Big Society's Big Mouth : Discussions on volunteering

I am writing an article for the Truth About Youth column in my local paper on the classification NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) and how it defines young people as what they are not, not what they are... I am actually pretty annoyed that despite filling my time with volunteering I am counted in statistics that are used in headlines that propagate stereotypes about young people as... Read more

almost 2 years ago

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Myriam Roberts

I am a vtalent year volunter and don't class myslef as NEET because I am in training.
No young volunteer is a NEET. I think it is a degrading lable which doesn't help young poeple at all. NEET's just need personal support to help them find there path.

almost 2 years ago
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Ruth Hennell

Hi Myriam I think you are the optimum example of someone who shouldn't be called NEET, but I am wondering if the government counts those full-time volunteering a NEET or not, I know I am considered NEET and I don't think it's fair!

almost 2 years ago
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Ruth Hennell

P.S. Myriam is it ok to quote you in my article?

almost 2 years ago
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Kathy Marshall

Most people don't exactly choose to be NEETs. And seeing as someone can't volunteer for a living and most volunteering doesn't involve education or training, a lot of volunteers will technically fall into the NEET category, whether they like it or not..

over 1 year ago
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Myriam Roberts

Hi Ruth you can quote me in your article! But young volunteers I guess officially they would be classed as NEET but what about older people who volunteer and don't have a job are they classed as unemployed? The form needs new categorise which include volunteer and young volunteer!

over 1 year ago
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Kathy Marshall on volunteering funding

Well, firstly, goodbye. I'm not 25 for much longer. I know this site is pretty much abandoned but I'm not sure where else to post this and don't really use Facebook any more.

Weirdly, I don't actually do much volunteering anymore. Anyone else found that? The lack of funding has made things almost impossible. A lot of groups and organisations don't appear to be mentioning this at all really... Read more

Well, firstly, goodbye. I'm not 25 for much longer. I know this site is pretty much abandoned but I'm not sure where else to post this and don't really use Facebook any more.

Weirdly, I don't actually do much volunteering anymore. Anyone else found that? The lack of funding has made things almost impossible. A lot of groups and organisations don't appear to be mentioning this at all really, which seems weird. Has the effect not kicked in for others yet or are people trying to put a positive spin on things or what?

If anyone's still around it would be interesting to know what the world of volunteering is like for people right now.

Volunteering over the years has been interesting. Mostly fun. And I have had some unusual things happen through it - I met the Prime Minister, I won a holiday, I appeared on TV (I'm not saying what, it's embarrassing...) And one project I did involved me failing miserably in front of 100,000 people. It's been bizarre.

I'm not sure how it's changed my life. Various fluffy statements are thrown around about the benefits of volunteering, but it tends to be a bit simplified.

Volunteering hasn't helped me find a job, and probably won't.
It has helped my health improve. Although sometimes made it worse, due to the stress. And I've been hit in the face while volunteering (by a volunteer age over 25 btw), insulted a few times and treated like an idiot lots of times, and none of that helps.
It helped with my agoraphobia; weirdly it was the holiday I won from a volunteering website that helped in the most dramatic way, and that was quite a random thing. I hadn't been on holiday for 10 years and probably never would have gone abroad if it wasn't for winning that.
It helped me feel like a useful human being. Unemployment tends to destroy all self esteem. And I'm freakishly clever (if you don't blow your own trumpet no one else will...), but too ill to go to university or get a job, so had pretty much nothing at all to do with my brain was several years, and it's frustrating. Volunteering gave me something to work on. Although I think it's very hard for someone to make full use of their skills through volunteering: I didn't. Too many people just want volunteers to simple tasks like litter picking.
I wouldn't say volunteering made me any new friends either. Some acquaintances though, and I spent more time with people I already knew.
Did it give me a warm happy feeling inside? I'm not sure...

Have I missed any great volunteering cliches?

I'd kinda like to write a book about volunteering. Anyone else considering that? But I'm not sure, because I suspect it would be the bits that went wrong that would make the most entertaining read!

I think people often have quite a boring view of volunteering. Volunteering gets presented as "nice", and nice is bland. The world of volunteering is fascinating and bizarre and crazy and funny. It involves rewriting Black Sabbath songs and everything. And yes, sometimes being hit in the face by a pensioner, or crying all the way home from Birmingham to Leeds. Definitely not just endless tales of going to volunteer at the pet shelter and finding it "so rewarding".

