In this blogpost, we hear more from James, the President of RAG (Raising and Giving, which is the Charity Arm of the LSESU) for the 2022-2023 academic year, as he reflects on the many things they learned and achieved! James will be serving as the LSESU General Secretary from 2023-2024, continuing his leadership and involvement in the LSE community. 

I wanted to take some time to reflect on my previous year as President of RAG (Raising and Giving – the Charity Arm of the LSESU).
My involvement with RAG is entirely accidental. Whilst rehearsing for the LSE Musical in March 2022, I spoke to Alice Rigo Saitta (RAG President 2020/21) who told me of news how no one had ran for the position of RAG President in the Lent Term elections. Without even thinking about it, I put myself forward to act as an interim President – and what a journey that decision has taken me on.

Over that summer, work began on coordinating the annual Freshers RAG Band for September 2022. Despite the RAG Committee only being 3 people at the time, we were able to welcome over 1,000 new students, hold 6 consecutive nights of clubbing, and achieve one of the most successful RAG Bands in recent years. Despite this success, it was difficult to find what RAG’s purpose was beyond freshers week.

In the Michaelmas Term I ran to be officially elected as RAG President on a manifesto of new initiatives aimed at bringing the LSE community closer together, such as a Fashion Show in partnership with the LSE Athletics Union and a Permanent Vintage Charity Shop in partnership with LSE SU Sustainable Futures Society . Following a successful campaign, work began to strategise a blueprint for the year of rebranding, revamping and relaunching RAG.

In November, RAG supported the LSE Volunteer Centre with Giving Tuesday. In February, Noor and Trinity brought together the biggest event staged in the Marshall Building to date – the RAG and AU Fashion show. In March, Evie, Hannah, Mia, and Romane worked tirelessly at bringing the LSESU Charity Shop to fruition. Now this summer dozens of students will skydive, backpack in Colombia, or complete the 3 Peaks on RAG fundraising challenges.

The RAG Team has been absolutely incredible and I am so proud of every single member. Most notably, Alisa S., Leisl Yeap, Raphael Dembo-Shah, and Jacob Whiteley-Guest who have all been essential and deserves recognition for all their great work this past year. Now at the end of the year, it is a pleasure to announce that the student fundraising total for 2022/23 stands at around £50,000.

Although my journey as RAG President comes to a close, I look forward to seeing the journey that its new President, Noor Mansuri, takes it on. I wish her and her new committee all the best of luck and I am certain that next year is going to be an even bigger year for Raising and Giving!

If James has inspired you to volunteer, check out one of our other ongoing opportunities or book a one-to-one with David Coles, the Volunteer Centre Manager if you have more questions. And why not follow us on Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date with our events and opportunities and read our blog for more volunteering tips and stories.Recognising the Diana Award Winners!