If you think students spend all their spare time avoiding studying, going out with their mates and having a good time then you'd be right. Well our student bloggers do anyway. While they assure us they don't slack on the study, they've got a lot to answer for when it comes to enjoying themselves while volunteering.

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Thursday Feb 04, 2010

First week back in action

Hi again!

Well, Aberdeen uni is finally onto the second semester of the academic year, after a nice long christmas break followed by a not so nice exam period. Now that we're properly back into classes and all of our volunteers have the free time again - Bookends has reopened for business!

Our first meeting of the semester was on Monday evening, where we discussed important issues such as the fact that our new database system has STILL not been installed (it was promised in September...) and of course, our upcoming socials! Unfortunately I'm missing the first of them which is tomorrow night, as I'm down in Edinburgh to see my long distance boyfriend instead...however, we're also having a pub quiz followed by who know what nonsense on Sunday which I will definitely be attending! The socials are a key part of the Bookends club, as it helps us to get to know each other and feel part of the team, even those members who only commit one hour a week - as we're all essential. I have to admit, regular socials was in fact one of the deciding factors making me join, as I wanted to do something which would also help me to meet like-minded people, and where I'd really feel involved.

Anyhoo, I thought I should let you in on my plans for what I'll be up to at Bookends this semester so here we go...

Firstly, I've signed up for the Millenium Volunteers Awards Scheme, which allows Scottish volunteers on certain projects to log the hours they've worked, and then earn awards for them in blocks of 50, 100, and 200 hours. A great addition to any CV, the awards encourage recognition of the hard work that volunteers do, and also help to encourage you to join new projects through advertising them on their site, and offering volunteers the chance to rack up more hours towards their awards (www.mvvolunteeringpassport.org.uk). 

Secondly, I've committed myself to a minimum of 4 hours per week now working at the shop, which I will try my best to stick to, and will probably often stay a little more!

Finally, and maybe most importantly, I've signed myself up as a member of the marketing team for Bookends. In this role I hope to become more involved in the Bookends family, and to improve our fundraising potential! This week I decided to decorate the shop with lovehearts and a raunchy display of books related to love and sexual themes in order to celebrate St. Valentine's Day coming up next Sunday, as something a little different for the customers - although I'm not too sure my History lecturer was too impressed when she came in!

Also I've thrown myself right into the deep end as I'm planning to head up our voluntary team for a Bookends float in the annual Torcher's Parade we have here in Aberdeen - the largest student torchlit parade in Europe! This is a massive event in the Aberdeen diary, especially for the Charities Campaign as it is our second highest fundraising event next to the Student Show. The Parade marks the end of Charities Fortnight, as you may have guessed this is the busiest fortnight of the year for our fundraising antics and is guaranteed to be a fun time! I've never taken part in the even before... So I'm not even sure where to start - but I promise to keep you updated!

Bye for now Fi.

Posted by Fiona ( 8:00 PM )
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Monday Jan 25, 2010

More do-gooder activities...UK-stylee

Hello Hello!

Newcomer to the student blog, I'm Fiona, a friendly third year Cultural History and Sociology student from Fife, currently studying up North in Aberdeen.

For those of you who may have skimmed through the overseas blog, you may have come across my name before as I excitedly rambled on about my voluntary experience and travels in the beautiful country of Mexico. Well, as my travels came to an end, I vowed to myself that I would carry on and become more involved with voluntary work once I was back at Uni - and I did!

Unfortunately, due to money troubles, my first semester's efforts were not epic, as I struggled to get through coursework whilst holding down a heavy-going waitressing job. However, money troubles are now sorted (for the moment, fingers crossed and all that jazz!) so I can now shift my focus back on to spreading the love through voluntary work again. Awww.

