Volunteering Information & Resource PackDevelopment Pack

Guidance Notes• All links are LIVE when viewed in Slideshow mode (press F5)• To access the packs online

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your needs – please send feedback, comments & suggestions to Suze Youde suze.youde@kent.gov.uk

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Index• ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Plans, activities and more development ideas • ICEBREAKERS Let’s start thinking about volunteering values• SESSION IDEAS Developing ideas from the starter pack• SPONSORSHIP FORM A sample idea for your own fundraising projects• DISCUSSION POINTS Ideas to kickstart your discussions• WHAT CAN I DO (ONE & TWO) Some ideas on volunteering opportunities• VOLUNTEERING CHECKLIST Make sure you’re well prepared• VOLUNTEERING WORDSEARCH Find these volunteering related words in the grid• CELEBRITY VOLUNTEER QUIZ More celebs who love to volunteer• ANSWERS Find out who did what• ROLEPLAY: CHARACTERS/QUESTIONS Do you think volunteering is a good way to get a job?• MY DREAM JOB & ANSWERS What do you need to do to get the job of your dreams?• JOBSEARCH CHECKLIST Your own skills audit & self assessment• THE INTERVIEW GAME What do you need to do before that big interview?

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Additional Resources• Volunteering England has a Good Practice Bank covering all aspects of volunteering• Connexions Kent & Medway have good information and links for anyone interested in volunteering• If you love sport then Kent Sport Volunteers is the place for you• If your interested in a career in the police, then why not volunteer for Kent Police (16+)? There are also

a range of volunteering opportunities in the Kent Criminal Justice System – including victim & witness support

• If you’re interested in a career in health then why not volunteers for the NHS (16+)?• Want to volunteer for 2012? Then download this great factsheet• Kent Wildlife Trust welcomes volunteers to help make Kent & Medway a better place for native wildlife• Red Cross and St John’s Ambulance (10+) rely on volunteers to provide their services• Want to volunteer in a charity shop? Then charity shop locator is the site for you.• Why not use Yell.com to search for all the charities in your area?• Want to give something back this Christmas? Try Timebank for a list of volunteering opportunities over

the festive season• CSV offers volunteering and training opportunities• Cancer Research, RSPCA, Save the Children, Oxfam and PDSA are just some of the charities who are

looking for volunteers • British Heart Foundation have put together a useful toolkit for volunteers• BTCV have a list of conservation based volunteering opportunities• Lesson plans, supported by celebrities, covering a range of volunteering opportunities – available on

request from difference@csv.org.uk • JustGiving allows you to set up your own fundraising page for the charity of your choice• Time2give offers exciting volunteering opportunities in Kent Libraries• See the March In Touch for an excellent poster on job search ideas for young people

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IcebreakersLABELSDivide the group into groups of 4 and ask them to think of a volunteering project they would all like to get involved in – give them 2 or 3 minutes to discuss the task they would like to do. Now ask each group to come forward and tape cards to their foreheads with the following roles: ‘leader’, ‘agree with me’, ‘disagree with me’, ‘ignore me’. Give the groups 10 minutes to come up with a short presentation on their project and then see each presentation. Now ask the groups what challenges they faced – did the labels make any difference or did they just ignore them and get on with it? Did anybody guess what their label was? Did they really get into the roles that they were given?

FIND YOUR PACKWrite the names of several animals with distinct sounds – dog, cat, cow, pig etc. – on pieces of paper (about 5 for each animal depending on the size of the group). Ask each person to pick a piece of paper and look at it. Then, without talking, they must try and find the rest of the animals in their pack.

SURVIVAL Tell the group they are about to be stranded on a desert island and to think of one thing that they would bring to the island – try to encourage them to bring an object that represents them or something they enjoy e.g. a guitar, their dog. Now split the group into smaller groups and ask them to work together to improve their chances of survival by combining all their objects together. You can even offer a prize for the most creative solutions.

For more great ideas see http://www.genv.net/en-us/dream_it/team_building/example_icebreakers

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Session IdeasSHORETHING – QUALITIES OF AN RNLI VOLUNTEERThis is an excellent resource produced by the RNLI and easily adaptable to a youth work session http://www.rnli.org.uk/Shorething/UserFiles/File/KS2_Meet_a_crew_member_Citiz.pdfWhy not follow up by inviting a crew member to visit the centre or take a fieldtrip to an RNLI station – they often have free open days.

