The York Federation of Students did not avoid controversy in their annual clubs town hall. Students criticized the student union for dragging club members to a meeting when relevant information could have been communicated by email.
The town hall is a meeting held by the YFS to inform clubs of their rights and responsibilities as ratified clubs. Attendance is mandatory.
Although the YFS provides clubs with printing services, funding, and club merchandise, some clubs do not rely entirely on the YFS to meet their needs.
Accordingly, Armenian Students’ Association President Yarjanek Bedros says his organization did not approach the YFS for logo design, instead opting for the services of the Digital Media Students Association.
“The reason we chose to have it done by DMSA rather than YFS was because we felt the best way we could get involved in the York community was by working with other clubs,” says Bedros.
Asking DMSA to design the logo helped the DMSA gain experience and foster relationships between clubs.
“However, I have contacted YFS with other design needs,” adds Bedros. He emphasizes that the ASA enjoys a good relationship with the YFS.
Other considerations for clubs include renewing YFS and Student Community and Leadership Development affiliation, which can take some time.
Indie Kaur, co-president of Active Minds at York, says receiving club merchandise, or swag, and funding on time are the most frustrating issues.
“We’ve received our swag many months late, but YFS recently changed swag providers so hopefully it’s not an issue this year,” she says.
In light of recent revelations that the YFS is the ninth worst Canadian student union for free speech, concerns have been raised as to impacts on students clubs and activities.
Emile Wickham, former YFS presidential candidate and university governor, says clubs run the risk of being denied club privileges and financing simply because their views are not in line with the union.
The YFS did not respond to repeated inquiries. This story will be updated as information becomes available.
Alex Kvaskov, Assistant News Editor