So far, I have enrolled myself into the Aberdeen Charities Campaign, and have committed a few hours each week to our on-campus second-hand bookshop, Bookends. Run by around 20 enthusiastic student volunteers, the shop provides Aberdeen University with a great opportunity to raise money for the Charities Campaign through a simple process:

1. Students bring in old books (course-related especially, though we take all books), CDs and DVDs.

2. They then decide how much they are prepared to sell each item for.

3. Once sold, we inform the seller and they receive two thirds of the price, while we collect the other third as a donation to the Charities Campaign - simples!

Enough of my marketing, so far, I have maintained a loose contribution to the bookshop, which I hope to expand upon this semester, by working more hours, and working harder to improve publicity and the status of the bookshop, to maximise our charitable contribution. I also hope to get more involved in events organised in the name of charity in Aberdeen, which I hope you'll enjoy reading about as much as I'll enjoy doing them!

Anyway, I think that's enough of an introduction from me for now, I'll be back in touch once the actions on as for now, I have an exam to study for... Fi.

Posted by Fiona ( 3:35 PM )
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Sunday Dec 06, 2009

Mental Health and Volunteering

Despite affecting a quarter of the population at some point in their lives, just the words ‘mental health’ can still conjure up pretty hefty stigmas.

But when we talk about wanting to be physically healthy, our thoughts do not always stray towards disease and disability; instead we talk about things which provide for positive health like eating well, and exercising regularly.

If we are going to subscribe to this dichotomy of physical/mental health, then surely we should do the same with the latter – so what provides for good mental health?

Philosophers have struggled with this for centuries, and to continue the comparison with physical health, it would be impossible to offer one cure for every problem. However without going too deep: having enough money, a home and a feeling of usefulness would seem like three good candidates for any such list.

This may explain why unemployment is often linked to depression and other mental health problems. However, while volunteering cannot provide money or a place to call home, I think it can and does help with other things. There has been some interesting research into its positive affects on those with mental health problems (who have one of the highest rates of unemployment amongst any disabled group), and going back to my first point there is no need to think that just because you have not been diagnosed with a specific mental health condition that you could not benefit from finding the right opportunity in your area.

Even the government has recognised these benefits, managing to allow for more volunteering to be undertaken whilst receiving Job Seekers Allowance by moving the notice period required for a volunteer to be able to take up work from 48 hours to one week. Shocking!

The Institute for Volunteering Research - IVR

Tackling the stigmas of mental health - http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/

On a ‘cycle of unemployment, depression and unstable housing’, Jane Canning in the Guardian.

Posted by Harry ( 12:26 AM )
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Tuesday Sep 01, 2009

Youth Achievement Award

Hi everyone!!

Just thought I'd let you know that I am beginning to work towards a Youth Achievement Award to do with my volunteering. I am really excited and I am starting my Youth Work placement on Saturday and the Deaf Centre on Thursday. I start my work with students in schools next week and the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. I begin my Youth Work course and GCSE German qualification next week

So things are looking good so far.

See you soon.

Emma

Posted by Emma ( 9:58 AM )
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Tuesday Aug 25, 2009

Ministry and Youth Work

Hey Everyone!

Just another quick update. I'm volunteering at the Deafness Resouce Centre, befriending a young perosn and will be undertaking a level 1 sign language course soon. In additon, I'm doing a German GCSE course and a Youth Work level 2 course besides my A Levels. It should be fun (and hopefully not too stressful) particularly as I willl be able to write to my pen pal in her language. Also, I will be doing church ministry and signing to the congregation at masses and services in the chapel on sundays.

That's all for now

Emma x

Posted by Emma ( 3:16 PM )
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Wednesday Aug 05, 2009

Lifetracks

The Lifetracks website, developed by the wonderful people at YouthNet is going to be for young people form the ages of 16 onwards giving them information on what they can do after they finish mainstream education i.e. GCSE's. It will feature the three main areas of work, training and study. At the moment, this website is currently in its very early stages and went live on the 24^th of June 2009 for all the members of Lifetracks and was introduced at the House of Commons, but as it's still in progress there's still a lot of online volunteering to be done here. I started off an online project member. I was just browsing do-it.org and looking for some virtual volunteering when I can across this.

