Members Officer

Anna Matthews

Birmingham Universities Scouts And Guides

Who am I? 
Hi! I'm Anna (they/them) and I'm a member of BUSAG (Birmingham). I am currently in my final year studying politics at UoB and I'm planning to do a PGCE next year. I have been on BUSAG committee for the last 3 years and recently co-chaired Oktoberfest Rally. Outside of SSAGO I am a leader at my local scout group where I help out at scouts and explorers. I am also a member of Network both at uni and at home where I helped to set up the local network group.

Why vote for me?
Firstly, I feel passionate about seeing SSAGO succeed and want to take an active role in making that happen. I am absolutely obsessed with all things Scouting and SSAGO is no exception! I've really enjoyed my time in SSAGO, I've found my time on an event committee really fulfilling and I'm ready to take the next step.

Secondly, having been a member of SSAGO for the last for 4 years I have a good understanding of how SSAGO works. I have also taken the time to reach out to a past members officer so I could gain a better understanding of the role and its demands, and I believe that I will be able to maintain a balance between my studies and the commitment that is team pink.

Thirdly, I have experience having been on a number of SSAGO-related committees. I have been a member of BUSAG committee for 3 years and have undertaken the roles of publicity officer, secretary and social secretary respectively. I have also been involved in running events having been publicity for Midlands Freshers Camp in 2022 and co-chair for Oktoberfest Rally. Co-chairing rally has given me a great understanding of how the large events work and whilst it is not in the main job description for members officer, I feel strongly about helping support event committees as a member of team pink. Horrifyingly, it has also revealed to me that I quite enjoy doing SSAGO-related admin things (do with that what you will!).

Finally, both within and outside of Scouting and Guiding, I have a huge interest in equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). I have attended a number of talks discussing ADHD and autism within scouting with the aim of developing my knowledge so that I am better able to support members who might face certain challenges. At university I am a member of Disabled Students Community Action Group where I feed back on accessibility within the College of Social Sciences and help develop better procedures to support disabled students. I have always felt incredibly welcome in SSAGO being queer and disabled myself and I want to ensure that all members feel the same.

 

Thank you for considering me for members officer and I can't wait to see y'all at rally!