The AGM — No you should not worry if you don’t know what that means! AGM stands for Annual General Meeting. Companies, schools, clubs, institutions and charities across the globe have AGMs annually. As a student, if you are a proud and active member of any society, you have probably attended one. It’s an out with the old and in with the new time among Trinity’s societies where members bring fresh ideas to the table. If you are new to a society and you have seen its AGM advertised and want to know what it shall entail, it is your lucky day! Look no further…
What is an AGM?
AGMs do what they say on the tin. They are an annual meeting to talk about the general issues which arise during the year for organisations. They are actually required by law, by laws or the constitution of the organisation in question. Typically they are chaired by the head/president/auditor or chair of the group and usually AGMs mark the election of a new chair, and an entirely new committee.
Why do we need them?
For college societies, AGMs are a crucial opportunity for the committee to inform members of what they have achieved throughout the year and why membership is worth getting involved. All officers of the society give reports, and most importantly secretary and treasurer reports on the society’s activities and finances. General issues can be fleshed out, decisions can be made, as well as elections being run or results read out.
“…don’t forget, everyone in that room attended an AGM for the first time once too.”
How can I attend an AGM? How can I run for a position?
The whole concept may seem scary and off putting , this strange formal coming together of an entire society. However don’t forget, everyone in that room attended an AGM for the first time once too. They know exactly how it works (or at least, they give off this impression), and the best place to start with running for a society position is to simply ask how. In Trinity, each society holds various rules. In some, all paid members can vote and attend the AGM. While in others, you need to have a certain level of involvement (franchise) in order to
vote. This is also applied to running for a position. Some societies allow you to run for more than one, whereas others require that you campaign before the AGM itself. Most societies, infact, do not allow campaigning at all. Ask the chair. Most of the time they’ll be more than happy to chat with you if you have any questions or share insight. Read your weekly society email! Have a discussion with people or friends who are involved. Every society on campus is looking for people who are passionate and dedicated to a role in their organisation — and that could be you! If so, do not miss the opportunity to throw your hat in the ring.
“Most importantly, the best way anyone can be involved in any society is to be an active member. Attend events. Meet friends. Make memories. Get involved. Enjoy yourself.”
What if I run and I don’t get the role I want?
There will always be the risk that you put your name out there and you don’t succeed. But, c’est la vie! This is not something to worry about. You are in college for four to five years. There will be other AGMs if you wish to put yourself forward again. There are different societies. Most importantly, the best way anyone can be involved in any society is to be an active member. Attend events. Meet friends. Make memories. Get involved. Enjoy yourself. Seize every opportunity a society offers. Get to know the committee.
AGMs are the most important meeting for any organisation. If you go to one this year — be that to hear what your society has gotten up to, to vote or to run yourself, enjoy this strangely official assembly of college students (usually followed by pints). It may even be your first insight into the future world of a working adulthood and the strange formalities that can come with it.