The position sounded very important to me as I knew that I would be getting joint responsibility for managing a project. It included involved the group members in the layout of the website, the content, what prizes we should give to users of the website who have achieved their goals, how an article should be set out, what ways should a message be conveyed (e.g. podcast, interview, video, article), what kind of problems do you think there are with current websites about careers, work and study and what do young people really need to know before starting a new job or embarking on study.

You really felt that you were listened to ask the YouthNet members who were in charge of the discussions also commented on your ideas sometimes which showed that they valued your opinion. Even more, you go your own profile page which you could add cool stuff (I added a comic strip to mine!) and you could post your own blog. It involved a look of proofing and editing features of the 'website' as well as analysing and researching for what should go into this new website but the YouthNet team made it fun. So if you are looking for something useful to do in your spare time and are looking to gain some virtual skills and meet some new people, then sign up as either a project team member or even a photographer!

Posted by Rochelle ( 12:01 PM )
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A month down the line

I have now completed a month of my internship. Doing an internship with an MP has its similarities and differences when compared with volunteering. It is similar to volunteering as it is unpaid and I only get my travel expenses refunded. On the other hand, I am acknowledged as working on behalf of Lynne whereas the volunteers are not.

Those considered to be volunteers in the constituency office are those who just come to help with elections in the form of canvassing, delivering post and stuffing envelopes. They do not have to attend a formal interview whereas I did which is very necessary for the casework internship as you need to meet specific requirements which include a good standard of letter writing, good telephone manner and an inquisitive mind. Finally, when you are an intern, you are given much more responsibility than a volunteer and can liaise with constituents, council members and ministers. You are the MP's voice whereas the volunteers are not.

The internship has got more challenging as I am now dealing with phone calls as well as letters. Resolving an issue then involves writing a letter to a minister, social services, police or to the council. The most challenging are the immigration cases. I find it very hard to listen to the stories of people whose application has been rejected or who have not received an answer about their immigration status for several years and so are stuck in some sort of unfortunate limbo. Unfortunately, when an application to remain in this country has been rejected, it then becomes a legal issue should a constituent wish to challenge a decision.

Posted by Rochelle ( 11:57 AM )
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Tuesday Jul 28, 2009

Law and Public Service

Hi all,

Just thought I'd update you a bit. This is quite a quick entry. I've applied to work in a Magistrates Court, engaging with witnesses and doing administration. I'm excited because my work with the Police should come in handy! Also, I'm doing First Aid with St John's Ambulance with other young people so it should be fun to go out and duty and serve others. It will also be a valuable experience.

Thats all for now

Be back soon

Emma

Posted by Emma ( 1:28 PM )
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Thursday Jul 23, 2009

Policing and Mentoring

Hi all!

Just thought I'd update all of you on what I've been up to recently. I'm volunteering with the Police doing adminstration and working on the computer which is alot of fun. Tomorrow I'm helping them with a Vehicle Crime Initative and I'm sure that will be a good experience. I'm also mentoring other people online on the Horsesmouth.co.uk website about issues in life which I'm enjoying a lot.

Besides that I'm undertaking a German, Counselling and a Youth Work course which I'm very excited about because I will be able to speak to my German pen friend when I go to stay with her next year! That's all for now.

Be back soon!

Emma

 

Posted by Emma ( 12:06 PM )
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Saturday Jul 18, 2009

Destination 1000 scheme and Youth Action Team

Hi all!

I forget to mention previously that I am involved in a group called Youth Action Team -YAT or short and  we promote volunteering for young people are around the St Helens area. We have just launhced some DVDs about volunteering at The Citadel recently. I record my voluntary hours in journal called Destination 1000 which enables young people to achive up to 1000 hours of volunteering. You can also set your own learing goals with the scheme and a reference can be written at the back. So yeah just thought I'd mention that as it's a really useful way of logging my volunteering experience and skills

Will be back soon

Emma

 

 

Posted by Emma ( 12:17 PM )
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Saturday Jul 11, 2009

New experiences

Hi all!

