Regional Coordinator Elections 2010

FMA UK Regional Coordinator (RC) elections are held every 3 years and will be taking place shortly. If you want to work with a great bunch of colleagues, group leaders and FMA UK, plus enjoy volunteer satisfaction, then read on! Here some of the current RCs give you an insight into what being an RC involves....

Christine Brown, RC for the Midlands & RC Coordinator
In 2004 I was elected RC for the Midlands region. I didn’t have any experience or specific skills to take on the role I simply had a desire to work with fellow RCs to enhance the working relationship between FMA UK and local support groups. This role in the past has often proved challenging but at the same time incredibly rewarding. I have worked with an amazing group of RCs who are dedicated to their role and to their colleagues and to maintaining a good working relationship with FMA UK.

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I was voted the Coordinator for the RCs at the trustee/RC meeting in 2007, again, I had no specific skills to take on this role, I have a sneaking suspicion that no one else wanted it! I have travelled to visit most of the groups in the region over the 6 years; this isn’t expected of RCs, FMA UK are happy if an RC covers the role description and does not wish to expand this role any further, but my experience is that once someone has become a RC they really enjoy working with their colleagues, sharing information and working with the groups in their region.

The RC role at times can feel demanding, but speaking for myself it has been a great privilege to work with and meet the group leaders in the Midlands region. Many of the groups work extremely hard at supporting their members and raising awareness, they devote an awful amount of time and energy into their volunteer roles and I have been inspired and motivated by their dedication. Meeting them at national group leaders’ meetings is motivational in itself; they are always smiling, cheerful and a great bunch of people to know. It has given me great satisfaction to assist in the forming of some of the groups in my region and to see them flourish and witness their progress and achievements.

You don’t have to be a group leader to become an RC or Assistant RC, the roles are self-explanatory. A desire to work with FMA UK, RC colleagues, group leaders and to take our cause forward are all you need, and a sense of humour is a top priority! There are ‘long standing’ RCs and some very new RCs, we all had to start somewhere, but we all thoroughly relish our role.If you feel becoming an RC is for you then contact FMA UK or your Regional Coordinator who will be only too pleased to chat through the RC/Assistant RC role with you.