I am an enthusiastic, dedicated Green campaigner and a member of The Scottish Green Party.
But it hasn't always been that way.......
A few personal facts:
- Married and have two teenage children.
- I was born and raised in Glasgow moving to Ayrshire with my family in 1999 so my wife could "return home".
- In Glasgow I worked as bank clerk, in the licensed trade (everything from bar steward to manager), postman, and finally I joined Strathclyde Police.
- I served as a uniformed and plain clothes officer in Govan and Pollok in Glasgow and as a Traffic Officer in Ayrshire until my retirement.
- Laterally worked in a department that dealt with Road Policing education. Was a founding speaker for “Reckless Driving Wrecks Lives” which spoke live to thousands of Ayrshire schoolchildren on an annual basis about road safety via Odeon cinemas.
- Worked both efficiently and professionally within a multi-agency setting, where I kept a keen eye on outcomes as well as productive professional relationships.
- My favourite sports are golf and rugby. I played rugby when I was younger but ended up being a panel referee for about 6 years, travelling around the West of Scotland. I won the Referee of The Year Award in my society which allowed me to travel to England to officiate and it culminated in me refereeing the Scottish Youth Final at Murrayfield. I am a life member of my local team.
My political journey:
- I have always been interested in politics from a young age and I studied 'A' level politics at college.
- During my working life I was always a member of the relevant trades union although during my employment as a police officer I was not a member of any union or political party, as you cant be, however I was a member of the Police Federation.
- Ever since I was able to, I have voted in every election I was registered to vote in.
- Up until 2010, since the age of 18, I voted for the Liberal Democrats.
- After a year or so I found the Scottish Greens to lay my hat with although it took me a couple of years to actually join, I did vote for them when there was a candidate available.
- During the referendum campaign, I spoke with hundreds of voters at weekly Green Yes stalls and whilst canvassing. Through these activities I gained valuable insight into constituents concerns, and I was able to, as importantly, raise awareness of Green policy and strategies.
As Greens we understand the need for
climate change to be tackled at every level, and can provide the political
leadership to make that happen. We are well placed to speak to voters not just
about the environment, but also about social justice, international development,
and sustainable economic growth. I believe that my life experiences, both in
employment and personal, position me to be able to talk with voters and
convince them that a vote for the Scottish Greens is a positive and productive
vote for change.
Many people state they find modern
politics to be very antagonistic, I agree and I am absolutely passionate about
radical democracy. We must continue to strive to bring politics back to the
people it affects, working to seek consensus with others in politics for the
good of everyone in society. As the public are now so much more politically
engaged, they will no longer accept simple mudslinging at opponents as a viable
tactic.
I am more than happy to answer any questions that you may have about green politics in general or anything specific about The Scottish Green Party or myself.
Find me on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephen-Dickson-Passionate-Committed-Green/1584478505099413
