So what is it really like to be a YUSU Officer?

You've read the official role description but w e've asked the current officers to tell us what they really get up to in their jobs. What have they enjoyed? What have they disliked? What has been the highlight of the past year?

Read on to find out...

 

Sam the Societies and Communications Officer says...

As Socs and Comms Officer I handle lots and lots of society queries - and because societies are so varied my workload can be too! There's big challenges balancing the needs of societies to make sure everyone gets a fair deal, particularly in Freshers' Week and at the Fair. Storage is a massive continuing problem that needs a lot of management, and a lot of my time is spent chasing up societies to hand in forms for ratification and finance. My busiest time of the year is probably Freshers' Week but the start of each term is also a lot of hard work.

The most fun part of my job, however, is dealing with the media as part of my communications role - making sure that YUSU's internal PR is just right and making sure the papers don't cause too much trouble. Because they're so enthusiastic about creating great media they're a real joy to work with, even when they're attacking us for something that isn't our fault!

You need to be able to take a lot of stick and stand up for yourself in this position - and not get so stressed that you stop listening. It's all worth it when you realise a society appreciates all the hard work!

 

Laura the Women's Officer says...

Being women's officer has been unbelievably rewarding for me. From the madness that was fresher's week, to campaigning on the issues that affect us as women and as men, to raising money for charities whose work I know relies solely on the efforts of supporters, I would not have missed this opportunity for the world. The women's campaign at York is extremely active - we host film nights, have debates, weekly meetings, and trips away and to say I have had a hand in organising all of this gives me a sense of achievement. I have also learnt an immense amount, from practical things like how to organise an event and how to chair a meeting, to things like why aids is gendered and that vegans can still eat bourbon biscuits. None of these are things you need to know when you stand - half the fun is that all the officers learn together, as a team. The downsides? There have, of course, been a few ups and downs. People don't always see eye to eye. You have to learn to get along with people, even when you're not sure you agree with them. But you do learn, and it's a useful skill to have! Without a doubt the job is a big commitment but having the support of a committee behind you really helps. All things considered, the role is more than worthwhile and it's great to see people engaging with feminism - however they conceive of it.
Page Created: 4th Feb, 2008
Last Updated: 7:42pm on 4th Feb, 2008 by Matt Burton