Cheerleading Club: Welfare Officer

Hi! I’m Miri, and I’m running to be your Welfare Officer this year!

In a club as huge as Lightning, it is important that every individual feels heard, represented and safe. As Welfare Officer, I would work enthusiastically with the Union to expand our participation in empowering and inclusive projects such as This Girl Can and Pride Week. As someone who cares deeply about diversity, I’d love to introduce new internal initiatives that celebrate the minority communities within our club itself, such as our LGBT and BME members.

Additionally, though we are cheery as ever on mat, we all face our struggles. I hope to amp up our mental health initiatives to be year-round and focus on directing members to external resources for support, as well as internal support networks within our teams. Cheer itself can be stressful and scary at times - I’d seek to set up conducive communication channels for members to highlight problems and share honest feedback in a non-judgemental and safe space, building trust within the club.

Moreover, I would be dedicated to expanding our inter-team relationships, such as holding more Lightning Family-centered socials.

If elected, I’d strive to be a dedicated, empathetic and unbiased support figure to the entire club - whether you’re facing a problem in cheer, a stressful week, or just need a listening ear. I may not have all the answers myself, but I’m more than happy to help search for them with you. Thank you! 

I started cheerleading this year and I have fallen in love with the sport. Learning new skills from 0 has been very satisfying so far, and I am excited to learn even more. As I started as a complete beginner, I know how intimidating it can be to take the first step and try something you have never done before. 

If I am elected as Welfare Officer, I will make sure that everyone feels welcome and encouraged to develop their skills and realise their potential. I want to spread the love of cheerleading to anyone who is interested in the sport, and for the club to be as friendly and inclusive as possible. Some of the ways I want to do so include carrying on the Lightning Families scheme next year for new members, and by advocating for mental health and welfare. 

I am very excited for another year of cheering for UCL. This society has given me so much joy, and I want to give it back by being on committee and working hard to keep it running smoothly.