Volunteering refers to non-profit activities carried out on a voluntary basis. Volunteers are driven purely by altruistic motivations, adhering to the principles of legality, humanity, and equality. This activity does not include assistance provided to close relatives, friends, or neighbours. More on ileeds.info.
According to statistics, volunteer work contributes approximately 4–8% of a country’s GDP. There is even an International Volunteer Day, celebrated annually on 5 December. Leeds proudly participates in various volunteering initiatives.
Volunteering is a form of activism that has the power to change lives. Heather Conboy, the volunteer coordinator for the Kirklees and Calderdale Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, firmly believes this. Heather studied political science at the University of Leeds in 2014, where her interest in feminism and women’s advocacy took shape. This is reported on the website Medium.com.
How Volunteering Protects Women from Violence
Heather Conboy, a feminist and volunteer from Leeds, deliberately studied feminist theory, which inspired her to support victims of violence. Heather began volunteering at the Support After Rape and Sexual Violence Centre in Leeds, offering vital aid to girls and women through helpline services, awareness campaigns, and counselling support.
As a volunteer, Heather dedicated three hours a week and was amazed at how simply listening and supporting could transform lives.
In September 2020, Heather began working as the volunteer coordinator at the Kirklees and Calderdale Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre. In her role, Heather recruits, trains, and supervises volunteers while overseeing the support services provided by the organisation.
Heather believes that while marches, petitions, and online activism play an important role, real change occurs through direct, targeted assistance. Transforming anger over injustice into practical action can achieve remarkable results.
Misconceptions That Hinder Volunteering
Emma Douglas, the BBC Children in Need volunteer manager, also studied journalism and broadcasting in Leeds. Emma highlights several misconceptions that prevent people from volunteering:
- Volunteering is exclusively for helping elderly citizens.
- Volunteering is boring.
- Volunteering will consume too much time.
Emma explains that such claims are false. In reality, every major initiative relies heavily on volunteers. Fundraising would be impossible without their involvement, even in large organisations. Volunteers contribute millions of pounds annually without financial compensation.
Emma emphasises that finding the right volunteer is challenging. Ideal candidates possess qualities such as enthusiasm, energy, and specific skills. Exceptional volunteers recognise their strengths and eagerly use them for the greater good.
Types of Volunteering in Leeds
Leeds offers numerous opportunities to contribute your skills as a volunteer. These include:
- Arts and Culture: Supporting festivals, exhibitions, and cultural events.
- Environmental Work: Helping in parks and green spaces through gardening and clean-ups.
- Library Assistance: Participating in events, organising operations, greeting visitors, gathering feedback, and more.
- Museums and Galleries: Assisting in curatorial, administrative, and event-related tasks.
- Youth Services: Managing youth clubs, driving minibuses, organising activities, providing consultations for education and employment.
- Sports Clubs: Engaging in coaching, events, administration, marketing, and fundraising activities.
Volunteer initiatives in Leeds are actively encouraged, offering individuals opportunities to develop and strengthen skills while gaining a competitive edge for career advancement. The broad spectrum of volunteer roles ensures everyone can find an activity suited to their interests, with many considering volunteering a lifelong passion.
Organisation of Volunteering in Leeds
Leeds is home to the Leeds Volunteer Centre, which operates a dedicated platform for volunteers. Citizens can explore various volunteer opportunities while organisations receive consultations and support to develop and manage volunteer programmes.
The Leeds Volunteer Centre is centrally located at the Kirkgate Market food court. Specialists at the centre firmly believe in the immeasurable benefits of volunteering for both individuals and organisations, capable of transforming lives.
Essential Qualities of a Volunteer
To thrive as a volunteer, individuals need specific skills and qualities. Potential volunteers often ask themselves whether they are suited for this role.
Successful volunteers typically display the following traits:
- Patience and respect for others.
- Interest in various fields, with practical knowledge in areas such as medicine, psychology, education, and law.
- Strong communication skills, confidence, and the ability to engage with diverse groups of people.
- Enthusiasm for learning and adopting both domestic and international volunteer experiences.
However, lacking some of these skills does not preclude individuals from volunteering. Many competencies can be developed through practical experience. The most important factor is a genuine desire to contribute time and effort to the cause. Volunteers must be prepared for challenges and ready to dedicate themselves to meaningful work.
The initial steps into volunteering may feel daunting, but with persistence and training, individuals can enhance their capabilities. Success ultimately comes to those who remain resilient and determined in the face of challenges.
Volunteering is a journey of growth, fulfilment, and transformation – for both volunteers and the communities they serve.