🙌 Thank you for being part of National Volunteering Week! 🦺
National Volunteering Week has been an incredible tribute to the remarkable volunteers who enrich our communities.. Thank you for joining in!
Thank you, volunteers!
Today and every day
As National Volunteering Week comes to a close this weekend, let's remember that volunteering isn't just a one-week event – it's an ongoing commitment to making our communities better places.
Thank you to all the volunteers who make Ireland a better place every day!
Alina & Ilona volunteer their time & talents in Cavan
Our new video features Ukrainian sisters who volunteer in Cavan nursing homes
Sisters Alina and Ilona are grateful for the warm welcome they've received since arriving in Cavan last year.
They're giving back to their new community by volunteering at local nursing homes. Watch their inspiring story.
WATCH THE VIDEO
M'hammed's volunteering story
'Volunteering helps you feel part of the community you live in, whoever you are’
M’hammed has found a sense of community and belonging through volunteering in Dublin. From helping with English classes to joining charity shops and festivals, he shares how volunteering has helped him to make friends and learn about Irish culture.
“Volunteering has given me an opportunity to meet people from different countries who are asylum seekers like me, but I also got to meet a lot of local people.
“I started volunteering soon after arriving in Dublin six months ago. When I arrived, I met neighbours who volunteer with a local community group, welcoming new arrivals to Ireland. So I started to connect with them until I became volunteer myself, helping with English classes, events, activities, and the community garden.
“Then I heard about the Dublin City Volunteer Centre and the I-VOL website, which opened up loads of new volunteering roles to me. I started volunteering regularly in the NCBI charity shop, became involved in the St. Patrick’s Day Festival, and joined the Together for Better volunteering programme.
“All my volunteering roles have been a real joy. I enjoy being part of a diverse team including Irish people and foreign people from different backgrounds, with different stories. And I enjoy having such a group of friends that I can chat with and have fun with. It gives me a chance to learn about Irish culture, which is very helpful in integrating into Ireland’s global community. Volunteering helps you feel part of the community you live in, and to feel welcome, whoever you are.
“I would like to advise anyone to try volunteering – even just for one or two hours of your life. You deserve the joy of it. You may help others or help your community, and you’ll experience a positive return in your life. Whether you’re a professional, a student, or an asylum seeker, you won’t regret it.”
READ MORE VOLUNTEERING STORIES
Pay it forward ➡️
Know someone who'd enjoy this newsletter?
Then please forward this email to them! 📨
And lastly,
Does your organisation engage volunteers, or do you work as a Volunteer Manager? Then don't miss our upcoming training sessions!
Exploring the volunteering landscape across Europe
Fri 19 May
Join us for a virtual coffee break with Lejla Šehić Relić of the Centre for European Volunteering.
Dealing with challenging volunteer behaviour
Thu 8 June
An interactive workshop with the opportunity to connect with your volunteer management peers.
Developing a positive volunteer culture
Thu 29 June
Learn how your organisation's culture might impact someone's volunteering experience, and take steps to change it.
VIEW OUR FULL TRAINING CALENDAR
www.volunteer.ie
If you would like to unsubscribe and stop receiving these emails click here: [link removed].