Currently, the only place I volunteer is at an amateur rugby league team as a statistician and sometimes (unconventional) fundraiser. It involves rugby players; they're unique. And sometimes free chocolate. And often naked bums. I'm not as fond of that part. But I'd recommend it. Read less

over 1 year ago

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Myriam Roberts

I agree with what you say lot of funding has stopped and its wasting a lot of young volunteers who have a good background of experiences but everyone is try to be positive about it !

over 1 year ago
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Sophie Berg

NEET? excuse my ignorance what does this stand for. I've been volunteering at the Botanical Gardens in Sheffield consistently since September 2008 and recently started doing a day every other week with the City Centre Gardening team. Throughout this time I've spent 2 years at College doing a NVQ2 and NPTC3 in Horticulture, between College and volunteering I've gained such a lot of invaluable practical... Read more

over 1 year ago
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Myriam Roberts

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over 1 year ago
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Myriam Roberts

The Term "NEET" is used to define young people 'Not in Education, Employment or Training'! It does not mention volunteering.

over 1 year ago
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Sophie Berg

Ah yes pardon my ignorance I had heard of ti before just didn't connect at the time, thanks

over 1 year ago
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Kic Fm on big society volunteering youth youth services young people riots

Hi All

Hope you're all well.

Been a while since I posted.

Just wanted to let you all know we're still fighting hard for young people. We've been speaking to the local council, our MPs and have even manage to speak to Nick Hurd under our local MPs behalf. We're moving forward in every way possible.

We are in a very strong position at the moment. As you're well aware, the riots saw young... Read more

Hi All

Hope you're all well.

Been a while since I posted.

Just wanted to let you all know we're still fighting hard for young people. We've been speaking to the local council, our MPs and have even manage to speak to Nick Hurd under our local MPs behalf. We're moving forward in every way possible.

We are in a very strong position at the moment. As you're well aware, the riots saw young people take to the streets and cause chaos. It is the minority who contribute to the negative stereotype but KIC FM have been at the forefront providing a service for the community tackling that negative image.

Young volunteers insisted getting back involved with KIC and we made the decision to temporarily re-open to help diffuse the situation. Our young people been active, broadcasting messages of calm to their peers and getting views from local people during and after the incidents.

KIC FM have also been on the forefront of the riots leading the social networks coverage on twitter. We provided Wolverhampton with factual, real time updates from 4pm - 11pm with young people leading the way whilst monitoring key members of West Midlands Police closely on twitter, We as an organisation brought positivity back to young people. We received hundreds of messages of support, from Councillors, Labour MPs, Celebrities and the people of Wolverhampton during the incidents. Some examples.

@WolverhamptonLD
WolverhamptonLD
though think it is a great shame that the Prime Minister failed to meet with @KICfm whilst visiting Wolverhampton

@WV11
WV11.co.uk
Great to hear @KicFM - the real voice of Wolverhampton youth urging teens to go home & stay out of the city centre this afternoon/evening!

@AqueousGraphics
Julie Metcalfe
@KICfm great coverage tonight of the riots in wolves - you've done brilliantly - a real inspiration!

@stattosteve
Steve Hermon
@TheDiaryOfJay Agree with you. Well done to @KICfm. Some dedicated young people volunteer there. They've put some full-time media to shame.

We also reported live for Sky News due to the detail of our coverage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RyHAn8NNUY&feature=share

Following on from the riots, BBC London phoned us to be part of the audience of Young Voters' Question Time. It was an amazing experience, yet again acting as positive role models for our youth of Wolverhampton. Attached are photos of myself and a young volunteer in front row

To see brilliant work our young people carried out in the last week alone, please visit.....

www.kicfm.com/shows/riots

You will also find a blog there about my personal experience deep in the riots.

Hope you're all well.

