Stage Crew Society: Welfare Officer

Hello!!

I'm Gabi and I'm an Arts and Sciences student, and I was this year's first year rep!

Education has a knack for becoming very stressful very quickly, and that combined with working on shows is a nice recipe for panic. However, this year proved to me that in a healthy environment it's great fun, and I want nothing but for everyone to be happy, and to feel like they can talk. It's only fair that you get to enjoy your time here in the same way I did :)

Joining stage crew this year and getting myself involved with the committee was all very new and a bit nerve-wracking at the start, but I was met with some of the loveliest people ever who have all been extremely helpful and kind throughout - I would love help maintain the same friendly space for all of you.

Though I've never done anything specifically welfare, I've helped out as a gymnastics coach, recently done an online student suicide prevention course, and am more than willing to share cute animal content with those in need :)

Ultimately, Stage Crew welcomed me into such a warm and friendly environment this year, and I'd love to try help make sure everyone else has that same experience!

Though I enjoyed working with Stage Crew in a couple of Blooms shows this year, it was also a very intimidating experience as a fresher. I want to make this initial process less daunting for new members next year, and I believe my experience participating in various roles will allow me to truly empathise and understand your concerns if I were to be elected. 

I will strive to help make everyone in our society feel comfortable. This will require consistent communication throughout the year, particularly leading up and during the highly stressful show weeks - and I am always open to talk! More importantly, I can assure you that I will take any feedback I receive from you and act upon it in a careful manner. 

The role of Welfare Officer is not limited to ensuring the wellbeing of our members. A sense of belonging within a community can also be an effective support mechanism. I want to create more meaningful connections between both new and old members of Stage Crew by introducing regular team-building and social events outside of shows. 

Ultimately, I aim to establish a supportive working atmosphere and maintain cohesion within the society by working closely with both the committee and general members. To do so, I will keep an optimistic attitude and actively communicate with you, so that you, as members of Stage Crew, can entrust me to look after all your needs and welfare. 

Thank you for reading and feel free to contact me with any questions!

I want to strengthen the sense of community within our society and make sure stage crew society remains a comfortable place for everyone to work for their interest and enjoyment. 

I'm planning to continue with our biweekly drop-in sessions and maybe bring some of that outdoors (Russell Square or Regent's Park). I also understand that show weeks can be very stressful so I'm will be hanging around the theatre to chat with anyone in need of moral support (and listen to their complaints). Another idea I have in my mind is opening up an anonymised platform within stage crew society for people to raise any questions or concerns that they might have about our society (or life in general) to me.