The gift of time
eolas considers the growing interest in volunteering and the benefits for volunteers and wider society.
When it comes to volunteering, Ireland has been ranked as one of the most generous countries. The 2014 World Giving Index found that 41 per cent of people gave up their time to help others last year. With many multi-nationals now also affording their employees time to volunteer during working hours, the volunteering sector looks as if it will continue to grow.
Last year, over 12,400 people spent 470,000 hours volunteering with Volunteer Ireland, the national volunteer development agency. Through a membership-based scheme, it provides volunteers to a wide range of the community groups in a variety of sectors. It has 21 affiliate volunteer centres and information services based throughout the country, each one working with would-be volunteers and pairing them up with whoever will best avail of their skills and attributes.
Most volunteers that sign up through a national database of opportunities
(I-VOL) or through volunteer centres and information services. Volunteer Ireland’s CEO, Nina Arwitz, notes that an increasing number of people are volunteering to develop new skills or to help improve their employment prospects.
“There are so many benefits to volunteering,” she tells eolas. “In fact, most volunteers find they get more out of volunteering than they give. Put simply, volunteering makes you happy. In a survey we carried out with over 500 volunteers, 98 per cent of participants said that volunteering makes them happier.”
Arwitz adds that volunteering helps people to connect with their community, make new friends, develop new skills or put existing skills or expertise to great us: “For those who may be unemployed or underemployed, volunteering can expand your professional network and provide great experience to add to your CV.”
Interestingly, 30 per cent of volunteers in 2014 were either migrants or overseas visitors to the State. “For those who are new to Ireland, volunteering is a terrific way of making friends in your new community,” Arwitz says. Volunteer Ireland has introduced new training courses for charities and community groups on how to best engage, recruit and involve migrant volunteers.
Her organisation has joined forces with LinkedIn to launch the Volunteer Marketplace, which enables professionals to indicate their interest in volunteering or serving on boards (e.g. as a charity trustee) on their LinkedIn profiles, and to search for opportunities online. As there are 1.2 million LinkedIn members in Ireland, that’s a vast skill set to tap into.
A 100 per cent increase in registrations for volunteering occurred during the first year of the recession. The level of volunteering subsequently stayed constant until a small dip in 2014, perhaps influenced by better economic conditions and lower unemployment.
As the last official statistics on volunteering were gathered at the 2006 census, Volunteer Ireland would like to see a national survey carried out in 2016 to measure changes over the last decade and highlight the “vast impact and value” of the activity.
Arwitz’s main message to someone who is considering volunteering is “give it a try.” She adds: “We find that volunteering works best when it complements your interests or expertise. You may have skills that you would like to share, or have an interest in developing new ones.” And once someone tries it, she finds that they “may never want to stop” because of the “incredible sense of fulfilment and well-being” that results.
Ricky Whelan Environmental NGOs
What made you decide to get involved?
I had come through university volunteering in clubs and societies for more social than professional reasons. My time in university clubs fostered an appreciation for volunteering and its importance on campus and throughout wider society. When I graduated, I became involved in volunteering to boost my skills with the intention to move into a career in conservation and species monitoring.
Why did this area appeal so much to you?
Since my first selfish endeavours into volunteering, it became a hugely important part of my life, socially and professionally. Even after starting and developing my career I continued to volunteer a good proportion of my time. There is a different attitude among volunteers. People volunteer because that certain project or wider cause is so very important to them. It’s incredibly inspiring and addictive to be surrounded by passionate people. Wildlife and conservation causes and projects is where it’s at for me. It’s massively rewarding, challenging, stressful, exciting and interesting. What’s not to like!
What do you enjoy most about it?
I enjoy the passion, community spirit, energy and enthusiasm within the voluntary sector.
Helping others, reflecting on achievements and giving others a leg up keep me interested. Being able to help under-resourced organisations do what they do effectively and professionally is a good feeling.
How would you encourage someone to start?
