National Volunteers' Week

It's National Volunteers' Week this week when hoards of people suddenly stop working themselves to the bone to feed their families, put their sons & daughters through further education, save for that 'must have' foreign holiday, and start selflessly doing things for their community, or for others less advantaged than themselves.

Well, it would be nice if it were true, but the reality is that, although there is a hard core of driven and committed volunteers who use up their precious spare time digging out canals and doing shopping for the elderly, a lot of volunteering is done by the retired who want to 'give something back'. Many of these bring enthusiasm, energy and skills to the causes/organisations they choose to support, but unfortunately some are unfamiliar with the modern technology, social networking and communications skills necessary to make an impact in our modern world.

Of course, potential 'volunteers' are perhaps reluctant to approach a charitable organisation because they can't make a long term commitment. But volunteering need not be like that. There must be so many people who have skills in accounting, IT, social networking, publishing, fundraising and more, who could spend an afternoon providing a bit of advice which might just make a world of difference: show a treasurer how to use a computer spreadsheet, show a publicity officer some desktop publishing, show an events organiser how to tweet! Even if you have no skills at all, some organisations are always looking for volunteers to stand outside Council Offices, hold placards and shout at Councillors!

If you are too mean to give up your time for free, talk to your employer. Many employers are now giving employees 'volunteer days' as part of their benefits package (along with annual holiday, 'duvet days', 'sickies', etc.). The employer pays for you to work for a registered charity or similar organisation for say 2 or 3 days a year. If your employer does not do this, ask. It could be they have never thought of it - many companies benefit from demonstrable social/community credentials.

Finally, if you'd like to support a local charity, but can't just find the energy to rise from your armchair, send in a bob or two!

Remember, that warm feeling you get from selfless and charitable acts is better than sex or alcohol - thousands of volunteers up and down the country can't be wrong.

If you'd like to help CPRE, Shropshire please get in touch with our Administrator, contact details are on our website.