Rhiannon J Davies: WiJS has your back
I joined Women in Journalism Scotland when I was still studying for my Masters, back in 2016. I was newly arrived in Glasgow and attending the first training and networking events felt like unlocking a secret world. I got to learn from Scotland's best women journalists, and then got the inside story about life in Scotland's newsrooms by having one too many glasses of wine with them after.
I previously worked as a freelancer, which can sometimes be a lonely gig. Becoming a member connected to me so many brilliant women journalists. Not only have I built my professional connections, but I've made some good friends, who I know have my back when needed.
I started attending committee meetings a few years back and put myself forward to be Secretary two years ago – sharing the role with the brilliant Eve Livingston. Along the way, I redesigned and relaunched our website, automated our membership administration and created a members directory. It’s been a privilege to be part of the Women in Journalism Scotland journey, watching the organisation grow and provide support to new members.
It's well known that our media has a serious diversity issue. We need to address this in order to have a media that better reflects and serves our communities. We need more women and more people from under-represented backgrounds to join our industry and to work in senior roles. And we need the industry to adapt; women should never have to choose between their family and their career.
If you're passionate about these subjects, want to connect to other women working in the media, and help to lift each other up, get involved with Women in Journalism Scotland. You won’t regret it.
Our AGM is on Wednesday 28 July from 7-8pm on Zoom. To put yourself forward for any of the following roles, email wijscotland@gmail.com by midday on the 28th.
Co-Chair
Since WIJ Scotland was set up, two Co-Chairs have worked together overseeing and steering the activity of the organisation. The responsibilities are varied but in essence, the co-chairs strive to keep the organisation relevant to the concerns of women journalists in Scotland. It also involves chairing committee meetings and helping to coordinate committee activities as well as having a more public-facing role now and again, giving quotes to media and speaking at events.
Secretary
The role of Secretary involves monitoring the WIJ Scotland email address, dealing with all incoming enquiries and membership issues. It also includes managing the website updates, sending out newsletters and sharing minutes and action points from committee meetings.
Treasurer
The WIJ Scotland Treasurer oversees the group's finances, authorising and making payments as required (via online banking) and providing updates on our bank balance to the committee. It's a really important role, crucial to the whole organisation.
Event Organiser
The Event Organisers pull together workshops, talks, socials and any other event that the committee feels members would benefit from. There is budget available to help with booking venues and all contributors will be paid the going rate. It also involves managing ticket sales. Event Organisers are encouraged to propose their own ideas for events to the committee as well as responding to invites from outside organisations.