Kenny Mach
Station Manager
www.kicfm.com

www.twitter.com/kenny_mach
www.twitter.com/kicfm
www.facebook.com/kic.fm Read less

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almost 2 years ago

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Myriam Roberts

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over 1 year ago
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Myriam Roberts

keep up the good work of giving the government and other decision makers a balanced view of young people with in the UK!

over 1 year ago
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Lusiné Manukyan on volunteering youth music young leaders

Voltage is a volunteering programme initially funded by V and Youth Music but now self-sustained and supported by the Sage Gateshead since funding finished in March 2011.
The project gives great opportunities for young people aged 16-25 to volunteer at various events that take place at or are organised by the Sage Gateshead, as well opportunities to shadow any worker in the building.

There are... Read more

almost 2 years ago

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James Derounian on volunteering education big society environment guest blog

What’s the connection between the Big Society and the government’s vision for higher education, school leavers and graduate skills? The answer is a “green gap year” for students.

Imagine the energy of teenage volunteers able to complete community service, help with projects to address climate change and contribute towards sustainability. This could be delivered through a voluntary period of National... Read more

What’s the connection between the Big Society and the government’s vision for higher education, school leavers and graduate skills? The answer is a “green gap year” for students.

Imagine the energy of teenage volunteers able to complete community service, help with projects to address climate change and contribute towards sustainability. This could be delivered through a voluntary period of National Service by school leavers (and older students) before they start university.

Cameron and the Con-Lib coalition have highlighted the two-month National Citizen Service initiative as “a programme for 16-year-olds to give them a chance to develop the skills needed to be active and responsible citizens”, and a green gap year would extend this idea.

The US has blazed a trail in terms of linking service to higher education via the Service Learning programme, which – according to the Corporation for National and Community Service – “enhances the community through the service provided, but also has powerful learning consequences for the students”.

Many US presidents have promoted forms of national service – from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps to Bill Clinton’s 300,000-strong AmeriCorps – and the approach has gained further momentum in the post-9/11 era. As President Obama comments: “Now is exactly the time when we need more volunteerism.”

As far back as 1938, the American educator John Dewey argued that “all genuine education comes about through experience”. He contended that interaction between individuals and their surroundings can foster valuable reflection.

Today in the UK, many school leavers face the prospect of A-level success that will not translate into university places. So what could a fulfilling green gap year do for them?

First, it could help teenagers become more independent before they make the move to university – a “safe” first step away from home and toward independence. Second, it could provide real-world experience: life and study skills such as working with others, personal organisation and meeting deadlines. There are countless projects – environmental improvements, regeneration initiatives and health and welfare schemes – that could benefit from an injection of young blood.

A green gap year could also extend and give serious meaning to secondary school citizenship classes; represent a means to address the democratic deficit by re-connecting young voters with society; and perhaps form the basis of reflection for academic credit. Other potential benefits include harnessing the idealism and enthusiasm of youth and fostering cross-generational work, such as young people helping elderly neighbours and gaining knowledge and skills from them.

Such a workforce could accelerate the attack on global warming while undertaking purposeful “employment” in a time of recession: something that should impress employers pre- or post-graduation. The work of volunteers could strengthen communities, improve participants’ lives while transforming the lives of others, and help to engender mutuality. As the Prime Minister has observed, there is a desperate need to “create communities with oomph” and this mechanism could help turn the Big Society rhetoric into reality.

Specifically in terms of higher education, National Service could extend existing volunteering – with Brownies, sports clubs, mentoring and so on. It could also constitute a bridge to independent learning at university and offer breathing space, allowing individuals the chance to reflect on whether they really want to go to university (or not!). Furthermore, the UK would be following in the footsteps of Germany, France and Italy, which all have national programmes for long-term voluntary service undertaken by young people.

Of course, there are dangers: poor communities must not be further stigmatised or exploited as a free resource for student education, and neither must those on National Service displace paid employees. Similarly the service must be meaningful and not chain someone to a photocopier. Additionally, there is the risk of patronising the “needy” and inducing dependence on charity.

So what’s in it for the students?

My suggestion is that in exchange for, say, six months of community service, volunteers should receive an educational credit of £4,000 offset against their first-year university tuition fees. Such a payment could provide a welcome boost for individuals on low incomes, with funds provided by the proposed Big Society Bank (which is expected to be able to draw on at least £60 million garnered from dormant accounts). As Martin Luther King observed: “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.”

