June’s month of community
Written by Laura Lowther, Vision for Volunteering Lead
Despite the slow seasonal start to Spring, we are almost in summer! June is just around the corner and with it comes focus, attention and activity around the inspiring volunteering, communities and organisations that make our sector and society a more hopeful and human place to be. There’s something about the month ahead that feels…different this year. I’m seeing more collaboration, creativity and change across it all – it feels genuinely exciting!
Vision for Volunteering is hosting events throughout June including Community Reporting training and a Ripple Effect Mapping webinar. We’re also hosting our first ever Champions Café – an opportunity for changemakers to share space and connect around the Vision. We’ll be joined by the marvellous Ruth Leonard (Chair of AVM) where we’ll be focusing on Power – what needs to happen to the way we involve volunteers to enable meaningful change? Join us!
Like me, Volunteers’ Week is now 40 years old! It’s vibrant branding and resources may be new, but its ethos remains – an opportunity in time to recognise, celebrate and thank the UK’s incredible volunteers for all they contribute. The shared space to connect on plans via the Volunteers’ Week Steering Group has involved a wave of brilliant people from across the sector working sharing ideas, feedback and plans to ensure that saying Thank You remains at the core of the week.
Volunteers’ week runs Monday 3rd June – Sunday 9th June 2024
Next up is Power of Youth Day. Power is one of the key themes of Vision for Volunteering and no one brings it to life like our friends at #iwill movement. “In a world where young voices are increasingly recognised as powerful agents of change, Power Of Youth Day stands as a testament to the impact and potential inherent in the younger generation.” The day is also an opportunity for organisations of all kinds to sign up to the Power of Youth Charter. Definitely a day to look forward to – inspiration guaranteed.
Power of Youth Day is Tuesday 4th June 2024.
The Big Help Out is back! The UK’s biggest mass volunteering event returns for a second year to raise awareness of volunteering throughout the UK and provide opportunities for people to experience volunteering and make a difference in their communities. There’s never been a better time to join in, lend a hand, and make a change!
The Big Help Out runs Friday 7th June – Sunday 9th June 2024.
June is wrapped up with Small Charity Week. An exciting collaboration between NCVO and Fair Collective will highlight the incredible work of small charities (who make up the vast majority of our sector), and create space for small charities to share stories, access support and learn new skills. Themes for the week include funding and fundraising, digital and technology, strategy and evaluation, marketing and communications and HR and people management. There was a brilliant buzz around this last year so if you’re a small charity, get involved!
Small Charity Week runs Monday 24th June – Friday 28th June 2024.
Whatever your June looks like, do take some time to celebrate, learn, share and connect around this marvellous month of community!