Salsa Society: Welfare Officer

Hi! My name is Eve and I am a second year Medical Student. I would like to be your next Welfare and Volunteering Officer. Why? Because I love salsa, but more importantly because I am passionate about wellbeing. I would strive to go the extra mile to make our brilliant Salsa Society a safe and comfortable space for everyone, by keeping a constant eye out to flag up any issues at an early stage, and by being an easily accessible first point of contact to raise concerns.

I studied Psychology A level and am hoping to become a psychiatrist, proving that the wellbeing of others is extremely important to me. As a society member, I am aware of the welfare issues that can arise in partnered dancing, and I’d like to address these. For example, I'd like to make social dancing a less intimidating concept, by organising UCL-only social dancing events outside of the university to build members confidence.

I would also like to set up a space for anonymous messages to be submitted, to encourage people to come forward with issues and feedback, so that I can act to keep Salsa Society a safe space to express yourself through dance and partnership!

For the other responsibilities of the role, I would strive to form stronger connections with societies like Tango and Le Rock, as well as collaborating with charities.

Salsa Society is an incredible, supportive community and it has been an integral part of my university experience, as well as for many others. So, help me help you by voting for me!

Heyy! I'm Natalie and I'm in my second year at UCL, studying Psychology with Education. I would like to nominate myself for the position of Welfare & Volunteering Officer in the Salsa Society.

Joining the Salsa Society at the start of this academic year was without a doubt the best decision I made. Not only did I fall in love with salsa as a dance style and music genre, but I also felt like I found a space with people of various ages, backgrounds and levels who all shared this growing passion, which definitely made me look forward to attending the weekly lessons. With that said, I believe that prioritising the comfort and safety of every member of the society is essential due to the intimate nature of both salsa and bachata.

As Welfare Officer, I would be committed to ensuring that our society members feel respected at all times, by providing opportunities for them to approach me and communicate any issues they may be facing, be it related to salsa or not! As a Psychology student, I feel confident in my abilities to work through problems and believe that I have the necessary level of empathy to take on such a role.

Moreover, I aim to organise some charitable and volunteering events throughout the year by partnering with other societies such as the UCL Volunteering Society, which would enable us to spread our love and passion for salsa, whilst giving back to local communities. Thank you for taking the time to read this and don’t forget to vote for me :))

The Salsa Society has become my second home at UCL - I would love to help uphold its warm and welcoming atmosphere.  

Hi, my name is Mats and I would like to be your welfare and volunteering officer. As someone who has just recently come into salsa, I know how daunting it can be to can be to start dancing, or to go a new place, and I want to be the friendly face you can always come have a chat with or come to if you need help. I have been to classes almost every week, and am part of the performance team, so I know my way around the society, but also know about the issues that can come up, and want to make sure that the society, and other salsa-related events, are safe place for everyone. I also want to place a bigger accent on the volunteering aspect of the role, I think it would be great to have events that take us out of the society, to perhaps teach those who wouldn’t typically come out to classes or couldn’t afford it. Coming from a safety background, helping people is what I do, and I would be really happy to be able to do that in a society that means so much to me.

Why am I standing for Welfare and Volunteering officer?

Having had a rocky relationship with exercise, before my first salsa class, I had no idea that exercise could be so much fun! I definitely didn't know how to dance before but since then I can say I've improved so much and I want salsa to be accessible to many more people in the coming year so they too can find joy from movement and music!

What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

- More outreach events to local schools 

- A salsa and bachata danceathon to raise money for a charity

-Beginners' extra practice sessions on campus especially at the start of the year to help beginners feel comfortable and provide a space for them to catch up if they miss a class

What will you bring to the role (e.g. experience, skills, qualities)

Having volunteered for a mental health crisis helpline I feel equipped with skills such as active listening and signposting so I can be a friendly face around classes and socials to have a chat and can help guide you to UCL welfare services. Organising several fundraising events for Mind and Beat (mental health charities) at school has equipped me with good organisation and communication skills. Through being a community campaigner for ActionAid and The Mix and a psychology academic rep, I have improved my leadership and organisational skills too. 

Please feel free to reach out to me to ask questions or voice any concerns!

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: sharvari0917

I want to be more involved in the society and believe I can be a friendly face for those in the society, it would be great to be a larger part of a activity I really enjoy.