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Poll question

I would take part in a Green Gap Year.

about 2 years ago

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David McNeilage

Well, good luck with it.

almost 2 years ago
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James Derounian

Thanks David - I don't claim to have all the answers, and it's good to have your questioning....I may come back to you!
James

almost 2 years ago
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Myriam Roberts

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over 1 year ago
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Myriam Roberts

Just 3 questions; how is it funded? how are you going to market it so as many young people can think about applying for it? is there going to be some funds for young people who need extra support so they can take part?

over 1 year ago
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James Derounian

Hi Myriam,

It's in its early days.....but I would hope that it could be marketed widely e.g. through schools & existing orgs like Community Service Volunteers; funding - possibly Government, chartities or businesses....or a mix!

I'll think on the extra support! It's a work in progress.
James

over 1 year ago
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VGary Brunskill on volunteering community housing

Heres somthing I have just came across on the web an interesting approach to social housing allocation by Barnet council…

Allocation based upon community contributions and volunteering … (see link pg26 / 27)

http://www.barnet.gov.uk/allocations-scheme-the-full-rules-march-2011.pdf

This made for very interesting reading, it made me think of a number of questions...

1) Is this approach somthing... Read more

Link

http://http://www.barnet.gov.uk/allocations-scheme-the-full-rules-march-2011.pdf

almost 2 years ago

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Ruth Hennell

I think this is interesting. At first I thought, no way, housing should be based on need, some people can't volunteer and after all volunteering is VOLUNTARY.

But thinking about it I wonder, if you had a certain percentage assigned this way, maybe that would be a positive thing for that community or estate. Those who volunteer are more likely to support local community projects, you need people... Read more

almost 2 years ago
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VGary Brunskill

Hi ruth, thanks for your comment.. its interesting to hear about your aunt moving to the new estate, and being a welcoming figure in the community.

It would be great to hear if anyone has come across any other councils which are running simular schemes... ???

almost 2 years ago
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Lusiné Manukyan on education big society politics volunteering community young people opportunities campaign parliamentary outreach young leaders

Being inspired by Onyere's blog I decided to write my own about the 21st Century Activist event organised by the Big Society's Big Mouth and the Parliamentary Outreach on the 23rd May.

So, it was a really early start for me that morning, having to wake up at around 4.30am (although I must admit I snoozed my alarm at least 3 times and got up at 5.00) to catch a train at 6.30am from Newcastle to... Read more

Being inspired by Onyere's blog I decided to write my own about the 21st Century Activist event organised by the Big Society's Big Mouth and the Parliamentary Outreach on the 23rd May.

So, it was a really early start for me that morning, having to wake up at around 4.30am (although I must admit I snoozed my alarm at least 3 times and got up at 5.00) to catch a train at 6.30am from Newcastle to London! The train journey was ok, but slightly boring and after 3 hours, a 20min delay, and a journey from King's Cross on the Tube, I finally arrived at Westminster.

Spending about 5 minutes trying to persuade the police officers that I was going to a meeting at the Westminster Abbey, I spoke to Kate who pointed out that the session was at 1 Parliament street...oups...slightly embarrassed, but also disappointed since they were about to let me in, I marched towards the actual building, missing it too and then finally noticing Kate.

The event itself went really well, with lots of interesting facts about the parliament, it's structure, the difference between parliament and government (which is actually pretty big) and most importantly useful tools on lobbying the government and getting your voice heard in the best way. It was a day packed with info, action and lots of Danish pastry (mmm...).

I also met some pretty awesome people with pretty awesome (and sometimes radical, Rash) ideas! Our campaign planning session was really interesting, as our group had SOOO many ideas we couldn't decide what and how to do, although I thought Will's idea of bullying Tesco into advertising our website on their website was brilliant! I also loved the other groups' ideas of bringing Politics into the curriculum in a more structured way and creating a database of opportunities (Charlotte's and Ruth's excitement about this was so inspiring!). Was great to meet everyone, and awesome to find someone who's done the same degree as one that I want to do, and at the same uni!

Was slightly gutted I didn't get one of the Parliament Bags, but hey, the actual goodies-not-in-bags were cool!

