Karen Adam: We must not lose momentum on road to independence

Since the election, while still working, I’ve tried to catch up with family and friends. It’s great for the soul to take stock and re-evaluate and have time for reflection and self-appraisal.

Now, I’m not going to “air my dirty laundry”, as my gran would say, but it’s cathartic to have the opportunity to write things down and put them out in the open. This is partly why I’m writing a book. Whether it will ever be published or if I want anyone to read it once it’s done, I don’t know.

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So far, I’ve been quite candid in it, and looking back I can’t quite believe how I got here. As a 15-year-old pregnant quine from Northfield in Aberdeen, I don’t think I knew what the future would hold.

I tend to be known as an over-sharer but it’s how I connect with people. Sharing experiences is a way for me to build genuine connections. I truly appreciate when others share their experiences with me because I believe it’s through this that we gain compassion for each other.

I have been incredibly grateful to those brave enough to share their stories during harrowing situations and difficult times. Their courage has helped many others cope and feel less alone. It’s a terrifying thing to share vulnerable stories but as humans we need to hear them.

Coming into politics with the intent to be honest and open has been a steep learning curve. Navigating the complexities of media and preparing for all kinds of feedback, regardless of my intentions, has been eye-opening.

It’s plain to see why many people feel the need to be guarded and keep their personal lives completely private. I do have the utmost respect for that and have wished many times I had done the same – regrets, I have a few, as the song goes.

Looking back, though, several politicians successfully connected with their constituents by being down-to-earth and relatable. One notable example is Barack Obama. His willingness to share personal stories, whether about his upbringing, his family, or his struggles, resonated deeply with people.

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Obama’s “Hope” campaign was a testament to how personal authenticity can inspire and mobilise a movement. His ability to speak openly about his experiences and values helped build a strong foundation of trust with the electorate. We need more of that authenticity and less political dressing up. People aren’t daft, they see through it.

My passion has always been social justice and equality, as many readers of this column know, stemming from my own family’s experiences. However, finding the balance between sharing my story and respecting my family’s privacy can be tricky. I continue to try to navigate that with prior consent and to only share for reasons of awareness and understanding.

Unsurprisingly, like many in the public eye, I have been known to overthink, often replaying interactions and conversations in my head, especially when there’s something to be learned from it. And over the last few weeks, it’s still the conversations I had with people during the election campaign that have stuck with me the most.

It’s invaluable to step out of the office and hear directly from people about their wants and needs. A common theme emerged in that many felt that politics was a game and that they were disenfranchised. Does rebuilding public trust in politics require us to take a leaf out of Obama’s book? Is it about showing our human side, sharing our stories, and being transparent about our intentions and actions? Do we need to engage with people on a personal level?

By sharing why I got into politics, I hope to convince people of the merits of political participation; why ordinary people must ensure their voices are heard. I want to highlight how those crosses we put on ballot papers translate into our everyday lives.

In the aftermath of the General Election, it’s clear we need to focus on rebuilding trust within our movement. The SNP have faced significant challenges but we must not dwell on our defeats. Instead, we need to learn from them and come back stronger. We need to remind ourselves why we are here: to fight for an independent Scotland.

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The negative press can be disheartening, but we must not let it define us. We need to bring back the positivity in our movement, emphasising the progress we’ve made and the potential that lies ahead. We need to highlight the tangible benefits of independence and how it can lead to a more prosperous and just society for all.

As we move forward, let us keep the lines of communication open. Let us share our stories, listen to others, and build a community based on trust and mutual respect. Together we can overcome the challenges we face and work towards a brighter future for Scotland –a future where everyone feels empowered to take control of their destiny, in a country that truly represents their hopes and dreams.

We are often asked how we will achieve independence, and yes, there are valid concerns raised about how a legitimate route can be sought. While that conversation continues and a route is prepared, we must not lose momentum. We must keep up support and increase it.

To gain independence, we must have a country that shows it wants it. That isn’t just in the hands of politicians – that’s in the hands of everyone.

I do think that by being open, honest, and relatable, we can rebuild trust and strengthen our movement, and I look forward to working on that with you.