation
- Socio-economic status.
[Adapted from the Diversity Plan of Southampton Liberal Democrats]
It is most important to us that you feel welcome.
We constantly strive to realise our vision of a community that embraces individuals from all walks of life. To this end, we are planning a series of events that will be attractive to specific communities and their friends and allies. (Watch this space for announcements in the coming months.) We are also seeking to make our social events more inclusive. We are particularly keen to attract more women, younger people (under 30), and people from ethnic minorities. When we compared our membership with the city's demographics, these groups were markedly underrepresented.
Martyn Cooper is the Diversity Champion for Southampton Lib Dems. He coordinates the local party's work to include people of all kinds. He is disabled, and you may see his large black mobility scooter around the city. Please feel free to engage him about any issue in our city, particularly diversity issues. He can also be reached by email at diversity@southampton-libdems.org.uk.
Membership
If you wish to get involved in improving our city and country for all its citizens and have a worldview that broadly aligns with the Liberal Democrats' values, we would like to invite you to become a member. In so doing, you would become a member of the Southampton Liberal Democrats and the National party. Further membership information can be found at https://www.libdems.org.uk/join.