Duncan Wojtaszek

I play a role in providing guidance, advice, and coordinating all matters pertaining to the Association's advocacy efforts (both academic and political), maintaining and operating the Association's major research functions, and assisting the Executive Committee in achieving their student advocacy objectives.

I provided direct advice on all aspects of what the Council of Alberta University Students (CAUS) does, specifically relating to their dual mandates of government relations and public advocacy. I directed CAUS’ government relations and communications activities including running three large public advocacy campaigns. Their priorities have consistently been reflected in government plans and actions while I was Executive Director.

I was responsible for the media relations of the U of A Students’ Union and providing direct communications advice and assistance to the elected Executive Committee and the Students’ Union. I also performed daily and weekly environmental scans on issues of interest in local and national media and government initatives.

I managed the Calgary-Varsity Constituency Office including a $70,000 budget and other staff. I researched and prepared hundreds of pieces of written correspondence, speeches and reports. All written materials were required to be accurate, well-researched and created quickly in order to be reviewed and sent out in a timely fashion.

I was elected to represent 22,000 students to government and the community. In order to do this, I had to develop and maintain relationships with key contacts within the media, government, university administration, and other student associations in order to reach the outside community, stakeholders and students.