People will give time to activities and causes they believe in, most of the time without even asking. Volunteering is not for everyone so it’s about targeting the right people. Suitable people are for example “active retirees” they have time on their hands and bring with them a lifetime of skills and knowledge.
University students and the newly graduated have lots of energy and enthusiasm and are hungry to grow their skill set and knowledge base. Setting out the benefits to a potential volunteer is a good hook. Some want experience, some want to “give back”, identify what they want from their time and help them achieve that goal. Never get a volunteer for the sake of having a volunteer. Let the task, project or available role dictate the need for a volunteer.
Isaure Guémard Citizens Advice Bureau
What made you decide to get involved?
Volunteering was an experience I always wanted to try. I knew that someday I would donate my time to help others, to give back. After graduating in France, I had the opportunity to travel in Ireland and I decided to take a year to contribute to society. It is also a great way to get involved in the community, to get to know other people and other cultures. Besides, I thought that if I ever had some problems, I would like to find someone willing to help and listen.
Why did this area appeal so much to you?
At first, I was willing to help in any area. I met with the placement officer of South Dublin Volunteer Centre, and we spoke of how I could contribute, and finally we agreed on this opportunity – being a receptionist at the Citizen Information Centre in Lucan. The role was a logical choice as I was an assistant manager back in France. It would also give me the opportunity to help people from different backgrounds and cultures. I also volunteered to teach beginners English to a French speaker, in the Balgaddy Child and Family Centre.
What do you enjoy most about it?
I have the opportunity to work with people who choose to be there because they want to give, not because they have to. It really taught me something. Your time is more precious if it is given freely. Because of this, relationships between volunteers and clients are much more enjoyable. And the people in charge are really thankful for the time you give.
How would you encourage someone to start?
Finding an organisation with which you would like to get involved is easy, being part of the team is even easier. Most of the time it is only a few hours a week, so anyone can do it. With the warm welcome and the gratitude, you will end up doing more hours each week. It’s a great way to meet charitable and kind people. It is also something everyone should experience at least once in life.
Joan Wadsworth Solas Project
What made you decide to get involved?
Several reasons. I’ve been involved in education and have a passion for efforts to support education for disadvantaged kids. When I moved to Dublin, someone told me about the Volunteer Ireland website (www.volunteer.ie) which I used to see if there would be some opportunities aligned with my interests. I found Solas Project, contacted them, and was interviewed. I knew straight away that, if they would have me, I would love to work with them. Being new to Dublin, I wanted to find worthwhile things to do, a way to lend a hand in this wonderful city and to learn about people and neighbourhoods. I’ve loved the opportunity to serve and to get to know some pretty amazing people.
Why did this area appeal so much to you?
Volunteering with Solas Project works for me because I believe in what they do. Supporting children and young people to reach their potential, in spite of the challenging circumstances of their lives. And, I believe in the way Solas Project works. They are part of the community, building strong relationships with families and schools. They focus on the child – helping kids to learn new skills and build relationships, as well as supporting academics. The staff and volunteers bring a great deal of joy and love to their work.
I think Solas Project really makes a difference for kids and I’m really impressed with what they do. I feel lucky to have found them!
What do you enjoy most about it?
I enjoy the work I do and the people I work with – the staff, volunteers and especially the children. I’m really happy to do work I believe in and, in the three years I’ve been with Solas Project, I’ve seen some remarkable growth among the kids. Day-to-day, the work can be challenging, but it’s rewarding to look back sometimes and see some pretty wonderful changes.
How would you encourage someone to start?
Start by thinking about something you care about – kids, older people, food insecurity, homelessness, the environment. Whatever you care about, there’ll be an opportunity to volunteer. I also help to organise the Friends of the Grand Canal – a group that cleans trash along the Grand Canal once a month. Simple and lots of fun and makes a difference!
Once you start looking around, there are so many ways to help out. Though we all enter volunteering to help out, I think I get more out of volunteering than I’m able to give.
