Politics Group - Women in Public Life Guernsey

Politics Group Share your interest in Guernsey politics

Politics in Guernsey is as fascinating as it is frustrating. The States deals with all the issues of a small country but in an environment where the people and the processes are easily accessible.

If you like to follow the issues of the day, you’ll love the Women in Public Life Politics Group.

You don’t need to be a politics nerd. And it doesn’t matter which side of the fence your political views are. You’re a woman who cares about how the island is run and wants to share that interest with others in a welcoming, respectful environment.

It’s free and there are two ways to get involved:

1. Politics WhatsApp Group

2. Politics Group Live

Politics – Info

As a member of our ‘Politics – Info’ WhatsApp group, you’ll be alerted when a States meeting is coming up. And, for the big debates, you’ll get live updates on the content of each speech and the results of the votes – really useful if you can’t listen in.

We’ll also let you know when we are going to be watching from the public gallery so you can join us, if you’re free. Watching our democracy in action – the protocol and the body language – is highly recommended.

In between States debates, you’ll hear about other relevant events – public drop-ins, Scrutiny hearings, IoD debates.

Politics – Discussion **NEW**

Keen to discuss the issues of the day? Got a political question someone might be able to help with? We’ve just added a new WhatsApp group called ‘Politics – Discussion’ where you can debate local politics online with other politically-minded Guernsey women.

Interested? Just email your mobile number to hello@womeninpubliclife.gg, stating whether you’d like to be part of the Info group or the Discussion group, or both.

Please note: 1) Joining any WhatsApp group means your name and mobile number will be visible to other members of the group. 2) Be alert to WhatsApp scams – beware of messages from family members saying they are on a new number because they’ve dropped their phone.

Having got to know each other through the Politics WhatApp group, a number of us now get together monthly to talk about local politics.

Politics Group Live is like a bookclub – we pick a current hot topic, do some reading beforehand (you’ll get briefing notes to make this easy) and then get around a table on a weekday evening to explore the issues together.

It’s an opportunity to articulate your views and learn from the different perspectives in a friendly and respectful environment. Newcomers are always made very welcome.

Interested? Join our Politics WhatsApp group, as above, and look out for regular invitations to ‘Politics Group Live’ sessions.

In June 2023, Matt Fallaize from the Guernsey Press interviewed Daisy Chapple, Susie Gallienne and Christine Potter, three members of the Politics Group. Online version.

What happens at a Politics Group Live meeting?

Politics Group Live works on the same principle as a bookclub. But instead of a book, we get together to discuss a big issue that the States is currently trying to decide on. Recently we’ve explored the pros and cons of the new Development Agency, the Tax Review, Anti-Discrimination Legislation and the Justice Review.

It’s an opportunity to articulate your views and learn from the different perspectives around the table. One person may have picked up on an aspect of the topic you hadn’t even considered, someone else may have direct experience of the way the same thing is done in another jurisdiction.

Once we’ve digested the issue itself we turn to the technicalities of how the debate is likely to unfold in the States. What amendments have been placed and what are their prospects of success? Why are certain Deputies supportive and others not – is there a bigger agenda?

And finally, we consider how we would each vote and why.

Who organises the Politics Group Live sessions?

We have a small organising committee – Shelaine Green, Susie Gallienne, Sarah Willis and Linda Rolf. The committee chooses the topics, writes the briefing notes, books the venues, invites everyone and takes turns to chair the sessions.

Where do Politics Group Live meetings take place?

Most of the sessions are in-person but, if requested, we can also meet on Zoom so people can join in from home. The in-person sessions are around a table in a room at the Cotils or in a meeting room at a local business.

How much does it cost?

Nothing. We’re keen to make politics accessible.

How do I book a place?

The dates and topics of the sessions are advertised on the Politics WhatsApp Group. Just drop Shelaine a WhatsApp message to book your place.

Why do I need to book?

We set a maximum number of people at each session to make sure everyone gets a chance to join in the discussion fully. So book early if you don’t want to miss out on your preferred date.

How many people take part?

There are usually 8 or 9 people around the table at each session. Currently we offer two sessions a month and you can choose whichever one is more convenient to you, the topic will be the same. We intend to grow the number of sessions as more people get involved.

I don’t like to use WhatsApp, can I still come to Politics Group Live?

We’re happy let you know the dates of the Politics Group Live session by email instead. Just email hello@womeninpubliclife.gg and let us know that you’d prefer not to use WhatsApp. Obviously, you’ll miss out on the live reports on States meetings etc.