Dave Thomas, Volunteering Development Officer at NCVS, continues his series of articles in support of Leaders of Volunteers. This time, Dave looks into what local groups can do to celebrate their volunteers during Volunteers' Week.
Volunteers' Week serves as a platform to celebrate, promote, and support volunteering, recognising it as a fundamental pillar of social cohesion, community resilience, and positive social change. This year, for the first time, it runs from Monday 3 to Sunday 9 June.
- Recognition and Appreciation:
Volunteers' Week is a dedicated time to recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions of volunteers within your organisation, across various sectors and communities. It aims to celebrate the time, effort, and skills that volunteers generously donate to make a positive difference in society.
- Inspiration and Motivation:
By highlighting the stories and achievements of volunteers, Volunteers' Week aims to inspire others to get involved in volunteering. It serves as a platform to showcase the diverse opportunities available for volunteering and the impact it can have on individuals, communities, and causes.
- Promotion and Awareness:
Volunteers' Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of volunteering and its role in addressing societal challenges. It encourages individuals, organisations, and policymakers to recognise the value of volunteering and support initiatives that promote and facilitate volunteer engagement.
- Networking and Collaboration:
The week-long event fosters networking and collaboration among volunteers, volunteer-involving organisations, businesses, government agencies, and other stakeholders. It creates a space for sharing best practices, building partnerships, and exploring opportunities for collective action to strengthen the volunteer sector.
- Capacity Building:
Volunteers' Week 2024 in Nottingham will also include a Leaders of Volunteers Network online meeting aimed at enhancing the capacity of Leaders of Volunteers and volunteer-involving organisations. Capacity-building activities like this help to equip volunteers and their leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively contribute to their communities.
Get involved
Although it is very unlikely that there will be a big event like last year’s party in the Arboretum, you can still participate in Volunteers' Week 2024. We can overcome the funding pressures by being creative, resourceful, and strategic. Here are some ways you can get involved:
- Partner with other organisations:
Collaborate with other groups and businesses to share resources and costs associated with Volunteers' Week activities. We are not all in competition, so pooling resources can help alleviate financial burdens while still allowing for meaningful participation.
- Seek in-kind donations:
Approach local businesses and individuals for in-kind donations such as venue space, catering services, printing materials, or promotional items. Many businesses are willing to support community initiatives through non-monetary contributions.
- Focus on low-cost or no-cost activities:
Plan Volunteers' Week events and activities that require minimal financial investment. This could include organising a volunteer appreciation event in your local parks or community centre, hosting virtual gatherings using free online platforms, or organising volunteer-led initiatives like clean-up days.
- Utilise volunteer skills:
Tap into the skills and expertise of volunteers within the organisation to assist with planning and executing Volunteers' Week activities. Volunteers may have experience in event management, marketing, graphic design, or social media that can be leveraged to minimise costs. You don’t have to do this all yourself!
- Engage in online campaigns:
Take advantage of social media and digital platforms to raise awareness about Volunteers' Week and engage with volunteers and supporters online. Create a buzz through hashtags, share volunteer stories, and encourage virtual participation in activities such as photo contests or online challenges.
- Leverage volunteer networks:
Engage existing volunteers as ambassadors for Volunteers' Week by encouraging them to spread the word, recruit new volunteers, and solicit support from their personal and professional networks. Word-of-mouth and grassroots efforts can be powerful tools for generating enthusiasm and participation.
By adopting a strategic and resourceful approach, we can all actively participate in Volunteers' Week 2024 despite funding pressures, ensuring that volunteers are recognised, celebrated, and appreciated for their contributions to our city.
