By Yezou Aymero, Mind the Gap Co-Editor
It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak with Zara and Alice, the Campaigns Managers for Student Action for Refugees (STAR), in preparation for their upcoming Groovin' for Good event, held in partnership with Aid Box Community (ABC).
They describe STAR as 'a national student network with branches across UK universities' with the aim to 'create a more just society where the contributions of refugees to society are celebrated'. STAR's Bristol branch is 'one of over 40 groups' in the UK, and is proudly student-led,.
The organisation facilitates a student mentorship scheme in partnership with Jacari, a biweekly conversation club, one-to-one mentoring for Sanctuary Scholars at the University of Bristol, all alongside their packed schedule of campaigns. In a current political climate of growing misinformation about asylum seekers, STAR's advocacy is concrete and tangible.
'Given the increasingly hostile rhetoric towards refugees, a realistic account of their experience is vital to understanding.'
In an example of STAR's accessibility for volunteers, Zara shares the story of how she initially became involved with STAR. Through volunteering at the conversation club in her first year, with an aim to meet and talk to different people, she found a galvanising cause to explore further. Her progression to Campaigns Co-ordinator this year is a testament to the opportunities the organisation has for students to get truly stuck in and access opportunities to take on organisational roles for inspiring causes.
'I was incredibly inspired by the committee's dedication to their roles. - so much so that I decided to take on a few for the next year!'
In their roles as campaign managers, they aim to 'harness each person's skills and interests to be part of an effective campaign'. By directing students to roles that match their personal strengths and the amount of time they are able to commit, she reassures that anyone can take part.
'Each year, I am inspired and energised by students' commitment to justice, advocacy work, and facilitating connection. This work is fulfilling to my soul. Everything I put out, I get right back.'
STAR will be holding its second large event in the form of a mini festival: Groovin' for Good. It will be a mini festival held at Kit Form on the 3rd of November, and while this article comes at shockingly late notice on my behalf, tickets are still available on Headfirst. The event is not one to miss, with a Yoga class and craft sellers during the day, and an evening lineup which includes folk artist Dermot Henry, Technicolour Steam Train, and house DJ Axyander. This follows their successful first event in May, which raised £480, doubled by First Bus, to provide free buses for asylum seekers and refugees in Bristol.
'We chose this charity because we were so inspired by the holistic care that they offer to people using their services.'
The purpose of the event is to raise money for Aid Box Community, a charity based in St Barts Parish Hall in St Andrews, 'offering practical and emotional support for refugees and asylum seekers' through several services. ABC provides a friendly welcome hub and free shop, where asylum seekers and new refugees can shop for 'any basic living items they are in need of'. In addition, ABC provides a one-to-one befriending service, women's socials, activity groups and helpful drop-ins. These services are invaluable to the Bristol community, and raising money for them with an exciting music line up and yoga is a positive for everyone.
'I think students feel paralysed by the amount of cruelty witnessed on a daily basis, whether that be through social media or in the current harsh political landscape.'
Zara and Alice's focus for the event is 'joy as a form of resistance', and indeed, in a time where low voter turnout (only 30% at Bristol's 2025 mayoral election and record low turnout since 2001 in the 2024 general election) demonstrates a reluctance to participate, it is arguable that alternative approaches to advocacy are necessary to reinvigorate participation. They explain that a priority for Groovin' for Good is to remind people of their existing like minded community, and the idea that making space for community can be an act of resistance in itself: ‘These moments allow us to recharge together, to draw strength from one another, and to continue fighting for what is right, knowing that we are not alone'.
Eilidh Rivers-Bell
While acknowledging that the political landscape can feel complex and disempowering, STAR reminds students that there is much power in student-led advocacy - 'Combining spaces of like-minded people and education mobilises, empowers, and catalyses change.' Being student-run, STAR's Bristol branch benefits from 'an environment where education and action work together and reinforce each other', and the opportunity to engage the campus community in conversations that build understanding.
The University of Bristol, a recognised University of Sanctuary, offers additional support for students from forced migration backgrounds, including the Student Inclusion Team, the Global Lounge, and the Sanctuary Scholarship, which provides funding and free gym access. Information can be found here.
Featured Image: STAR / Zara Pownall
What new ways will you advocate for a cause this year?
