Club Officer Check-In: 5 minutes with…Martha Brook, Bow YFC

Meet Martha Brook, Club Secretary for Bow YFC in Devon. The club has 35 members and Martha shares her experience of being in the role.

Q. What responsibilities surprised you the most when you started your role?

I was surprised by how much responsibility we have over our junior members and how important safeguarding is within the role.

Q. How do you balance your club duties with other commitments in your life?

I tend to write a list of jobs and complete those that are more urgent first, as it helps me stay organised. I also do little and often so it’s not too overwhelming.

Q. Name a skill you've developed in the role.

It has improved my communication skills, not just within the club but also with external people when organising events, tours and socials.

Q. Can you share a challenge you’ve faced as a young leader in the club and how you worked through it?

Making sure everyone is involved and that friendship and age groups are all mixed up so that people must talk to people they wouldn’t normally engage with.

Q. How does your club plan its programme and what have been some of the best meeting ideas?

I usually plan a couple of months ahead so that our schedule is always busy. I get ideas through other clubs’ social media.

One of my favourite meetings of the year is our slip ‘n’ slide social and BBQ in the summer. We recently took part in a road safety talk and RTC demo at our local fire station, which all our members enjoyed.

Q. What one tip would you give to others in a similar role?

Delegate! Don’t take too many jobs on yourself, there’s always plenty of people that will help in some way.

If you would like to be featured in our club officer check in, email media@nfyfc.org.uk. Find more information and guidance for club officers in the YFC Handbook.