Volunteering

We need more volunteers to help keep our internationally significant library open to the public. Can you offer 3 hours a week to showcase our collections to our many international, interstate and local visitors, and to assist the librarians? Library skills and experience are desirable, but not essential as you will learn on the job. This is a rewarding opportunity to discover the richness of the Society’s collections and to meet people from all over the world.

Do you enjoy planning events, connecting with people, and being part of a team? The Program Committee is looking for volunteers to help bring our events and activities to life. Whether you have time to assist with one event or can commit more regularly, your contribution will make a real difference. Opportunities include: 

• Assist with social functions – even helping with a single event is a huge contribution.
• Minute taking at the monthly Program Committee meetings – usually on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, from 10.15am until 12.00pm at the latest.
• Assist the Committee with organising excursions, e.g. day, morning, or afternoon trips to local institutions.
• Help with planning and preparation at speakers meetings and social functions, including "Meet and Greet" of attendees and assisting with hospitality.

Several RGSSA Committees are currently looking for volunteer minute takers. This is a simple but vital role that helps lighten the load on Committee Chairs. It’s also a great way to get to know the Society’s work and contribute meaningfully without a large time commitment. Minute takers help by recording the key points and decisions at Committee meetings and ensuring accurate records are kept. If you have an eye for detail and a willingness to assist, we’d love to hear from you.

Thanks to several long-standing volunteers, members and visitors are able to enjoy light refreshments and conversation prior to our monthly lecture meetings.  The Program Committee is seeking one or two people who would be prepared to take on the co-ordination of this important function.  Training and all materials necessary will be provided.  This important role entails;

• Being a person who has completed the Responsible Service of Alcohol course. (The Society will pay the fee for obtaining the approval.)

• Acquiring and storing the wine, orange juice and water.
• Storing the glasses, transporting them to and from lectures and cleaning them after use.
• Obtaining the necessary Liquor Licence.

Expressions of interest and more information can be sought by emailing admin@rgssa.org.au

Supporting geographical education at all levels, co-ordinating the Society's program of awards for schools and universities, and liaising with relevant groups both within and outside the Society.  Read more about the Society's Education Committee.

Undertaking to enhance the profile and image of the Society, as well as improving communication about its events, publications, resources and opportunities. Read more about the Society's Engagement and Communications Committee.

Seeking to secure sponsorships, write grants, build corporate partnerships, and develop relationships with potential donors.

Supporting emerging geographers and geographically passionate professionals by providing networking opportunities through social nights, lectures, field trips, discussions, and geography skills workshops. Read more about the Society's GeoNext Committee.

Maintaining and managing the Society's internationally significant library to the highest standard that resources allow providing a carefully managed information and lending service. This also includes greeting visitors to the Society’s Library and showing them around.  Read more about the Society's Library Management Committee.

Working to improve the experience of members and enlarge the Society’s membership base.  Read more about the Society's Membership Task Force.

The RGSSA maintains a small but active office which handles matters such as banking, bookkeeping, correspondence, data entry, file management, membership subscriptions, office supply management, sales, paying accounts, routine enquiries, web management ….

Organising events including monthly lectures, field trips, and social functions to provide a balanced program with geographical themes relating to the past, present and future.  Read more about the Society's Program Committee.

A small, informal group is working to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) that outlines the Society’s commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Encouraging research and scholarship in geography; recognising and rewarding achievements in geography; and overseeing the direction of the Society’s publications including the newsletter, GeoNews, the 136-year old South Australian Geographical Journal, maps, and miscellaneous books. Read more about the Society's Research, Publications and Awards Committee.