RSA NE AGM - A Networks Manager's thoughts

Covering three diverse areas as I do, I get to attend three different AGMs over the course of the year.  My trilogy kicked off last night in Newcastle with the 2011 AGM for RSA NE, and I am delighted to say that it was an incredibly positive, inspiring and quite frankly enjoyable night to attend.

As we all know, AGMs can often be bureaucratic necessities, exercises in governance which lack a wider appeal for those not concerned with sexy things like minutes and motions.  However, the North East’s approach was to turn the AGM into a celebration of creativity, a symposium of success.  There has been a huge amount of growth and activity in the region and this was a great way to support and promote that.

Alongside the essential formalities (which saw Claire Maxwell continue in post as Chair and an excellent Committee in place to build upon the work over the coming year – full details will follow on the VCH), we heard from students of Northumbria University’s Design School (our wonderful hosts for the evening) who recently won RSA Student Design Awards; from Mark Bailey on the Cultural Partnership between the University and RSA NE (check out their VCH group for further details); three of the NE’s Catalyst winners; and Don Pinchbeck, one of the RSA’s Trustees.  Each presentation was a reminder of some of the great things that are happening in the North East and also served as clarion calls to arms, provocations to even greater achievement.

After the event had finished, and Fellows were taking the chance to catch up over a glass of wine, I was struck by the energy in the air.  Fellows new and old, of varying ages and representing the diversity of brilliance which is the hallmark of the RSA, were infused with a mixture of pride and ambition.  And to me, that is what is crucial to our functioning as a Society.  We should be proud of our history, our achievements and above all our Fellows, who represent an unmatched resource of talent and creativity.  However, without ambition the RSA is nothing.  We must be ceaselessly striving for the next challenge, never resting on our laurels when there is work still to be done.

So, go check out the North East if you haven’t already, they are a vibrant, welcoming bunch who are very keen to work with other Fellows and partners.  The Virtual Coffee House, the online space for the NE (and nowadays the NW as well!) is a great resource for contacting to the Region and getting a feel for the activity and opportunities which are available.