Volunteering is everywhere!

Written by Laura Lowther, Vision for Volunteering Lead

Here at Vision for Volunteering, one of our aims is to ensure we are crystal clear about how we define volunteering. This isn’t one of those suggestions to move away from the V-word or consider using another term. Volunteering is a brilliant word and a brilliant thing, but language is important; we know the term ‘Volunteering’ is not for everyone. That’s OK. We want to take this opportunity to set out what Vision for Volunteering is about - who it is by and for.  

We are here to shine a light on good neighbours and amazing neighbourhoods; for the mutual aiders and those who show up where they live - for those who probably don’t consider themselves volunteers at all.  

We are for play-group helpers, sports team coaches and young social activists. For volunteers supporting charity shops, foodbanks, hospices, community kitchens, theatre groups and nature reserves.  

We are for community building, convening and campaigning - online and IRL. We are for big volunteer-involving organisations, volunteer centres, small charities, grassroots groups and gatherings, individual activists and everyone in between. 

Volunteering is about acts of humanity and hope and they are two things we all need in abundance right now. We see this played out on every scale - from saving lives at sea to checking in on neighbours. From campaigning for climate justice to re-wilding a small space on your local patch. Human-powered hope is all around us. 

Vision for Volunteering is about moving forward and moving together - taking the best bits of what has gone before and broadening our collective understanding of volunteering - in all its diverse glory - to ensure it continues to evolve and progress for everyone, everywhere.  

The recent ‘London’s Lifelines’ project summed this up elegantly – “Volunteering Is Everywhere” and “If you show up, things happen”. Grab a cuppa and watch this amazing video.

Whatever words you choose to describe the difference you make, there are many, many different ways to volunteer - we are here for them all. Collectively, they make the world go round.