The Elephant 2020 35
EMPOWERING THE YOUNGER GENERATION The Toorak Collegians Association recently issued a member wide survey seeking feedback on current and proposed membership benefits and initiatives. In analysing the survey results, it was heartening to see that overwhelmingly, Collegians are keen to give back to their school by way of current student and young alumni mentorship. In fact, the ability to provide this advice ranked number one on our member’s wish list.
COLLEGIAN WISHLIST 1. O pportunity to provide mentorship to students and young alumni 2. Opportunity to attend a variety of events enabling peers to stay connected 3. Opportunity to join a Collegians based Online Business Directory 4. Opportunity to join a variety of sporting and recreational Collegian clubs 5. Increased Collegian news showcasing the diversity of our members The importance of female role models continues to be vital within our increasingly competitive and complex world. The Toorak Collegians membership base is privileged to be made up of thousands of women who can inspire confidence and leadership in younger generations, reinforcing their goals and facilitating the adoption of new aspirations. And it’s not just career professionals who can provide this support - girls also recognise that female role models are not only those in the media limelight, but also mothers, aunts, teachers, and friends.
CONNECTING WITH OUR YOUNG ALUMNI As part of a recent Collegians initiative, Lucy Wilby (TC’11), Sophia Milne (TC’17), Charlotte Henderson (TC’18), Annabel Zampatti (TC’18) and Mae Cumming (TC’18) make up the newly appointed Young Alumni Advisory Committee. This volunteer group is responsible for identifying ways in which the Toorak Collegians Association can better connect with young alumni in line with its strategic plan. The Toorak Collegians strategic plan aims to contribute towards the lives of Collegians, the School and the community across eight key areas: COMMUNICATION – delivery of relevant and topical Collegians and School community information to a diverse group of alumni across a multitude of platforms. CAREERS – support of students and young alumni in their career pathway decision making and of celebrating established professionals in their roles.
The launch of the Toorak College Empower Network is proving to be the perfect platform where students and young alumni can connect with experienced Collegians. Consisting of online engagement via a dedicated LinkedIn group page and face-to-face networking, Collegians have been eagerly fielding questions ranging from career pathways to managing work/life balance.
ARCHIVES – continue to build and maintain Toorak College's historical collections in order to accurately document and preserve its heritage.
Student Anika F recently experienced the impact of the Empower Network. In reaching out to the online community, Anika was eager to seek advice on studying criminal law and French language post-school. Barrister Nicki Mollard (TC’88) responded to Anika’s post with a range of international study options available through Monash University and extended an invitation to Anika to visit the criminal courts in Melbourne.
EVENTS – create regular opportunities for Collegians to stay connected to each other through the delivery of a comprehensive annual events calendar.
The student-run Empower Network committee are keen to seek advice from more Collegians via not just the online LinkedIn platform, but also through video and phone conferencing. If you are a Collegian interested in participating in any aspect of the Empower Network, please visit linkedin.com/groups/13649867/ or email collegians@toorakc.vic.edu.au
CLUBS – establish and support a range of Collegian branded recreational clubs in order to provide members with additional opportunities to connect.
COMMUNITY GRANTS – provide incentive for students and Collegians to excel in their fields of interest through a variety of criteria based financial grants.
FINANCE – preserve and grow the financial health of the Toorak Collegians Association, meeting all relevant risk and compliance requirements.
SCHOOL LIAISON – maintain a strong connection with the Toorak College Board and Leadership Team and provide advice and support on school matters where requested.