Yesterday I volunteered in an office, combining youth work with admin which was good fun because I did a lot of typing but I know now that it something that I would  not do full time in the future. So I'm glad tried it., I love every second of volunteering-it really widens my experiences and enhances my skills.

I'm also volunteering with young students at college, helping them settle in.Besides that I'm learning the flute, which is exciting. I'm hoping to achieve Level 1 in Sign Langugae soon as I work with a young deaf girl and volunteer at the Deaf Resource Centre.

Will write more soon

Bye for now

Emma

 

Posted by Emma ( 5:37 PM )
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Monday Jul 06, 2009

Trying out new things

Hi everyone!

College is out now so I can finally increase my time to volunteer with young people. I spent all day yestersay working with young people at a summer festival doing workshops which was great fun. I've also got a placement ready for September working in a High School in the RE department. Can't wait lol Anyway I'm trying different things out like working with the eldery too to see what I like and what I don't lol and I'm acting as a befriender soon.

So yeah just thought I'd keep everyone updated oh and I'm learning Sign Language too as I'm working with deaf people which is fun. I'm rambling on a bit now so I'll leave there! Be back soon.

Posted by Emma ( 2:40 PM )
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Monday Jun 15, 2009

End of the student year....

"I don't know what you are complaining about – us students work 10 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 2 weeks a year."

And that's only true if you work hard during exam time. However, as exams are for some reason an inherent part of the University experience (like debt), I suppose it is only fair to note how it can affect volunteering as a student.

Under some blind assumption that I was going to do some revision, I actually asked both the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Sheffield Live radio station whether I could cancel all of my commitments for three weeks over my exam period. Thankfully they were fine with this, and I guess that is just one of the more obvious upshots to some types of volunteering – as long as people aren't too dependant on you, it can be very flexible.

After my exams, I started drinking and smoking again. But aside from this, there was also a 'volunteering showcase' of all the work that the volunteering committee at my university has done over the past year. The start of this showcase was a kind of gentle social mingling affair, and so I excelled in socially awkwardness and knocking into people. More importantly though, towards the end there were speakers from charities, schools and the Lord Mayor about how they had benefited from the volunteer work done by students here in Sheffield.

I think volunteers generally do things regardless of whether they might by thanked or not, but this was better than a 'thank you' - it provided examples of what had been achieved by volunteers over the year, from helping children get through their exams, to raising money for cancer care. Which can show a lot more than a 'thank you' anyway, and is probably a better way of recruiting/keeping more volunteers.

Speaking of the flexibility of volunteering, I'm moving home for a while now, so I'll have to see what else I can get up to in terms of volunteering

Posted by Harry ( 10:33 PM )
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Monday Jun 01, 2009

Volunteering with politicians

The summer is finally here and is going full steam ahead. So is my volunteering.

On the 22^nd of May, I started a casework internship with a Liberal Democrat MP (not naming names due to issues of confidentiality). When I finished my exams, I knew I wanted to do something different, for the summer, from the current volunteering that I am doing, which is based mostly around research, law, young people and music. I am currently doing a degree that combines Law and Politics.

So, when I went to a meeting with my study supervisor at my university, she advised me to also focus on the politics side of my degree. This is when I started looking at the website of Working for an MP, where I then found the above opportunity, went for the interview and got the position. Although I have just started the position, I find it thoroughly different from anything I have pursued before. As a casework intern, I have already learnt effective methods of referring people's problems to specific council members, how to maintain effective communication with a constituent, how to summarize large bits of information and how to write effective letters.

