Catching up with Alicia from our Young Co-operators Network!

As we launch our Young Co-operators Forum dedicated to members aged 16-30, we caught up with our Young Co-operators Network (YCN) colleague, Alicia Whittle from the Co-op Travel Wednesfield branch.

Alicia tells us a little about herself, why she joined the YCN and how it supports members aged 16-30 during an indifferent year for many young people. Read on for our Q&A and let Alicia know your comments below.

Role Profile: Alicia Whittle

Job Title: Senior Travel Advisor

Location: Co-operative Travel Wednesfield

Length of time working at Midcounties: 5 years

 

Hi Alicia, can you tell us a little about yourself?

In my time as a Travel Advisor, I have had the goal of one day managing my own branch. I absolutely love the travel industry and have always looked forward to going away especially to the Caribbean! So being able to do the job I am so passionate about makes me feel extremely grateful. The thing I enjoy the most about the Co-operative is the chance to give back in working hours via volunteering. My favourites so far was helping at a local shelter and taking the dogs out for walks and cleaning the kennels! I also got to play with meerkats while helping out at a local school fun day!  

 

Why did you join the Young Co-operators Network?

I joined the Young Co-operators Network as I love being part of the community but also as a young homeowner, I also understand the responsibilities that come with life; paying bills, saving for a wedding and the general day-to-day, so I was encouraged by the idea for a new challenge.

 

Why do you think is it is important that young people have a say in how the Society is run?

As the next generation I believe it’s important we begin to have a say now, we are able to see things from a different point of view but also learn from those who are already involved. I also think the younger people may be more approachable for all colleagues and customers to be able to come forward with other ideas as some people may find this an intimidating thought. For example, my fellow YCN member and colleague James Eales was able to interview Board member and successful entrepreneur Matt Lane, gaining some useful life skills. If you haven’t seen it already, click here.

 

What else do you think Midcounties could do to involve and engage young people?

Although Facebook is a fantastic tool used by many young people, I do think the Society can fall behind on social media platforms, Instagram, for instance, I personally pay far more attention to, Facebook has so much content now you tend to scroll through without much thought or attention. I think showcasing what the Co-operative is about at local universities and events would be fantastic too, joining food fairs with our Fairtrade range for instance or showcasing this at the universities to show the impact that we can have.

 

What kind of support does the YCN give to young people?

The Young Co-operators Network helps provide lots of useful and practical support to young people. Offering people help with improving their CV writing skills, interview techniques, tips on mental wellbeing and much more. These are all practical skills that young people need to help them to get a job and to look after themselves. The dedicated Facebook page also offers me the chance to share my thoughts and lets me speak to other co-operators about topics that I’m passionate about. Click here to sign up!

 

What is the new forum about and are there any topics you would like to discuss when it launches?

The Young Member Forum is a chance to discuss topics with other young co-operators. I want to talk about topics such as mental wellbeing, environmental issues, how to be more involved within my community and much more. I’m looking forward to contributing my thoughts and ideas to this forum which will help shape the member engagement strategies that the Young Co-operators Network will use. Taking place on 4^th November, any young member can join, email YCN@midcounties.coop for more information.

 

Are you interested in joining the YCN forum and aged 16-30?

The new monthly virtual forum will provide an opportunity for young people to discuss the latest innovative ideas for the Society and help to influence future strategies. Click here to register or if you have any comments, let us know below!