Despite the presence of the Covid-19 pandemic, for the very first time in its history, AEGEE will be organising an Online Agora. Like every year, different members have applied to different positions. In this series, we interviewed the candidates of the new Network Commission that will work in each part of Europe. One of these candidates is Arend-Jan Tissing from AEGEE-Groningen.
Good morning, Arend-Jan, and thank you so much to accept our invitation. Firstly readers would want to know a bit more about you. Could you, please, introduce yourself?
Hello everyone! My name is Arend-Jan, I’m a 22 years old Mathematics student from Groningen. This academic year, I haven’t studied, because I’m currently doing a full time board year at AEGEE-Groningen. Next to this, of course I really enjoy travelling, because I love meeting people from all across the world. One of my other hobbies is playing piano, which I’ve done for quite some time now. Fun fact: I’m a big dog lover!
Reading your experience inside and outside AEGEE there are many things that are interesting for members, linked with team working and about inclusive initiatives with LGBTQ+ for example. But, of all of them, which one made you take the decision of presenting yourself as a Network Commission member?
It is difficult for me to pick one experience, because they all had their own influence in making this decision. For example, Agora Kraków, my first Agora, already convinced me that at some point I wanted to get more involved in our organization. But I feel like this academic year has really convinced me to apply for Network Commission. First of all, visiting Network Meeting Aachen has made me enthusiastic about this specific position, seeing some of the work of a Network Commissioner up close. However, my position of European Affairs Director on the board of AEGEE-Groningen probably had the biggest influence. This is where I learned the most about the network, and this also made me appreciate the work of the Network Commission even more, for example by seeing the good influence you can have on the locals as a Network Commissioner.
Going to your programme, what are the main objectives you want to reach during your period as a Network Commission member?
I would say that my main objective, which could also be seen as the overall theme of my program, is cooperation. My main objective is to ensure good cooperation between all parties. I will stimulate good communications and cooperation with the Network Commission, the Subcommissioners and especially the AEGEE locals. I consider this a strong basis from which anything is possible. With a well-functioning team, we should be able to handle all challenges we’re facing, as I believe that the best results come from good teamwork. Of course my program contains more specific explanations, so I would encourage you all to read my application!
Is there any special field you want to focus during your period as NetCommie?
Two of the fields that I would like to focus on are increasing the visibility of the possibilities that our network has to offer, as well as searching for new locals. I see that in the area that my local is in, AEGEE locals are generally much more focussed on the local level than the European level of AEGEE. This means that they should be encouraged to make more use of what our network has to offer, as well as contribute to the network more than they do now.
With regards to the search of new locals, I believe that this is essential in maintaining our network. We have seen a decrease in the amount of locals that AEGEE has. This means that, next to making our locals stronger, the only way to reverse this effect is by searching for new locals as well. This is one of the reasons why I want to specifically focus on this point.
Finally, in case you are not elected, what will you do into AEGEE during the next academic year?
Of course I very much hope that this won’t happen, but with more candidates than positions, this is always a possibility. In case I don’t get elected, I will be active in other European bodies for sure, as the Network Commission is just one of the many cool things that AEGEE-Europe has to offer. The first thing that comes to my mind when reading this question is joining AEGEE-Academy. I have been interested in becoming a trainer for a longer time now, but I have not been trained in giving workshops yet. Therefore I might join a Training for Trainers in that case. But maybe I’ll also do this in case I do get elected…
Another thing that I would like is joining the Political Activism Working Group. Joining the Political Activism drafting sessions at the EPM made me even more enthusiastic about this Focus Area. So in case I don’t get elected, I will consider doing that as well.