Corps showcase: Speaking up

Why do you think it’s important to have Cadet Trustees?

Sharlize

It gives a direct voice to young people – we can provide valuable and unique insights and perspectives, that reflect the views and experiences of our peers. It empowers cadets to ensure the charity’s decisions and policies reflect our needs and interests, creating a sense of responsibility and belonging. This involvement can also enhance leadership skills and encourage further participation in the organisation’s development – showing other cadets the vast roles they can achieve.

Dianne

Having Cadet Trustees gives cadets a direct role in shaping the future of the charity and provides a platform to voice their opinions, ensuring their experiences are considered in key decisions. The role also provides a chance for us to represent the diverse backgrounds within Sea Cadets, ensuring that all voices are heard and that the programme remains inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of everyone.

What do you hope to achieve in your role as a Cadet Trustee?

Sharlize

It is important to me that cadets have a strong sense of community and feel they can speak up about anything they believe in; by actively listening, I strive to create a more inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. I will advocate for initiatives that will enhance the Sea Cadets Experience, and for resources and support systems that address specific needs. This includes enhancing training programmes, mental health awareness/support courses, or opportunities for personal development. 

Dianne

I hope to support initiatives that promote personal development, wellbeing and engagement, ensuring more opportunities for cadets to grow both within the Sea Cadets and beyond. I believe that by advocating for cadet voices, we can continue to improve the experiences for all cadets, making sure that the organisation remains relevant and supportive for future generations of young people. 

What are you most looking forward to? 

Sharlize

To me it is super exciting that I get to contribute and partake in such influential meetings with some incredibly knowledgeable and passionate people, who all strive to achieve a common goal: to ensure cadets are equipped to continually develop themselves, and have opportunities to share their ideas. I am also looking forward to giving back to an organisation that has given me, and thousands of other young people, so many exciting experiences and opportunities. 

Dianne

A key aspect of the role that excites me is the chance to further the mission of Cadet Voice. I am passionate that the voices of cadets remain at the heart of the charity’s strategy. I’m also really looking forward to the unique experiences and responsibilities the role offers, such as shaping the long-term direction of Sea Cadets and participating in strategic decision-making, representing cadets at a national level. 

How do you think being a sea cadet has helped to prepare you for being a trustee?

Sharlize

Each moment of my Sea Cadets Experience so far has shaped me, and has also been key to who I am going to be as a Trustee: myself!

Each course and event I have attended has taught me something, and allowed me to gain a new transferrable skill. Whether it be my Cadet Drill Instructors that really installed self-discipline, or my First Aid course, which developed quick thinking. Sea Cadets is an empowering and exciting adventure that influences growth and positive change for young people. It has definitely steered me in the right direction and helped me to establish strong working relationships and friendships, something you rely upon as a Trustee.

Overall, being a cadet has shown me the true meaning of ‘camaraderie’ and the importance of valuing and respecting those around you. It has shown me the value of teamwork and community. I believe this sense of belonging and responsibility has directly prepared me for the opportunity to represent other young people, in an environment that has a very diverse demographic.

Dianne

Being a sea cadet has provided me with countless opportunities to grow as an individual and develop essential skills. From experience of unit-level responsibilities to working with the Cadet Voice team, it has all been crucial in preparing me for my role as a Trustee.

Sea Cadets has been an inspiring environment where I’ve had the chance to explore my full potential while being able to work with others and take on new challenges. One of the most significant aspects of my journey has been being part of the Cadet Voice team. This role has allowed me play an active part in shaping the cadet experience through helping to run conferences, collecting feedback and attending events where cadets come together to share their ideas and suggestions, ensuring cadets’ opinions are heard at every level.

What’s your favourite thing about being a sea cadet?

Sharlize

Every time I get asked to choose one favourite thing about being a Sea Cadet I always struggle, as there is way too much to choose from and it has honestly all changed the trajectory of my life, inspiring me to join the Royal Navy. Sea Cadets has opened up countless pathways and as previously mentioned, endless once in a life time opportunities for me. If I can only choose one, my favourite thing about being a Sea Cadet is the wide variety of courses and events which the organisation has to offer. From attending offshore vessels, to being a part of the National Cadet Voice Team, to gaining different qualifications such as my Cadet Drill Instructors, to attending area & district camps, to being selected as a Cadet Trustee and achieving my RYA Intermediate Powerboating! Not only have I pushed myself through barriers I thought I would never break and been taught crucial and valuable life lessons, but I have also come across so many lovely people from all 6 areas, and we have watched each other develop and succeed along the way, I have been lucky enough to form a close-knit group of friends as a result of this.

It is a bit tricky to explain to anyone who isn’t a part of the organisation as they ask ‘So what do Sea Cadets do?’ and the first response that comes to mind is everything. Being a Sea Cadet has gave me hundreds of moments and memories that I could never have gained from anywhere else and I believe it will always hold a special place in my heart. To me, everything about being a Sea Cadet, is super unique, yet very rewarding.

Dianne

My absolute favorite thing is the variety of opportunities the organisation offers. I really enjoy attending courses, where I can develop new skills and push myself to try things I wouldn’t normally do. It is always exciting to meet cadets and volunteers from across the country, as everyone brings their own experiences and interests. The activities and training sessions have not only helped me grow in confidence but also taught me important skills, such as teamwork and leadership.

My other favourite thing about being a sea cadet has been contributing to Cadet Voice. It is incredibly rewarding knowing that cadet voices are not only valued but being actively listened to. Being part of something that amplifies cadet perspectives and helps shape the direction of the charity has been a great experience. Watching Cadet Voice flourish and seeing the impact it has on improving cadet experiences is amazing, and it’s inspiring to be part of a platform that gives cadets the opportunity to share their ideas and make a real change.

Photos: Sea Cadets