05 Jun 2023
2023 marks the 39th year of Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June)! Glasgow Chamber of Commerce will join thousands of charities and voluntary organisations recognising volunteers’ contributions across the UK. With this year’s theme of ‘Celebrate and Inspire’ we hope to encourage people to be the change that we want to see and get involved in volunteering in whatever way works for them.
The contribution of volunteers is often unseen and unrecognised by many, visible only through the incredible impact of their volunteering, so taking the time during Volunteers’ Week to celebrate their efforts and all they contribute to our local communities, the voluntary sector and society as a whole have never been more important.
This Volunteers’ Week, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating our staff’s volunteering efforts and all they contribute to our local communities.
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Ashleigh McCulloch, Creative Director, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and Regional Lead, DYW Glasgow
What made you interested in becoming a volunteer with Glasgow Clyde College?
I volunteer with the learning and teaching sub-committee for Glasgow Clyde College. I sought out the role as throughout my career, I have gained skills and knowledge in this area and was keen to be able to support an organisation that aligned with experience and interests. Volunteering is a great opportunity for me to able to expand my network and learn about the sector whilst bringing my expertise to an organisation that makes an impact on individuals lives and across the wider community.
I also help out at various events at the local school. These just simply would not happen if people did not volunteer their time to support them. Not only do they raise money for resources for the school but, they are fun and bring joy to the people who attend.
What impact has volunteering at Glasgow Clyde College had on you?
For me, volunteering always has a positive effect as I am always together with others who share the same passion to help the organisation.
What does volunteering mean to you?
I think volunteering is about helping. It’s helping to incite change and make an impact in the community.
What’s the best thing about volunteering at Glasgow Clyde College?
For me, the role with the college has allowed me to understand a different sector that aligns with and enhances my current role.
Why would you encourage your network to begin volunteering?
There are so many positives to volunteering, it can allow you to get experience in a new sector or industry, meet new people or explore new passions and interests; all the while supporting organisations and making an impact on peoples’ lives. I would encourage anyone to volunteer but it is vital is that you enjoy the work and care about the cause.
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Nicholas Carroll, Senior Programme Executive, DYW Glasgow
What made you interested in becoming a volunteer with MCR Pathways?
I wanted to contribute to making a tangible difference to a young person from a similar background to me as I would have navigated similar challenges in my time at school which hopefully helps to build a connection and lets messaging hit home.
What impact has volunteering at MCR Pathways had on you?
In my job, I don’t really see the effect that some of pure work has on young people but by doing face to face mentoring, you actually notice the growth and learning as this takes place over three years. It has also taught me so much more about the issues, trends and vernacular that young people are exposed to at this moment in time.
What does volunteering mean to you?
In an ideal world, we shouldn’t have to volunteer but until such times as the system is functional and funded enough to offer as wide a range of support to as many young people that need it. I think it is vital that society stands up to offer what it can in terms of assistance.
What’s the best thing about volunteering at MCR Pathways?
Just engaging with young people on their level, I am not there to judge or make decisions for them, just to listen and share my own experiences when appropriate.
Why would you encourage your network to begin volunteering?
It is on us all to give back as much as we can to help young people’s lives just that little bit easier, this also benefits us all in the long run and no child should ever be left behind at any stage.
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Rebecca Milne, Senior Project Co-ordinator, DYW Glasgow
What made you interested in becoming a volunteer with Radio Lollipop?
One of my New Year’s resolutions for 2023 was to start volunteering. I spent some time looking through local volunteering opportunities and came across Radio Lollipop, it seemed like the perfect thing for me. I love working with young people and love the idea that I can be a positive part of what might sometimes be quite a negative experience.
What impact has volunteering at Radio Lollipop had on you?
Volunteering has had a really positive impact on me. It is great to become part of this community of volunteers who are all working towards the same goal. It has also helped to give me a new perspective.
What does volunteering mean to you?
It is very fulfilling and one of the highlights of my week.
What’s the best thing about volunteering at Radio Lollipop?
The people are the best bit! I volunteer with a wonderful team and then have also had the chance to meet some amazing young people, parents, hospital staff etc in my time there – it is a pretty great community to be part of. There is also something incredible about the smile you can put on a child’s face just by playing a game or doing some arts & crafts with them!
Why would you encourage your network to begin volunteering?
I would encourage my network to volunteer because it is a great way to give back to your community and become part of a network of like-minded people.
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Rachael Martin, Project Manager, Step Up to Net Zero and Board Trustee and previously Co-Chair of the YLDP operations team at 2050 Climate Group, a Scottish charity that empowers young people to take climate action.
What made you interested in becoming a volunteer with 2050 Climate Group?
For over 6 years, I have volunteered with 2050 Climate Group, a Scottish charity that empowers young people to take climate action. I completed 2050 Climate Group’s inaugural Young Leaders Development Programme (YLDP), gaining climate knowledge and leadership skills and as the organisation is volunteer-driven, I wanted to give something back and put the skills and knowledge I learnt into practice.
I began as an operations volunteer, designing and delivering five further iterations of the YLDP for over 600 people in Scotland. For two years I was Co-Chair of the YLDP operations team at 2050 Climate Group, providing strategic oversight to the programme as well as providing management and supporting a team of 20 volunteers. I am now a Board Trustee for the charity with responsibilities for the governance and strategic direction of the charity while managing relationships with partners and funders.
What impact has volunteering at 2050 Climate Group had on you?
Volunteering has been overwhelmingly positive. The biggest impact has been the huge and diverse network of people I’ve gained as a result, full of wonderful, passionate, intelligent, interesting and fun people from a range of backgrounds and sectors. I rarely go to an event that I don’t meet someone with a connection to 2050 Climate Group! Without the experience, knowledge and skills and network I’ve gained as a result of volunteering with 2050 Climate Group, I doubt I would have got to where I am in my career so far.
What does volunteering mean to you?
Giving back, making a difference and supporting a cause that I am passionate about while empowering young people in Scotland to take action on the climate emergency in their own ways in their personal, professional and civic spheres of influence.
What’s the best thing about volunteering at 2050 Climate Group?
Seeing the passion of my fellow volunteers and the immense dedication each volunteer gives outside their day-jobs. Hearing about the impact made by young people as a result of being involved in 2050 Climate Group activities.
Why would you encourage your network to begin volunteering?
You gain far more than you put in.
