PCS young members' network: creating a host of opportunities
Jennifer blogs about how joining the young members' network has given her opportunities to get more involved with PCS, to learn, grow in confidence and make new friends.
I’ve been in the civil service for almost 2 years (it’s gone so fast!). When I first joined, I made sure to join the union as part of my probation, and stayed on after I was signed off probation. After probation however, there was always a part of me that felt I should be doing more for both myself and my colleagues.
Joining the union, there are lots of people involved who have a lot of experience, so you worry you won’t fit or don’t have a lot to offer. Also, you may feel slightly isolated and don’t feel you have much in common with the more experienced members. That’s certainly how I felt, so I never bothered. I know better now!
When I got an email, letting me know about the young members’ network, it definitely piqued my interest! Being in the civil service helps you to meet loads of different people from all sorts of backgrounds and generations. This is a bonus, don’t get me wrong. However, as a young person, again, this can lead to insecurity about not having any more to offer than what’s already there, and has been there before you.
Being a part of the young members’ network helps to build up new connections and possibly new friendships. As a fairly new member of PCS getting involved with the union, it can be hard to know where to start, especially if this is your first full time job. Being part of the young members’ network means you can reach out whilst feeling part of a community in which you can bond while also getting work done to help achieve the union’s goals.
I haven’t been here long, but I have already jumped into accepting the role of a co-convenor for my area in the north west. It was daunting jumping in, but I’m glad I did, because now I have a whole host of opportunities to get involved. Even after I reach the age limit and can no longer be part of the young members’ network, I hope the experiences I have had will give me the knowledge I need to fully shine in PCS for the rest of my career, as well as making lifelong friends!
If you are aged 27 or under you can join the PCS young members' network. Contact organising@pcs.org.uk for more details.