Why be a volunteer?
On July 1 2006 the Howard government’s anti-student union “VSU” legislation finally took effect. It prevents us from collecting fees from students through the university.
But RMIT Student Union has been around since 1947, so we’re not going to let a little thing like losing most of our funding stop us! We’ve negotiated with RMIT to receive a certain amount of direct funding that lets us provide basic services and employ a few staff. But in order to be really effective we need the support of students, as student representatives, as participants in our events - and as volunteers.
The simple fact is that the Student Union is only as strong, only as able to change things - as students make it. RMIT Student Union is no different to any other community organisation, it relies on the creativity and energy of its members, to work well, respond to real needs and achieve great things.
How is volunteering for the Student Union different?
The Student Union is 100% student controlled. That means what we do has to be in the interest of students - its in our constitution! It also means that, as a student and a Student Union member you can influence the direction, policies and activities of the Student Union simply by participating in it and expressing your views.
But student control also means that, unlike volunteer programs run by RMIT, we are not asking you perform work that RMIT should actually be paying staff to do - and charging you HECS for it in return for credit points.
What will I get out of it?
The most important thing is that you’ll help make RMIT a better place for students. The Student Union provides a constant pressure on RMIT, through our involvemnt in RMIT’s many committees, in our student rights cases, campaigns and negotitiation with RMIT management, to change and improve their processes and facilities.
We always need more help for this - and running all of our other services at the same time. And in the process, you’ll get a better understanding of how RMIT works, get some training, pick up some new organisational skills and maybe meet a whole lot of other, committed students too!
There area number of areas which you can volunteer in - don’t be afraid to mention anything you may be interested in if it is not listed here!
Student rights
Are you confident about your rights as a student - can you handle RMIT’s bureaucratic maze? Many students can’t - and they need your help. We need students who are interested in advocacy - giving basic student rights advice to other students, explaining how to appeal, who to approach and how - even accompanying other students to meetings with academic staff. You’ll receive training - and a greater insight into how RMIT really works - and help other students have a better experience at RMIT!
Student Union Activities
Free entertainment on campus means we need students to help with setting up, promotion, serving food and drink. But its all about organisation too! You can learn new skills with helping organise new events on campus, receive training, including RSA (Responsible Serving of Alcohol) certificates, meet new people, cook sausages (an exact science!) and more!
Student Union
The Student Union is as effective as you can make it! We need help with promotion - postering, leafletting, writing for Catalyst, desktop publishing, staffing the Student Union front counters and more.
I want to volunteer. Who should I talk to?
For more info contact your nearest Student Union front counter. Click here for details.