Hi all, I’m Erinor, or Seraph as I’m known on the forums. I’ve only been playing NationStates for just over two months, but in that time I’ve become heavily involved in the community as a regular on the Regional Message Board and as an active member of the forums. I seem to be well-known and well-liked, which was a pleasant surprise, as was the news that I was nominated as a candidate for the local council election. I have accepted my nomination and now is my chance to explain to you why I did that, and why I think you should consider me for your vote.

Core Beliefs.

My campaign has three core ideas. These are democracy - that everyone should have a say in how this community is run and what we stand for; accessibility - that everyone should be able to get involved to whatever extent they would like, without unnecessary hindrances or complications; and care for the community - that, as a real community of real people, we care for each other and meet each other’s emotional needs.

Democracy.

I’m a fan of the forums, because they allow the region to do so much more than is possible on the RMB alone, but I’m aware that the activities on the forum can seem distant, aloof and even elitist to those who only interact with the community via the RMB. I want to see that end. I want to make sure that the RMB has a clear voice in regional politics on the forum and that they are kept up to date on regional news via regular dispatches. I will ensure that the local council representative votes according to the wishes of the community and that the way this is decided is left up to the community as well. There is plenty of room on the RMB for debate.

Accessibility.

As I said, I’m quite new and yet I’m also deeply involved in the community already. That happened because I’ve found NationStates in general and the South Pacific in particular to be a strange, wonderful, intriguing and exciting place and the community here is one which is both welcoming and which welcomes active engagement. That doesn’t make getting involved easy, however, and one of the things I would want to do as a Local Councillor is to make it easier for new nations to get involved in whatever capacity they desire, without feeling daunted by the scale of what goes on here, or fearing what the reactions of older nations might be if they start joining in at their table.

I would ensure the creation of guides in dispatch form, covering everything from basic NationStates play, to roleplaying, regional politics and military gameplay, all linked off the World Factbook Entry for the South Pacific and regularly posted on the Regional Message Board in response to the questions of new nations.

I would also liaise with the Ministry of Regional Affairs, the forum-based ministry responsible for welcoming, activities, news and keeping players engaged, to ensure that those features impact the RMB and Nation States site-based communities as much as they do the forums. (Full disclosure, I’m to be part of the advisory council for the newly elected Minister of Regional Affairs, Roavin).

Care for the Community.

I have also seen a few cases of people on the RMB who seem to be struggling with life in general, scared of not fitting in, looking for friends or just some friendly support. I would make it my duty to ensure that those people get the support they need, either on the RMB itself, or via telegram if it seems that discretion is required. I would do my best to be available at relatively short notice and to respond quickly to telegrams.

Your Flexible Friend!

There’s a lot about being a Local Councillor for the next term which still needs to be worked out, like how will the Local Council representative vote, or what will be the nature of the relationship between the LC and the Delegate? Along with that I’m open to learning new ways of doing things, taking suggestions for RMB activities and generally being flexible to the will of the community, so long as it fits with my core beliefs.

So, please, consider me for your vote!