Starting your own University society is a great way to meet like-minded people, gain leadership skills and share your hobby. At first, however, the process can seem rather daunting. This year I co-founded the Birmingham University Rollerskating Society. I have since enjoyed skating and socialising with people from across the Uni. This quick how-to guide on setting up a new society will ensure that you too can build a community around your interest.
Find like-minded people, eager to help start your society
Setting up a society is a large commitment, so it’s crucial that you find like-minded people to help you out. There is a range of ways that you can do this, whether through friends from your accommodation, course or other societies you are part of, or through social media. The rollerskating group began when some of my coursemates began skating to keep busy in lockdown and posted their progress on Instagram. This inspired their friends and mutuals to buy some skates and join in. We quickly built a community of skaters and posted on the Birmingham University ‘Fab ‘n’ Fresh’ page on Facebook (a sort of Facebook notice board for students) to attract more interest.
Admin, admin, admin
After skating together for a few weeks, we decided to work together to create a skating society. Thankfully, as we had already formed a strong network, nobody was burdened with too much work. From sending a society manifesto to the Guild of Students, to outlining the purpose, plans and risks of the society, there is a lot of paperwork involved in registering a new group. That said, when shared between a few eager people, it is manageable and definitely worth it.
Look on your University Guild website for details of the paperwork you will need to submit. I recommend creating a shared calendar to track the deadlines for submitting forms to ensure everything is completed smoothly. Once the society is approved by the Guild, you can delegate committee roles to those wanting leadership positions. This is done via an election. People can apply for the position they want by writing a short manifesto about why they would suit the role. Positions often include President, Vice President, Treasurer (responsible for finances), Social Secretary and Charity Secretary. They each offer a unique and exciting role.
Risk assessments, plans and social media
Once your society is approved, it’s important to organise a timetable of events and socials, complete with risk assessments. You can then advertise these on social media to encourage people to get involved. It is also a great idea to take part in your Student Guild’s society fair to spread the word about your group.
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