We just got back from the SA Annual General Meeting. It was interesting to say the least. Around 500 people turned up to voice their concerns and actively participate in deciding the direction of the SA for the coming year, and to hold the current committee to account. Yes it was a long two hours, tedious at times but totally worth it.
An important issue, that is fundamental to the constitution of the ACS was raised. It’s an issue we successfully overcome last year, and this year CHARISMA was looking to have the constititution amended to reflect this. It’s all about the charities campaign whose objective is to fundraise for charities within the Grampian Region. All funds raised go to charities within the area, a member of the Charities Campaign told us at the AGM that the main reason for this is that the money raised comes from the people within the area and therefore it’s only right that it should go right back to bettering the area. We agree on this. However, as another member of the SA pointed out, it’s all well and good to raise this money that would go back to the area, but let’s stop to acknowledge that some of the student body is not from Aberdeen. So we may wish to fundraise for international charities, or other national charities outwith the Grampian Region (as CHARISMA would like to do, and as we’ve always wanted to do) because as students we are motivated by the causes we actually believe in and our constitution should allow us to do this. As the African and Caribbean Society, we are fundraising for the causes closest to our hearts and these causes happen to be outwith the Grampian Region, and we should be able to do so. The motion was passed 
Smiles all round, the constitution shall be amended accordingly. But what do you all think of this? Should all the money we raise through events be handed over to the Charities Campaign which will then give it to local charities, or should we be able to fundraise for wherever we choose? Discuss.
The AGM emphasised the need for us to fully participate in the running of the SA. By attending meetings, by keeping up to date with any changes on the website, there are places open on many different committees. The SA needs you!!! Get involved whichever way you can. Volunteering is another way to get involved be it with the Charities Campaign or Joblink, get involved. There’s the ASR, our students radio, there’s sports they are doing big things this year and there’s this- YOUR society the possibilities are endless.
Be the change you would like to see in the world people, hit up the AUSA webpage on this link ;www.ausa.org.uk!!!!
At the New Year’s Eve Beach Fireworks Party we will get together to usher in the new year. Boys (and girls maybe….) take a breath, because this is beyond exciting; we will be watching The African Cup Of Nations and supporting our teams, watching the football by yourself is no longer an option. Be ready to dance, eat and be merry at The Cultural Day 2008. If you are the outdoorsy type (and even if you are not) you will enjoy the Country Bumpkin Day Out 2008 where you’ll be busy shooting, maybe a bit of archery, maybe getting yourself muddy on the quad bikes (is this what they are called? anyhoo I mean the little noisy car thingys…there’ll be a picture soon 