Shape What the MU Does For You Over the Next Two Years: Submit a Motion to MU Delegate Conference

MU Delegate Conference is an important part of our union’s democracy. Over a day and a half, MU members from across the UK come together to hold the union accountable for its work so far and decide what the union will do next.

It takes place every two years, and the next one will be in Birmingham on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 July.

Is there something you would like the MU to do for you in the union, in your sector or in the wider music industry?

As an MU member, you are invited to submit a motion for MU Delegate Conference.

Submitting a 'motion' is a way to ask for something from your union or make a suggestion for the future. At Delegate Conference, it’s how you ask the Executive Committee, the governing body of the MU, to do something on your behalf.

The deadline for sending in a motion for Delegate Conference is Friday 31 March.

How to write a motion

Motions have a consistent format, structure and word count to make sure everyone reading them understands what you’re asking for and why. This helps members debate your motion, and ensures that the Executive Committee and MU staff know exactly what you want them to do.

Take a look at this explainer with an example of a successful motion from the last Conference, and read the union’s official guidance document on submitting a Conference motion.

How to submit your motion

To do that, you’ll need at least five members from the same Region as you to support your motion, which then goes to your Regional Committee which reviews and accepts, rejects or amends it.

Motions must be submitted by email or post to the Regional Organiser in your MU Region by Friday 31 March 2023.

If you need help with any aspect of the process, from identifying an issue, developing your idea or ask and writing your motion, to finding five members to support you, contact your MU Regional Office.

Sending a motion to Delegate Conference can create real change

Thanks to members who got involved in the last MU Delegate Conference in 2021:

• The union is campaigning for a Universal Basic Income and the promotion of music education
• The MU’s maternity and parental grants were expanded to offer per-child grants in the case of multiple births or adoptions, and the language used in the form was updated to be more inclusive
• The Executive Committee pledged to make sustainability one of its primary aims, working with partners like Music Declares Emergency to do what the union can to help deal with the climate emergency

Sending in a motion is not the only way to create change

Look out for more from the MU in the next few weeks on how to attend Delegate Conference as a delegate. In the meantime, learn more about Delegate Conference, motions and how to get involved in our MU Democracy hub.