Volunteer to help champion geography

^{Guided walk around Nottingham organised by the Midlands committee courtesy of Martin Haslett}

In our rapidly changing world, geography has never been more important in helping us to understand and address global challenges. One way you can help us to champion geography is by joining one of our regional committees. If you have a passion for geography and time to support your local regional committee, read on!

Our regional committees sit at the heart of a growing community of geographers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our committees are always on the lookout for new volunteers, and there are a variety of roles available. So, whether you want to lead field trips, promote discussions on academic topics, or share your experiences and local knowledge, there’s a committee position for you.  

What will you be doing?

Our regional committees make an important contribution to the delivery of the Society’s strategy by organising public activities and events such as talks, field visits and debates, as well as providing Fellows and Members with opportunities to meet and create new connections.

Each role in a regional committee has its own responsibilities. Some examples of typical tasks include:

• Attending committee meetings and contributing to discussions on potential future events and possible speakers or field visit leaders

• Being positive ambassadors for the Society and for the discipline of geography

• Representing the Society at events and in correspondence

• Helping to deliver a programme of activities through behind-the-scenes planning and organisation, contributing ideas and suggestions, leading guided walks, or introducing lectures.

What are committees looking for?

Committee members should have:

• Society membership (as a current Fellow, Associate Fellow, Member or Student Member)

• An enthusiasm for geography and enjoyment of promoting geography to others

• Good communication skills

• Ability to collaborate with other members of the committee

• Willingness to devote time and effort to the committee and its activities

• Commitment to championing the Society’s ambition regarding all elements of diversity and inclusivity.

No previous experience on committees is necessary.

What's in it for you?

Joining a regional committee has many benefits for personal and professional development, including opportunities to:

• Meet new people and develop your networks

• Represent one of the leading geographical societies in the world

• Apply for complimentary tickets for Regional Theatres Programme lectures

• Attend the Annual Reception as a guest of the Society

• Enhance your public speaking skills

• Develop leadership skills

• Support the Society’s strategic work and help with Society projects

• Gain event management and marketing skills

• Develop communication skills with internal (e.g. committee members and Society staff) and external (e.g. Society members, speakers and venue staff) stakeholders.

Our regional committees are friendly and knowledgeable and are always happy to welcome new faces into their teams. So, if you are interested in volunteering, have an idea for an event, or simply want to champion geography in your local region, then please get in touch with a regional coordinator:

• Cheshire and North Wales: Christina Lees-Jones (cnw@rgs.org)

• East of England: Clare Brown (ea@rgs.org)

• Midlands: Martin Haslett (midlands@rgs.org)

• North Devon: Martin Kemp (northdevon@rgs.org)

• Northern Ireland: Tim Campbell (ni@rgs.org)

• North West: Jonathan Stevens (nw@rgs.org)

• South: Henry Hogger (south@rgs.org)

• South West: Derry Corey (sw@rgs.org)

• West of England and South Wales: Sam Scott (wesw@rgs.org)

• Yorkshire and North East: Jonathan Bridge (yne@rgs.org)

• Singapore: Oliver Worsley (singapore@rgs.org)

Or why not attend one of our regional events to get started? Browse our events organised by our regional committees. Whether you’re a young academic, seasoned travel enthusiast, or retired professional, there are plenty of interesting events - we look forward to seeing you at the next regional event.