City of Melville’s Post

VOLUNTEER WORK When engaging in volunteer work and to avoid feeling abused, it is essential to: 1. Conduct a self-assessment to ensure that the chosen volunteer opportunity aligns with your personal vision, interests and motivations. 2. Establish clarity regarding the alignment of the volunteer opportunity with your long-term vision and goals. 3. Familiarize yourself with the organization you intend to volunteer with, and ensure that a formal agreement or contract is in place. 4. Clearly define your expectations and communicate them effectively to the leadership don't just plug in. My involvement in a school volunteer program since 2013 has resulted in a remarkable outcome. In 2018, individuals who had previously benefited from our support emerged as the primary financial contributors to the program, not only in that particular school but also in other schools across the country. Our motivation was to build a community where those who benefited can sponsor children access such services and higher education. This has exceeded our expectations as these children are creating room for their poverty-stricken "siblings" to pursue their dreams. We are no longer running the program. These champions are the ones running it.

Want to make an impact but you don't know where to start? You'll find the organizations you want to make a difference with at the Volunteer fair this upcoming Sunday, Nov. 3rd at the Adams County Community Center! 🤝Volunteering in your community is important for several reasons, both for individuals and the local economy: - Economic Activity: Volunteer-driven projects can stimulate local economies by attracting funding and resources that might not otherwise be available. - Skill Development: Volunteers often gain new skills, which can improve their employability and contribute to a more skilled workforce. - Resource Allocation: Volunteers can help fill gaps in services, making local initiatives more robust. - Health Benefits: Engaging in volunteer work has been linked to improved mental and physical health, as it can reduce stress and increase happiness. - Community Development: Volunteers contribute to projects that enhance local infrastructure, parks, and recreational areas, improving the overall quality of life.

Why should you consider becoming a governor? Well, in the words of Jo Brand at today's Festival of Education governors are 'brilliant people... the fabric that knits everything together' You'll be one onf those people she admires. If that's not convoncing enough, consider what a governance role will add to your skills to enhance your CV or LinkedIn profile, and ultimately your employability. 1. Strategic thinking and oversight: School governors play a key role in setting the direction of the school and holding leadership accountable. This experience translates well to any role requiring strategic planning and the ability to provide constructive challenge. 2. Collaboration and communication: Governing boards are successful through teamwork and clear communication. As a governor, you'll hone your skills in building consensus, navigating diverse viewpoints, and effectively communicating complex information. 3. Performance management and accountability: Evaluating school performance and holding leadership to account develops valuable skills in performance management, setting clear goals, and driving improvement - all highly sought after by employers. 4. Data analysis and critical thinking: School governors analyse data on a range of topics, from student performance to staff satisfaction. This experience develops your ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make informed decisions – a crucial skill across many industries. 5. Community engagement and stakeholder management: School governors bridge the gap between the school and the wider community. This experience strengthens your ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, advocate for a cause, and navigate complex community issues – all valuable assets in various professional settings.

Why is it so hard to get people to volunteer at church? Many churches struggle with volunteer recruitment because they don’t make the first step easy enough, or they fail to connect volunteer roles to the larger mission. But it doesn’t have to be this way! In my latest blog post, I summarize the biggest barriers to recruiting volunteers and offer actionable tips to improve your efforts. Here's a sneak peek: 1. Create one-time, low-risk opportunities. 2. Align volunteer roles with your church's mission. 3. Celebrate volunteers publicly to inspire others.

You know what day it is: #MeetYourMatch Monday! For those of you planning to attend as a FREE guest/ potential volunteer, please remember that we run from noon to 4 pm. When we say 4PM, be aware that we start packing up then. We have exactly an hour to clear up before the gym is turned over to the Youth Programs. If you show up at 3:55 and expect to take your time, you may be disappointed. Also, be aware that we can't control parking. The YMCA is still operational during our volunteer fair, so they will have their usual traffic, plus us. Are you taking the bus? You're good. If you are attending as a participant in the fair, please note that we have access to the gym starting at 11. You have an hour to set up, and an hour to pack up and cede the gym to its regularly scheduled activities, so please plan your display accordingly. Being considerate guests means being thorough and time-aware. It's a volunteer fair, not Laser Floyd. Any difficulties, please seek out one of the friendly Volunteer Peterborough members, who will happy to help you out. We are really, really looking forward to this. We want everyone to have a great experience, and sometimes that means planning ahead. Event details here, if you haven't already committed them to memory: https://buff.ly/3UmCoH5 See you there! YMCA Balsillie Branch, Noon to 4pm THIS WEDNESDAY! (May 8th) #volunteerfair #volunteerrecruitment #communitybuilding #meetyourmatch #planahead #volunteersrock

