Changes to the Old Albanian Club Committee
Over the past few months the Old Albanian Club Committee has been reviewing its activities, structure and purpose to ensure that these are relevant and sustainable for a 21st Century alumni association. The Club exists to foster relationships between Old Albanians, and to maintain their links with the School, and these must remain at the heart of all the Club's activities.
Historically, members of the Committee have almost always come through the OA sports clubs, however with these now being self-governing ‘open' clubs, and with membership of the Old Albanian Club recently being made free of charge and automatic for any former pupils or staff of the School, we now feel that changes must be made to bring the club up to date.
The Old Albanian Club currently has over 5,600 members, yet only 10% of these are actively involved in any way. We want to make the club more accessible, relevant and useful to the remaining 90% of members, by:
- Expanding the locations of events for OAs, with small events taking place to bring Old Albanians together across the UK and overseas.
- Expanding the variety of events to appeal to all age groups and interests.
- Increasing the value of the club to its members - through career networking for young OAs, overseas contacts for those who are travelling or moving abroad, etc.
How can we make these changes? Your Club needs you.... we are looking for people to help us in this period of change, in particular with the roles outlined below. No previous involvement with the club is necessary, and age or location should be no barrier - whether 18 or 88 or living in St Albans or Aberdeen, there will be a way in which you can help us. We are looking for:
President:
As I prepare to ‘hang up my boots' at the end of the year after 3 years as President, we are looking for an enthusiastic and dynamic President to lead the Club through this period of change.
Click here for further information on this role
Events & Social Secretary:
to organise and expand the Club's programme of social events.
Click here for further information on this role
Communications Secretary:
to review how the Club communicates with its members.
Click here for further information on this role
Chair: Under 30s Social Group:
to plan events and communications to engage the younger generation of OAs.
Click here for further information on this role
Chair: Business Networking Groups:
to examine how the Club can be of benefit to its members in terms of career development through networking events, work experience, mentoring, etc.
Click here for further information on this role
....and the following informal ‘representative' posts for which we are looking for many volunteers across the country and worldwide, and require little time commitment:
UK Regional Representatives:
a series of ‘reps' across the country who can be the Club's contact in that area, and perhaps organise a small social event for any OAs in their area.
Click here for further information on this role
Overseas Representatives:
a series of ‘reps' worldwide who can offer a friendly face to OAs travelling to their area, and perhaps organise a small social event for any OAs in their area.
Click here for further information on this role
These changes are still in early stages, and we would be delighted to hear from members about what they think of these ideas, or any further suggestions for increasing involvement with the Old Albanian Club.
I do hope that you will continue to support the Club, and consider volunteering to help in some of the areas outlined above.
With best wishes,
Stephen Burgess (OA 1962)
President, The Old Albanian Club