As well as this, I have gained a wider understanding of the campaigns that this MP is passionate about, through the pre – election preparation. My previous assumptions have been challenged as I have realised that an office of an MP can be extremely busy, that they do try to act as advocates of the general public and that, even in today's world, they can still be said to be fully representative of the views of the public. In the future, I am also going to be able to sit in with this MP when she has meetings with the public just so I know what kind of issues are present in this constituency and am also going to take full responsibility for helping people with their problems through the telephone.

Things also took a very exciting turn for me, this month, as I am now not very far from qualifying as a generalist advisor with the CAB. I have just finished a course which mainly involved me practising my interviewing skills on a variety of legal topics that included employment and benefits. After this practice, I could finally be unleashed on the general public! From this course, I learnt that I had to go over many of the legal principles that I had learnt already, had to slightly amend my communication technique and mainly just had to show the client that I was listening to their problem. I think the hardest thing for me in the course was learning that there is not always going to be a positive solution for the client. In many cases, all we can really do is listen as their problem has gone too far.

Lastly, I also visited Portcullis House, Westminster on behalf of IARS. I went to a debate, conducted with some politicians and young people that centred on the issues of Young People and the Criminal Justice System. My objective was to take notes on the debate so I could write an article for IARS Youth Voice Journal based around this. I found this day very disappointing as the politicians who were present did not really answer any questions clearly. This debate was meant to produce change and was a chance for politicians to show that they are on a young person's side. Instead, the politicians just churned out information that we had heard before and surprisingly, were not such effective speakers. I have yet to meet up with other IARS volunteers and write this up. I will keep you posted.

Here's to next month and let's hope it is as good as this month was. I will also be talking about Lifetracks and how people can still get involved!

Posted by Rochelle ( 3:02 PM )
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Sunday May 17, 2009

Volunteering Online

It is exam revision time, and so I find myself attached to my laptop for a ridiculous amount of time each day, and also doing a ridiculously small amount of revision. As I'm going to spend the next three weeks avoiding Property Law by sampling whatever the internet can offer me, I thought it might be apt to talk about online volunteering.

Obviously the emergence of the internet has brought new opportunities to volunteer, and new organisations to work with. In some Citizens Advice Bureaux you can advise people on their problems through e-mail, or you can use your Ebay nous and help Oxfam with their online shop. These are just two examples of the traditional notion of volunteering, but done online. However, there are other things happening on the internet.

Take Wikipedia for instance. This free online encyclopaedia depends almost entirely on people giving up their time up for free. Some users spend hours of the day deleting Wikipedia vandalism, or adding new information to articles about such absurdities as exploding whales. However, these users are rarely noted as 'volunteers'.

It goes further: forums, blogs, even social networking sites - like the Bermuda triangle for students that is Facebook - all these sites depend on time given up by their users, without payment. Again, these users do not call themselves 'volunteers'.

Whilst it is probably a little far-fetched to pass off 5 hours of Facebook stalking as 'volunteering', I do think that the contributions made on sites such as Wikipedia really should come under the V banner. After all, it's pretty hard to nail down what volunteering is essentially about anyway.

Without boring you by discussing what makes something 'voluntary', or where the word's obscure Latin roots lie (from: voluntas "will," and velle "to wish," by the way); I suppose we can agree that most things done for something other than yourself, and for free, might come under volunteering.

And if we agree on that, then this is great: we have a lot more volunteers than we first thought, and not just online. Additionally, if we carried this message more, there wouldn't be any qualms about the supposed negative perception of volunteering – because everybody is doing it, it's just at the moment they don't call it volunteering.

I'm hopeful anyway, and as a short aside here are some websites which the charity, UK Citizens Online Democracy runs. If you are interested in doing some online volunteering, they are always looking for more help:

Theyworkforyou – Keeping tabs on your MPs and what they get up to

Fixmystreet – Making sure the council knows when those potholes get too much

Pledgebank – Want to do something, but only if other people will do it too? Try here.

Posted by Harry ( 7:19 PM )
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