How will volunteering infrastructure organisations cope with the increase in numbers of potential volunteers?
It’s worth thinking in advance about how you will plan for the potential increase in interest. If you already celebrate Volunteers’ Week, this will give you an indication of the level of time and resources you may want to commit. Remember, if can take several years to secure a Bank Holiday, so there’s no need to panic now!
Of course, the degree to which you participate is entirely up to you, but it’s worth weighing up the benefits (increased profile in your community, possibility of converting one-off “experimenters” into committed volunteers, etc.) and maybe involving a volunteer to help you plan for the possible increase in interest.
Community Day is about each person feeling empowered to make a difference in their local area, so it’s not up to organisations to run it all. Informal volunteering is encouraged as much as more organised activities, and individuals will be given plenty of ideas of how to make a difference without being part of a group or working through an organisation.
What if my organisation doesn’t have one-off opportunities available?
The key to a successful Community Day is for organisations to play to their strengths – you don’t have to offer one-off opportunities if you don’t have them! Think instead about how you could involve your existing volunteers more, or maybe have an open day so that people who are interested can see what you do offer.
How will the volunteering opportunities be advertised?
Prospective volunteers will be encouraged to use existing networks such as do-it and Volunteer Centres. As it is a bank holiday there will be national recognition of its purpose, which will allow smaller organisations to piggyback on publicity for the day. It’s also a great opportunity for Volunteer Centres to demonstrate how they’re fulfilling the “campaigning” element of VCQA!
Will there be any resources/ funding available for organisations that support Community Day?
At present there is no specific funding available for the Day. However having a national focus means that grant making bodies will be aware of the importance of the Day. We also encourage participating organisations to simply work with what they have. Using the day to publicise the work of local people does not mean that a lot of time or money has to be invested.
If we are successful in securing a Bank Holiday for Community Day, this would also give Volunteering England a new platform on which we could campaign for Volunteer Centre funding.
Why can’t I have a bank holiday too?
No one is expected or obligated to ‘work’ on this date. We’re not calling for staff to be forced into working, and would want to see time off in lieu being available for anyone who chooses to get involved. However, if it feels like work, you’re probably doing something wrong. We see Community Day as a chance to highlight and celebrate the ties that bind us together locally, and an opportunity for people to explore their power to make a difference locally. The ethos behind events on the day should be fun and informal. We want groups to be working with rather than ‘for’ or even simply ‘in’ the community.