SPICE UP YOUR CVThink about all the qualities you will use as a volunteer that can be used on your CV – write them down on a flipchart and then think about how volunteering can be used to evidence each quality. A good list can be found here: http://www.i-to-i.com/campfire/i-to-i/posts/937-How-a-spot-of-volunteering-can-spice-up-your-CV

PRESS RELEASEGet together in groups to write a press release to promote your volunteering idea (see Volunteering Project – Needs Assessment above) – take a photo of the group and include ideas for raising money and what benefits there will be for the community.

PUBLICISE!Design a poster to publicise a real or imaginary volunteering project.

FUNDRAISINGDraw up a list of fundraising ideas – the sillier the better! For some good ideas try http://www.i-to-i.com/campfire/i-to-i/posts/919-Step-4-Great-ideas-of-stuff-to-do-for-sponsorship Make concrete plans about how you could pursue each idea e.g. approach the local college for trainee beauticians to do waxing!

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Sample Sponsorship FormSPONSORSHIP FORM FOR… (Name of Charity)… (Your Name)(Name of Event and Date) Please read carefully before donating: We who have given our names, addresses and ticked the box entitled ‘Gift Aid’ want the charity to reclaim tax on the donations detailed below, given on the date shown. Or visit my page at http://www.justgiving.com/ to make a donation online.FULL NAME ADDRESS POSTCODE AMOUNT

PLEDGEDAMOUNT COLLECTED

DATE GIVEN GIFT AIDPlease tick

John Smith Anytown St,Anywhere

AA1 1AA £5.00 £5.00 01/01/10

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Discussion Points• Which one volunteering project would make the biggest difference to

your centre or your community (e.g. redecorating, using disused ground for a communal veg patch etc)?

• What issues might you face as a volunteer? Do you know what your rights are? How could you find out? And what responsibilities do you have as a volunteer?

• How can you ensure that your volunteering experience is as interesting & enjoyable as possible (think about things like finding the right role for you)?

• What are the barriers that might stop you from volunteering – these could be physical, lack of information, lack of self confidence etc.

• Do you know where to find information about volunteering and volunteering opportunities? Is this information easy to find? Is it well publicised? What changes would you make to the ways you can access information and to the ways its publicised?

What Can I Do?SPORTS VOLUNTEERINGWhat is it? Volunteer to help out in your favourite sport – you could be coaching, refereeing, marshalling or administrationWhat skills/interests do I need? Interest in sport & fitness, communication & people skillsHow do I get involved? Visit your local volunteer centre, check for opportunities online at http://www.do-it.org.uk/ or contact sports clubs in your areaWhere can I find out more? http://www.volunteering.org.uk/WhatWeDo/Projects+and+initiatives/volunteeringinsport/Kent Sport Volunteers http://www.kentsport.org/volunteers/

CHARITY SHOP VOLUNTEERINGWhat is it? Volunteering to help out in a shopWhat skills/interests do I need? Customer service, people and communication skills, an interest in retail.How do I get involved? Go to your local volunteering centre, check for opportunities online at http://www.do-it.org.uk/ and visit charity shops in your town to find out which ones are looking for volunteersWhere can I find out more? Visit the website of your favourite charity to find out what opportunities they offer and how to access them or download the information leaflet available at http://www.charityshops.org.uk/volunteer.html

ENVIRONMENTAL VOLUNTEERINGWhat is it? Looking after the environment and protecting wildlife – could be cleaning up the beach or the river bank, counting bird numbers or helping to protect & promote a natural habitat.What skills/interests do I need? Interest in the environment/wildlifeHow do I get involved? Go to your local volunteering centre, check for opportunities online at http://www.do-it.org.uk/ or contact Kent Wildlife Trust or other specialist environmental organisation in KentWhere can I find out more?Kent Wildlife Trust http://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/support-us/volunteering-opportunities/volunteering-opportunities/ BTCV http://www.btcv.org.uk/cgi-bin/office_opps_ind.cgi?ref=98&region=se

VOLUNTEERING OVERSEASWhat is it? Putting the skills you have to good use helping people in the developing worldWhat skills/interests do I need? an interest in different cultures, skills/interests like teaching & healthcareHow do I get involved? For a comprehensive list of overseas volunteering opportunities try http://www.do-it.org.uk/wanttovolunteer/volunteeringoverseas/youthandstudents How old do I need to be? Overseas volunteering opportunities are targeted at 18+ and are popular with students on their gap yearBack to Index

