Volunteers are the unsung heroes of our society. We see a lot in the media about many volunteers who have selflessly dedicated their time and efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Yet charities are finding it more difficult than ever to recruit volunteers, and many desperately need them in order to continue to carry out the good work they do. Volunteering helps others but it is also uplifting for the volunteer – it generates new insights, purpose, experiences and friendships!
We think everyone should try it.
To celebrate Volunteers’ Week 2023, the Sonnet team would love to share our experiences of the 5 elements that we think show volunteering at its best.
It is powerful and empowering
Volunteering is a force that knows no boundaries. It has the power to bridge gaps, uplift spirits, and create lasting change. When individuals offer their time, skills, and passion to a cause they believe in, they become catalysts for progress. Volunteering empowers us to make a tangible difference in the lives of others and build stronger, more resilient communities.
Read about Catherine Cooke’s memorable volunteering experience:
“I used to volunteer teaching math in a primary school in Bermuda where the school was piloting a new system for teaching in government schools. Because I am not particularly strong with complex math but still wanted to help, I asked to be put with one of the youngest classes. A lot of the time and energy was spent creating bonds with the kids and making sure they felt important and looked after, helping out the teachers so they could do the ‘real’ teaching. I created really strong relationships with the kids and their teachers and was reminded that even if I don’t have the primary skill set as much as others might, I still have a lot of skills that can be useful”.
It inspires others to get involved
It’s not just about what you can do: volunteering seeks to inspire others to take action. Instead of focusing solely on their own volunteering efforts, volunteers dedicate their energy to encouraging individuals and organisations to join the movement.
Read about Lucy Clague’s memorable volunteering experience:
“DKMS is an international charity that aims to recruit blood stem cell donors – for patients with blood cancer or a blood disorder, a stem cell transplant can be the treatment they need to get a second chance at life, and they are reliant on finding a matching donor. I volunteered for DKMS by organising two registration events at my previous workplace, where we recruited 270 people to the stem cell register.
The events were really memorable days where I learnt about how important the work DKMS carry out is, and I met several people with a close connection to the cause. This included people with family members in need of a donation, as well as people who had signed up at a previous event and then been identified as a match for someone and called up to donate. It was incredible hearing their stories about having the opportunity to save someone’s life, and rewarding to know that the events I organised increase the possibility of this outcome for someone else in need of a matching donor”.
It mobilises communities
Volunteering has theability to mobilise whole communities. By rallying people around common goals, we can address pressing issues, support vulnerable populations, and drive sustainable development.
Read about Helen Webb’s volunteering experience:
“Before joining Sonnet I worked for Trust Thamesmead, a Community Development charity in Thamesmead, South East London. Thamesmead is a very deprived area with high crime rates.
The Matthew Clarke Football Tournament was set up in the memory of a local pupil who sadly passed away and every year more than a dozen local primary schools would get together for an afternoon of football and fun, hosted by Trust Thamesmead. Every year I would volunteer and seeing the sheer joy on the kids’ and parents’ faces as they left their troubles behind for a few hours lifted my heart. It made me realise if that a community can come together for the good there’s nothing that can’t be achieved”
You can spot a freezing cold Helen on the Matthew Clarke Memorial Tournament 2012 Video at 2:18, dishing out goodie bags…
It unlocks potential
Volunteering unlocks the immense potential within each of us. It provides an opportunity to discover new skills, explore passions, and foster personal growth. When we volunteer, we tap into our innate capacity for empathy and compassion, forging connections and building bridges across diverse backgrounds. Through volunteering, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by others and develop a profound sense of purpose.
Read about Jim Clifford’s memorable volunteering experience:
“It’s often not the biggest events or roles that stand out the most. Around 18 months ago I volunteered for a ‘Come and Sing’ event run by the choir I sing with, in which people can come and try out a new piece of music, singing in a large group, with members of a leading choir. I sat next to an older man who wanted to sit on the end of a row as he thought he might have to leave early. We talked, and he explained that he had had two years of recovery from major facial surgery for cancer. This was his first attempt at singing again since then. We worked through it together, with me helping and encouraging him, and him realising he could indeed do it. It was a special experience for us both, and he left with a spring in his step”.
It enriches lives and broadens horizons
One of the remarkable aspects of volunteering is its ability to open doors to new experiences, allowing individuals to connect with people and places they may not have encountered otherwise. It’s important to recognise the profound impact volunteering can have on broadening our horizons and enriching our lives through meaningful interactions and explorations.
Read about Emily Hutchison’s memorable volunteering experience:
“I was a befriender through a couple of charities, one of which supported people who are blind and partially sighted. Their scheme meant you could sign up to support someone to go to an event or have a day out that they otherwise would not be able to do. I had a great time meeting new people, being amazed by guide dogs and going to parts of London I’d not been to before or didn’t know much about: deepest Richmond, and a walking tour of Notting Hill/Holland Park”.
If you’d like to know more about the full Sonnet team, visit the ‘who we are’ section of our website.
Join the Movement
Volunteer’s Week 2023 is a call to action to each of us to embrace our unique talents and skills that can be utilised to effect change. Here are three things you can do to celebrate with us:
- Say thank you: Take a moment to express your gratitude to a volunteer you know who has dedicated their time and efforts to a cause.
- Get involved: Don’t wait for the perfect moment—take action now! Reach out to organisations you’re interested in and inquire about volunteer opportunities
- Encourage Others to Join: Inspire your friends, family, and colleagues to participate in Volunteers’ Week 2023 and volunteer for a cause that they care for.
Kirsten Hopkins, Senior Consultant
