Social Network for RSA Fellows

How might new Fellows be better supported when they first join the RSA?

I'm a fairly new Fellow (please be gentle with me).

I want to take advantage of my newness before I forget what it feels like and suggest that there might be ways that new Fellows could be supported as part of the induction process. If the suggestions fall on fertile ground I'm happy to devote some time to helping that happen.

I was fortunate enough to attend an excellent New Fellows event a bit more than a week ago, which has coincided with me shifting from being a pretty passive member to someone ready to engage with activity. I know for sure that some new Fellows are waiting to attend such an event, I'm hoping that this discussion might end up with activating more Fellows more quickly after joining (ahead of New Joiner events).

This is NOT meant to be a list of gripes. Just a few points that I've encountered and I have also heard other Fellows (old or new) acknowledge or agree with. Where I make suggestions for improvements they are simply that - a starting point for a discussion leading, where possible, to action.

Some of these questions are answered in the website(s). If you think an answer is there please reply and post a link.

1. Do you understand how Fellows relate to the RSA?

You might want to read this and see if you agree

2. How do I manage the relationship between being a member of the RSA and my 'day job' are there potential conflicts of interest or areas to take care with?

3. How do I engage with other Fellows?

4. How do I engage with external individuals and organisations on a project?

5. Where do I start with projects?

6. Can I really just set up my own project?

7. What's the best starting point online? LinkedIn? Blogs here? Forums??? What's the custom and practice?

(You might want to take a look at this link if you want to get involved in, discussion about digital engagement)

8. Would these questions be better posted elsewhere?

9. How does my region meet/work together?

10. If I have an idea do I just 'go for it' or talk to someone first (who)?

(Thanks to David Wilcox et al for modelling some really helpful blogs linked to in 1. and 7, above)

If you have answers to any of the questions sharing them here would be welcomed by at least one new Fellow.

If you agree that a question is relevant to you and you don't know the answer - I'd love to know

If you have other questions of a similar nature please feel free to add them to this discussion.

Once I've tested the water, if there's a real need, we can think about introductory videos or FAQs or New Members areas etc etc. I just want to see a bit more of the lie of the land first.

Thanks

DrBob

Tags: Digital, Engagement, Fellows, Fellowship, New, Projects, RSA

Comment by David Wilcox on June 1, 2012 at 16:39

Hi Bob - thanks for the mention, and such good questions. I'll try and add some answers where I know ... but more questioning from new (or old:) Fellows would be good. Here's some general guidance I have found. I'm just answering as a Fellow engaged in this related exploration

1. Do you understand how Fellows relate to the RSA?

You might want to read this and see if you agree

I'm keen to know what others think too

2. How do I manage the relationship between being a member of the RSA and my 'day job' are there potential conflicts of interest or areas to take care with?

The bye-laws say FRSA should not be used for business purposes. I think there is a presumption against being too businessy ... but then Becoming a Fellow strongly features social entrepreneurs in the video, and that's the liveliest network. I guess the issue is social as well as personal benefit ... but not defined as far as I know. A big issue in my view.

3. How do I engage with other Fellows?

The FAQs say "You can contact Fellows online using the Fellowship directory or our social networks as well as face-to-face" I think we could do with more hosting .... maybe it something Fellows could do for each other.

4. How do I engage with external individuals and organisations on a project?

I don't think there is any guidance on that ... though there is something on Fellows networks here

5. Where do I start with projects?

The FAQs have advice on Catalyst funding for Fellow-led projects. I believe there will be a new initiative shortly to create more links between staff-led projects and Fellows.

6. Can I really just set up my own project?

I think so ... I remember guidance on Fellow-led projects, and what you can say about your relationships to RSA, but can't find it

7. What's the best starting point online? LinkedIn? Blogs here? Forums??? What's the custom and practice?

There isn't any ... :-)

(You might want to take a look at this link if you want to get involved in, discussion about digital engagement)

8. Would these questions be better posted elsewhere?

You could also try Linkedin and compare responses ...

9. How does my region meet/work together?

Here's the link

10. If I have an idea do I just 'go for it' or talk to someone first (who)?

I guess fellowship@rsa.org.uk or maybe your Fellowship council rep if you want an official contact ... or just go for it.

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