What Can I Do?EVENTS VOLUNTEERINGWhat is it? Volunteering to help out at a big event – could be marshalling, checking tickets, helping contestantsWhat skills/interests do I need? An interest in the event taking place (fashion, sports, music), good organisational & people skillsHow do I get involved? Visit your local volunteer centre, check for opportunities online at http://www.do-it.org.uk or contact the Kent Events Team http://www.kenteventteam.org.uk/ Where can I find out more? Kent Events Team http://www.kenteventteam.org.uk/index.php?q=volunteer

VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERINGWhat is it? What it sounds like – volunteering online. Could be designing a website or helping moderate a forum.What skills/interests do I need? An interest in computers & the Internet, good people & communication skillsHow do I get involved? Visit your local volunteer centre, check for opportunities online at http://www.do-it.org.uk or visit Help from Home http://helpfromhome.org/ Where can I find out more? The Site http://www.thesite.org/workandstudy/volunteering/virtualvolunteering/whatcanvvdo

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE VOLUNTEERINGWhat is it? Helping out in hospitals and care homes, offering respite care for carers or befriending.What skills do I need? An interest in health & social care, patience, good people & communication skills, well organisedHow do I get involved? Visit your local volunteer centre, check for opportunities online at http://www.do-it.org.uk or contact the NHS or local health charitiesWhere can I find out more? Volunteering England has links and information http://www.volunteering.org.uk/resources/goodpracticebank/Specialist+Themes/Health+and+Social+Care/

REFUGEE & ASYLUM SEEKER/DISABILITY/LGBT VOLUNTEERINGVolunteering England has some great links, resources & toolkits here:Refugees & Asylum Seekers: http://www.volunteering.org.uk/resources/goodpracticebank/Specialist+Themes/Refugees+and+Asylum+Seekers/ People with disability: http://www.volunteering.org.uk/resources/goodpracticebank/Specialist+Themes/Disabled+People/ LGBT: http://www.volunteering.org.uk/resources/goodpracticebank/Specialist+Themes/lgbt/

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VOLUNTEERING CHECKLIST Completed(tick)

Date(add date)

Take the online quiz http://www.whatkindofvolunteerareyou.org.uk/questionnaire/ and/or the quiz from this pack

Talk to a youth worker about the kind of volunteering you want to do and the opportunities available

Research the available opportunities using the websites in this pack and the local paper

Visit your local volunteer centre

Decide on your volunteering opportunity

Complete an application form/interview

Get the contact details of the volunteering opportunity

Check that they have appropriate insurance and a list of volunteers rights

Check their policies e.g. equality & diversity, health & safety

Check your role and responsibilities

Start your volunteering opportunity and have a great time!

Volunteering Checklist

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Volunteering WordsearchCan you find these words in the grid?

AssistantConfidenceDiversityExperienceHelperInteractLearningLifeskillsOpportunityParticipationPositiveSatisfactionSelf esteemSkillsStrengthsTalentTrainingVolunteer

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Celebrity Volunteer QuizCan you match the description of these celebrities to their pictures?

Hearing dogs for the Deaf: She presents Springwatch and he’s an adventurer whose father helped found the charity!

Teenage Cancer Trust: This comedian is known as one half of the Mighty Boosh

Home Start: Celebrity volunteers include this Aston Villa footballer and this ‘Ready Steady Cook’ celebrity chef.

British Red Cross: You might find a Dame who plays Q or this comedian who made the documentary ‘Batty Man’ at a BRC event

Cancer Research UK: Celebs who have volunteered for CRUK include the lead singer of Madness, this X Factor winner and a famous Doctor!

Carers UK: He’s one of our best loved comic actors and she spent 12 years on the GMTV sofa.

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AnswersHearing dogs for the Deaf: Kate Humble & Ben Fogle

Teenage Cancer Trust: Noel Fielding

Home Start: Kevin Philipps & Anthony Worrall Thompson

British Red Cross: Dame Judi Dench & Stephen K. Amos

Cancer Research UK: Suggs, Leona Lewis & David Tennant

Carers UK: Richard Briers & Fiona Phillips

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Roleplay – Volunteers to CareersHi, my name’s Chloe-Amaya and I volunteer because I wanted to learn new skills and fill in some experience gaps. Now my CV is filled with job titles like ‘project co-ordinator’ and instructor and employers know I’m ready to learn new things and do more.

Hi, I’m Jake and I’ve just left school. I volunteer because it’s a good way to get a job – and to meet people who might get me a job. I’m hoping I’ll get offered a permanent place soon.