After saying lovely goodbyes to everyone and agreeing on a plan to change the world I set off back to Newcastle. Had a meeting with a Battlefront Campaigns person on the way at Old Street, and got a train at 7pm. This was meant to get me back at 9.50pm, but guess what? I am very lucky with all my trains being delayed, so thanks to a broken down train before us we were stuck between Darlington and Newcastle for about an hour and a half, which meant I only got home at 00.00am! At least there was a woman that kept us entertained on the train with phrases like: 'They have the tube in Newcastle? I didn't know that!'. Of course we don't, we have the metro, like in France and all other fab places. Ah, good stuff!

To summarise: long journeys, cool people, brilliant ideas, amazing time, one long 19 hour day! Thanks to Big Society's Big Mouth! Read less

almost 2 years ago

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Lusiné Manukyan

Wow, this is longer than I expected it to be!

almost 2 years ago
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Myriam Roberts

It was one of the best events I have ever been to! love your blog by the way!

almost 2 years ago
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Lusiné Manukyan

It was, wasn't it? And thanks :)

almost 2 years ago
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Kate VInspired

Hi Lusine

Thanks for your blog, glad you enjoyed the day- phew that is a seriously long day...19 hours, you deserve a medal!

Kate

almost 2 years ago
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Kate VInspired on volunteering polls job seekers

v knows that full-time volunteering can provide a great way for young people to gain the skills and practical work experience needed to gain employment. However, at the moment, if an unemployed young person wants to undertake a full-time volunteering programme, they have to come off Job Seekers Allowance, which causes major hassle for them, and impacts on other benefits they receive too (e.g. housing... Read more

Poll question

Should the government introduce a full-time volunteering programme which allows unemployed young people to volunteer and continue claiming Job Seekers Allowance?

almost 2 years ago

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Myriam Roberts

brillant idea!

almost 2 years ago
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Aklima Vinspired

yes they should so that they can gain skills in order to move forward, making it easier to get jobs.

almost 2 years ago
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Kai Lazarus

Yep, going for yes on this one. The volunteering bit could make sure that skills and work ethics don't rust while looking for jobs. Although, I'm wondering if the times would impact the ability to search for a job.

I mean, if I person has to work/volunteer 9-5 then the'll probably be tired by the end to look for a job.

almost 2 years ago
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natalie dean

The thing is the goverment want to force people on JSA to do certain jobs e.g. pick up litter etc, (what people pay there taxes for) and if they refuse they stop there JSA. Which i do think is a cover for cuts.

I think people should Vol if they want to and not be forced into it, and it should not affect there JSA. As long as that person is still looking for a job then it should be ok.

almost 2 years ago
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Matthew Procter

No, it all sounds like a good idea to start with, but volunteering in the private sector to gain experience simply replaces the paid worker with a free worker. For example, my friend is on Job seekers allowance, he wanted to get a job in a pub/restauraunt, but the employers wanted him to have more experience, so he asked if he could volunteer for free, but he couldnt because he would lose his JSA... Read more

almost 2 years ago
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Carly Vinspired on volunteering

Exciting new campaign on it's way... never been a better way to fundraise and have some fun.. guaranteed!

Launching on Wednesday.. watch this space!

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almost 2 years ago

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Myriam Roberts

excited about this!

almost 2 years ago
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Aklima Vinspired

looking forward to it!

almost 2 years ago
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Lusiné Manukyan

This looks pretty cool :)

almost 2 years ago
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Alice Little on volunteering community aspirations work

I've noticed that a lot of discussions on here are negative-focussed: what's wrong with the government, the Big Society agenda, etc.

How about a more positive thread?

If the government has got it all wrong and doesn't understand young people, then what volunteering have you done recently? What's important in your community? Do you work in an area, or study something you really love? What are your... Read more

over 2 years ago

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Leoni Fay Million

Hi Alice, I currently volunteer at a college supporting learning diasable young adults between the ages 16 and 25 they struggle with simple tasks and smile when you help them put their coat on i go to work each day and they wave and smile and i help them improve their number skills and writing their name also with practical tasks like cleaning out pigs and so on. I have made such a bond with them... Read more

about 2 years ago
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Myriam Roberts

It is always good to be positive if it possible!

almost 2 years ago
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David McNeilage

Good on you!

almost 2 years ago
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Aklima Vinspired

it's easier to think of the negatives.

almost 2 years ago
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Lusiné Manukyan

I think it's important to recognise and discuss both the positives and the negatives.

almost 2 years ago
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