How to create your own society

 

When you join university, societies or sports clubs are a great way to make new friends and socialise with people that have the same interests as you.  

However, when looking for a society there might not be one that offers your hobby, or you feel like you want to increase awareness regarding a certain topic. If that's you, this blog will teach you how to create your own society in few easy steps!

Students collabing

Step 1: Putting together your ideas and gaining interest

To start the process of creating a new society, first make sure that a similar one does not already exist! 

You need to have a clear and unique idea for your society, as well as a name that will reflect its aims. When you have put all your ideas together, to set up the society, you will need at least 3 members who will take the roles of Chair, Vice chair Finance and Admin, and Vice Chair Inclusivity and Promotions. However, if you are struggling to find other members don’t worry and certainly don’t give up! You can contact the Student Union (SU), who will help you look for other members that will be interested in setting up the society.  

Additionally, it is important to consider that you will need to to recruit 12 members within 6 weeks of the date of approval. 

Step 2: Submit your application and draft constitution

When you have a clear idea about your society you are ready for step 2! This involves completeing and sending the application form, which can be found on the SU website. In the application you will be required to outline the aims and purpose of your society.

Additionally, you will need to submit a draft constitution. This is less complicated than it sounds! This draft constitution is simply the ‘rule book’ of the society. It contains the parameters in which the group can operate, and it must always be followed.

After completing the application form, with a detail explanation of your society and your constitution, you are ready to submit the application to the SU. Now you are one step closer to making your society a reality! 

Step 3: Meet with the SU Activities team

 

When the SU has received your application, you will be invited for a ‘Start-Up Meeting’.  In this meeting you will be discussing your application, as well as the financial needs of the society. This meeting is a great opportunity to meet the Student Activities team as well as the Vice President Student Activities (VPSA), and to ask any questions that you might have. Therefore, you need to show up! Once the meeting is concluded, your application will be sent to the Executive Committee, where approval will be decided.

Step 4: Approval from the SU Executive Committee

When the Executive Committee receives the application, they will approve your society according to certain criteria. For example, the society must support charitable objectives, promote a diverse student community, and respect diverse views. Therefore, in your application try to show how your society will represent these values! 

There are three possible outcomes regarding your application: 

  1. The application is approved therefore the process can advance to the next steps. 

  1. The application is approved however there must be some amendments to be made – the Executive Committee will send over the adjustments required to make.  

  1. The application is rejected – the Executive Committee will send you all the reasoning. However, don’t discourage yourself! If you don’t agree with the decision of the Executive Committee, you have the opportunity to appeal their decision to the Student Council. 

Cricket team sat on the bench

Step 5: Complete Committee training

Once the society has been approved you can officially start it! 

The first thing to do to start your society is that all the committee members need to complete training and familiarise themselves with the committee resource hub, as well as attend an introductory session with the SU. While you work on your training, the SU will set up your webpage and create memberships. When this is completed, you will be able to begin promoting your society! To do this you will need to create your social media as well as keeping the website updated with relevant information about the society. Now your society is up and running! 

In conclusion...

Creating your own society is very exciting experience that can teach you many skills! 

For example, my friends and I, just created a society and my role on the committee is to be responsible for delivering talks, for people to learn about the topics of our society. This experience is enhancing a wide range of my practical skills, such as communication skills, which is boosting my confidence as well as making me more employable. Give it a go!