Salsa Society: Welfare & Volunteering Officer

Having been an active member of Salsa soc for just over a year now, I can confidently say it's been an incredible experience and I’ve loved every second; it is such a welcoming environment and has introduced me to a passion I never knew I would have! Not only is it a great way to get involved in some physical activity, but I’ve also made some wonderful friends and memories through the events and weekly classes. I would love to be Welfare and Volunteering Officer and continue ensuring that Salsa soc is a fun and safe place to be, and that any concerns are quickly and efficiently addressed. I am also so excited at the prospect of introducing more volunteering collaborations; as someone who has organised volunteering activities before, (albeit in a more academic environment) the idea of organising some Latin dance workshops to fundraise or teach the community will definitely be an amazing and rewarding experience.

I am standing for this role because I think that I am a good listener and that I can support the members of society on the necessary issues. Also, I believe that I will be a uniting factor within society and provide everyone with a safe environment where they can enjoy salsa as well as feel that they are a part of the community and secure. I think that good communication skills should be crucial for this role, and I can manage it. Understanding any issue that comes up among members of society and being proactive in resolving the matter.  Also, as I am previously experienced in volunteering, I think that I will be able to organise events accordingly. 

All the best,

Defne

If you don't already know me from taking register at the door, I’m Alexa, the current Events Coordinator!

Like many of you, I’m new to the salsa/bachata world, starting last academic year here at UCL! I was immediately hooked - with many late nights at salsa soho, competing with our bachata team, joining the committee as Social Sec, and this year standing in as interim Events Coordinator.

I have learned a lot during my past 2 years dancing in the society as well as externally. Social dancing can be intimidating; however it can quickly become a passion – an amazing way of connecting with people. Consequently, I want to help guide our members to feel safe in the social dance scene. I would like to organise intro to social dancing etiquette sessions throughout the year so that when our members feel more confident to try social dancing, they know what to expect as well as have the tools to stay safe.

I have enjoyed helping run the salsa volunteering program and wish to continue our efforts towards spreading our passion for salsa to different societies and external charities whilst enriching our volunteers.

I also aim to participating in events like UCL’s This Girl Can to normalise alternative leader and follower roles and would like to fundraise for charity by organising a friendly inter-uni salsa tournament!

I hope to continue supporting our community and be someone people can turn to for help to create an environment where people can explore their love for salsa and bachata!

Hi, I’m Maria.

I joined the salsa society at the start of this year and can honestly say that the members, committee, and teachers here make for the most relaxed, fun, and supportive community I have had the pleasure of being part of at UCL. I want to be part of making that happen, so I’m nominating myself for the role of Welfare & Volunteering Officer.

The three main responsibilities of this role are:

• providing wellbeing support to members
• organising welfare and volunteering events
• conducting risk assessments for the student union

Having worked over the summer with staff members to improve the student experience at my home department, I am familiar with acting as liaison between university services and students. For this reason, I believe I’m well placed to listen to member concerns and guide them to the relevant services if needed.

And I also think I’m a lovely person to talk to but that’s just my personal opinion :p

In the past, I’ve taken part in volunteering events organised by the student volunteering service, so I have some experience to offer there too. And finally, as a long-suffering STEM student, I’m quite used to conducting risk assessments and am all too happy to contribute that skill to something other than the horror of spilling a 0.001 mol solution on the floor.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you’ll take me as your wellbeing officer for next year.

Hi Guys!! I am Aniella :)))

As I step forward to run for the position of Welfare and Volunteering Officer, I bring with me a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community within our society. Having served as the Classes and Scheduling Coordinator, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of prioritizing the wellbeing of our members in weekly classes, and I am dedicated to ensuring that every individual feels valued, heard, and supported.

In this role, my primary responsibility will be to serve as a compassionate and approachable resource for our members, providing a safe space for them to voice their concerns and seek guidance. From directing individuals to UCL's wellbeing services to maintaining meticulous records of welfare-related issues, I will act swiftly and decisively to address any challenges that may arise.

Furthermore, I am enthusiastic about organizing welfare events and volunteering projects that not only benefit our members but also extend our impact into the wider community. From continuing the society’s collaboration with local charities to organizing fundraising and community outreach, I am committed to creating meaningful opportunities for engagement and service.

With your support, I am eager to bring my dedication, experience, and passion to the role of Welfare and Volunteering Officer, fostering an environment where every member feels valued and supported.

Salsa is all about having fun, trying something new or getting that perfect Guapea or even swing of the hips nailed down. Or even on the lookout for a partner.. ;)  That is why it is so important to feel safe and supported both during and outside of lessons and socials. I want to be that friendly face for you, and try to promote how sociable we are as a society! Being a med student I know I want to help people, but as a welfare and volunteering officer I can do this in a completely different way by lending an ear. For this role it's also key to be organised and meticulous because any welfare concern is very important and should be given the right amount of attention. I will listen to you and organise events with charities that we love and care for, to really show them how salsa can unite people through good music and even better dancing?? I love giving hugs, so if you ever need one come to me anytime :) I would love to be chosen as the next welfare and volunteering officer.