External Engagement Zone Objectives -
With no current KPI's for the zone, AA led a discussion around what the committee felt should be our objectives moving forward for the academic year. A variety of topics were discussed such as the use of student ambassadors at other unions (SM) in linking in with the local community and our current liaison with local residents groups where we attend local street parties and provide society entertainment (AK).
- Linking communication across all areas of the zone
- Engaging with our local communities here in Southampton
- Improving our offer to sites
All three objectives will be discussed in more detail at the next committee meeting.
Fundraising/Events (ACG/TV) -
Feels there needs to be more information provided after big fundraising events, such as how much was raised and where the money goes and benefits. Gunge a president, an event during Children in Need was used as an example where students were unsure what the final amount was raised by RAG/societies. AK works closely with RAG and assists with all RAG finances, explaining that there is a significant increase in student fundraising over the previous years as shown by overall student fundraising totals. BS did feel the Children in Need totals were released but admitted with so much social media traffic that this could have been missed by people and was unsure if it was reposted again.
ACG asked if this could be looked into so make sure that these successful events are communicated to properly to students and their good work doesn't get lost.
Student Volunteering Week 2018 (ACG) -
Discussed if we would be doing any SUSU specific campaigns for SVW this year. AA/AK explained that at present there was no plans to undertake large campaigns with upcoming elections and shorter half term the worry would be that the message could get lost. SUSU are supporting Women in Business society whoa are hosting a Q&A event with speakers from a variety of charities such as No Limits, Student Hubs and Wessex Cancer Trust who will explain the benefits of volunteering and how this can help students throughout any career path they might take.
Pens for Kids Campaign (AA) -
The zone continues to work with the Student Communities zone in collecting disused pens which can be relocated to children around the world in need. Currently around 8,000 pens have been collected. TV/MSR felt that the campaign would be more successful if collection points were installed in additional university buildings and halls, both happy to work with societies involved and help move forward.
Led Zeppelin Charity Showcase (AK) -
Updated the committee on the upcoming LiveSoc Led Zeppelin Charity Showcase, which celebrates the 45 year anniversary of Led Zeppelin playing at SUSU. The evening will show case students playing the original set list and raising money for Ovation Music Charity. AK asked if all committee members could help out with promotion for the event online.