A A A B
News
National Volunteers’ Week: Being the Change
7th June 2023

Our annual celebration of all things volunteering will soon end… National Volunteers Week (June 1st-7th) will be back in 2024, but what will be different – both for us in the sector and the communities we support? If we have learnt anything from the history of the last 15 years, it is surely that change comes at you fast! The question is; how do we ensure that we can be the change we want to see?
Whether it’s celebrating and inspiring or strengthening the diversity of contributions; we can’t be static in the 51 weeks of the year when we’re not in ‘celebration mode’. Whether for national campaigning groups, service delivery organisations, mutual aid or every town and village’s version of Beazley Street Community Association; the need to be the force for positive change is paramount. Politics and Governments may try to influence direction, but it is the experience of volunteers – seeing the reality of people’s lives – that matters. That should always be the most influential player in change.

COVID-19 and the cost of living crises opened our eyes to how vital the ‘on-the-ground’ capacity of volunteering is. With that comes power and responsibility. This power is already manifesting itself with a new, more collaborative approach towards our sector, from Local and National Government. The responsibility it brings is to ensure that it is never taken away again. We are serious players in serious times.
In a world where the loudest voice isn’t always the most perceptive or productive, and where attention spans can be short, it is imperative that our experience helps shape the future and ensures any change is helpful. We do that best by continuing to be ourselves. Volunteering is the quickest and most effective way to bring change. Whether small scale or the first step in a thousand-mile march: our contribution is needed everywhere.
- Michael Green, Volunteering Kingston Project Manager
Published by Volunteering Kingston and Volunteering Barnet – Groundwork London’s volunteering services.
Also in Volunteering
Inthu’s Experience as HAF Volunteer
20th November 2023
Tell us a little about yourself… I live in Barnet and I am a doctor. What inspired you to volunteer? I have volunteered for...
Aman Ahluwalia-Hinrichs’ Experience as Trustee for Inclusion Barnet
10th November 2023
My name is Aman, I’ve lived in Barnet for the last 10 years. I grew up working class, though I wouldn’t describe myself that...
Deena Kusi’s Experience as Trustee for The StoneGrove Community Trust
9th November 2023
This Trustees’ Week, we’d like to introduce you to Deena Kusi – Trustee of the wonderful Stonegrove Community Trust and OneStonegrove Community Centre. As...