I’m Ali and I already have a job – but I still volunteer because I think it’s important to give something back to my community and to help others. I really enjoy what I do and love meeting & helping people.

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ROLEPLAY – DISCUSSION IDEAS Each character sits on a chair in front of the group and acts out their

reasons for volunteering. Use the following questions to start discussion around reasons for volunteering and encourage the group to ask questions of the three characters.

• Who do you think is most likely to be offered a job and why? (Chloe-Amaya, because she is willing to learn and try new things)

• Whose attitude to volunteering do you most agree with? Who has the best reasons for volunteering? (Ali probably has the best reasons as he is doing it for others not for himself)

• Is volunteering always a positive experience? (Not very positive for Jake as he’s so focused on getting a job he’s missing out on the fun & social aspects)

• Why do you think employers like to employ people who can offer volunteering experience? (They have a range of skills, have been prepared to contribute, are open to new learning).

• Would you consider volunteering in order to get a job? Or would you volunteer just to give something back?

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My dream job Which of these skills and attitudes will help you get your dream job? And which ones are

just rubbish? Draw a line to the dream or the bin!

Dream Job

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My dream jobClockwise from top left the pictures represent:1. Young man in a suit – neat, smart appearance2. Computer – skills & qualifications3. Untidy desk – disorganisation4. Jumping man – enthusiasm and energy5. Sign – experience6. Man hammering – volunteering (look at his t-shirt)7. Man tying shoelace – scruffy, untidy appearance8. Sleeping man – laziness9. Smiling woman – positive, professional attitude10. Interests – wide range of interests11. Speech bubble – bad or inappropriate language12. ‘Sorry I’m Late’ t-shirt – bad timekeeping

1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 are all qualities that employers are looking for3, 7, 8, 11, 12 won’t get you the job!

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Jobsearch Checklist First, take the skills & interests assessment here http://www.skillsandinterests.com/careersadvice/ and check out www.Fasttomato.com at your local library (you’ll need to be a member)

Circle the words that relate to the skills you have:I like fixing things I like working with my hands I’m a natural leader I enjoy talking to people

I’m good with money I like being outdoors I’m a good organiserI’m good at solving problems I enjoy being creative I’m happy working in a team I work well alone

Write down three jobs you would like to know more about:1. _______________________________________________________________________2. _______________________________________________________________________3. _______________________________________________________________________Do you know where to find out more?

How do you feel about:

Interviews writing letters filling in forms Who would you ask for help if you need to improve your confidence?

Do you know where to look for a job?Do you know who to ask for help?

Employers often ask ‘Tell us about yourself’ – think of a short speech (30 seconds – 1 minute) that highlights your skills, experience, education and interests then practice it

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The Interview GameWrite the following phrases – or any you find more suitable - on pieces of paper/card, along with the headings ‘Week Before’, ‘Day Before’ and ‘Morning of Interview’. Place the headings on a tabletop/floor. Shuffle cards together and ask each member of the group to select a card then place under the heading they think is most appropriate. Some will seem obvious (clean teeth) others less so (do you think of your interview questions the week before or the day before? Do you iron your clothes the day before?) – the groupings suggested below are for guidance only, the point being to encourage discussion around organising yourself for a job interview. Once the group is agreed on what fits where you could go on to develop a timeline or exactly what happens when.

WEEK BEFORE DAY BEFORE MORNING OF THE INTERVIEW

DO A MOCK INTERVIEW PRACTICE YOUR ‘ABOUT ME’ SPEECH IRON YOUR CLOTHES

THINK OF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS DECIDE ON YOUR OUTFIT CLEAN YOUR TEETH

RESEARCH THE COMPANY READ COPY OF JOB APPLICATION & CV EAT BREAKFAST

REVIEW YOUR SKILLS CHECK TRAIN/BUS TIMES OR ORDER TAXI CHECK YOUR BAG

CHECK SNSP ROFILE & DELETE INAPPROPRIATE CONTENT/CHECK PRIVACY SETTINGS

CHECK DIRECTIONS GO TO STATION/BUS STOP OR WAIT FOR TAXI

PRACTICE RELAXATION TECHNIQUES READ RESEARCH NOTES HAVE A SHOWER

GET HINTS & TIPS FROM FRIENDS, BOOKS & THE INTERNET

SET ALARM HAVE A SHAVE/PUT ON MAKE UP

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