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Wednesday Feb 28, 2007

B'OSCARS

Yes folks its that time of year again.  We've had the OSCARS this week and now we build up to "The B'OSCARS"!   Fast approaching upon us and planning is underway.We're having the event at the Life Centre this year as the Regional Office didnt really fit everyone in last year.  And were hoping to have more people at the event this year.  So those outside the organisation but have helped Barnardos in some way this year, for example fundraisers and those that took part in the Eco Fashion show in November.

Not forgetting the achievements throughout the year of Barnardo's service users themselves.  Which could be an indivdual achievement like attendance at school or participating in something within there group.

 So Participation and Volunteering are teaming up again this year to host the celebration event of the year in for Barnardo's North East. Barnardo's Young People's Regional Advisory Group (YPRAG) are having an input in this year's event in planning the event so I took the opportunity last week at 1 of our meetings to ask them what they thought worked well last year, what didn't and what they wanted to see this year.  We had a great time!  So what came out of it.....We dont know how much of this will or won't happen as yet but its a start....

Have it themed in Blue or Purple and silver worked last year and they liked it or to have a Friday 13th theme...reason for the Friday the 13th theme came around because mad it may be but, were having it on Friday 13th April ohhh (So those of you that normally dont get out of bed.  I'm sorry, but if you want to have a B'OSCAR you may just have to get up just this once hehe).  I like that theme idea though.

They thought a disco would be good or  failing the disco another kareoke like we had last year.  I'm not sure which is possible yet but we will defo have some kind of music.  Also to have stalls - Design a Poster or design new certificate for the 2008 B'OSCARS this is a bit of a fave!  Cakes stall.  So all in all the group came up with some fab ideas for the whole event including how the evaluation should be done.  So its all plan, plan, plan.  Dont want to give too much away.

Hope the nominations are coming in slowly but surely only couple of weeks left to go till the deadline for nominations.  So don't miss out!

Posted by Moira ( 5:23 PM )
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Thursday Feb 15, 2007

Worth Waiting For...

This is an important week in the life of any Oxfam Festival Steward, this is the week when we can start applying to volunteer at festivals over the summer. Having stewarded before we get advanced warning in order to get our applications in to beat the rush and stand a chance of getting to Glastonbury this year (new stewards have to wait till March to apply). With Glastonbury being back on this year we had to beat the rush to ensure we got the opportunity to get muddy in a somerset field while listening to amazing music. Poised at my computer on Monday morning ready with embarrassing passport photos and deposit cheques, I waited for the form to become live in order to fill it in and rush down to the post office. Application now in, all i can do now is wait and hope that I will be drinking Somerset Cider while listening to Kylie perform at this years Glastonbury festival.

Posted by Helen Bryant ( 4:55 PM )
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Thursday Feb 01, 2007

Going Back to School

As soon as a new volunteering opportunity comes up with Oxfam, I never seem to be far from the front of the queue!

The latest opportunity took me to York last weekend, where I found myself learning how to be a Oxfam School Speaker with lots of other Oxfam volunteers of all ages. The weekend was full of fun and interactive activities for us to have a go out and then become confident in delivering to school children from 8-18 years. Finding creative ways to engage people in learning about global citizenship covering a range of areas from 'what is Oxfam' to the 'Millennium Development Goals'.

I had an amazing weekend getting to know people and preparing myself for taking school assemblies and workshops, unfortunately I ended up spending the Saturday afternoon in bed after a migraine defeated me and quickly became aware of how caring the other members of the group were.

Posted by Helen Bryant ( 2:46 PM )
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