Meet Briony, one of our Special Constables! 👋 Briony has kindly answered some of our questions about her experience as a Special Constable to hopefully encourage others to join too. How long have you been a Special Constable? 💬 I’ve been a Special Constable for about 4 years. I joined during the pandemic in 2019! Why did you decide to become a Special Constable? 💬 I’ve always been one for helping people and since I moved to Stoke, I wanted to find a way to volunteer in a role where I could make a difference. When applications open during the first lockdown, I applied straight away. It’s a great way to make a difference in my community, help make Staffordshire safer and I get to gain new skills in an interesting environment. When you’re not volunteering with us, what do you do? 💬 I’m a retail manager in my day job, but when I’m not on duty I like to spend time with my husband, going out on my motorbike and gaming. 💬 How many hours a month do you usually volunteer as a Special Constable? I usually volunteer 16 hours a month, which is usually two eight hour shifts a month, so I can comfortably fit these hours in around my other commitments. If I have some spare time or there is an event happening, I’ll volunteer more but this job has the flexibility to do more if you can. How do you find fitting in your hours as a Special Constable around your other commitments? 💬 It’s really easy for me as I’ll plan thing in in advance like events. I’ll also do my hours on my days off and make sure I'm organised. You can become a Special Constable, like Briony, as we're recruiting. For more information about the role and to apply, visit: https://orlo.uk/c01TC 💻

Is your organization working with virtual volunteers this summer? Here are some evidence-based strategies to boost virtual volunteer engagement: 1. Emphasize how their work connects to the organization’s larger mission. 2. Encourage volunteers to share their experience with other members of your organization and their friends. 3. Consistently recognize and celebrate the work of volunteers. Developing a relationship beyond the work done is important for retaining virtual volunteers and can enhance their identification with your organization. Read our full blog to learn more about the science behind these methods. https://lnkd.in/e9y988Sq

It was a huge pleasure to attend and present to Merseyside Special Constabulary conference last weekend. Thank you Laura Hart KPM, David Lyons MBA BA (Hons) and Mark Russell for the invitation. My biggest takeaway - as ever from attending events with Special Constables - was just the great people in the room. Collectively, many decades of experience in policing. A huge variety of skills and backgrounds. Quietly, without a fuss, giving huge amounts of time and having a real impact for policing and for their communities. Doing great things with humility. I was impressed hearing a lot of the thinking in Merseyside... Better support for new SCs is critical, particularly better initial integration and tutoring and support, and that is already being focused on. There was also a lot of recognition about the need for flexibility and career development, and to better be able to finds ways to continue volunteering and engaging as life circumstances and time availability change. The Special Constabulary model nationally is in real peril. Many police forces are 70-80% down in numbers over the past decade. There was also a lot of good recognition in the conversations at the conference for the need for change. To make the Special Constabulary more accessible, to broaden role, rethink some of the fundamentals, and to widen appeal. There is SO much that Special Constabularies can learn from other contexts such as reserve military about not needing to 100% 'mirror' regular, paid service full-time colleagues. The goal should be a Special Constabulary part-time volunteer capability that is effective, safe, legal, competent, and where it matters equivalent and interoperable. Not to have some sort of volunteer mini-me of the paid service. Expecting volunteers to do everything and in the exact same way as paid personnel is a pathway to unreasonable burden, a narrow inaccessible offer, and ultimately such thinking will shrink down and destroy any volunteer programme. Thank you so much for the invitation. Great people, doing great things. We need to celebrate Special Constables far more than we do!

Do you look after volunteers in local governments? If you do, come join us at this informative session!

🎨 We're thinking about giving back- and having fun doing it! 🎤 🎭 For anyone who's interested in working in the arts, we've put together this handy guide to volunteering in creative spaces! 👨🎨 The creative sector offers a wide range of opportunities to explore and spans a range of areas, yet it can be a difficult one to navigate. Roles are overly competitive, and many positions are contract work, temporary, or part-time. So how do you put yourself in the best position to gain employment? Volunteering can be the way forward. 🗺 Check out our guide to volunteering in the arts, and find out how UWL can help you get started. 🔗 Link in the comments 👇