Volunteers are the heart and soul of our Marlborough community. They bring invaluable skills, enthusiasm, and a commitment to making a positive difference. But, just as every volunteer gives their best, we work hard behind the scenes to provide them with the support, resources, and guidance they need to thrive in their roles.
Here's a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes at Volunteer Marlborogh to ensure every volunteer is empowered, informed, and inspired.
Connecting Volunteers Like YOU with Opportunities - one of our primary roles is to connect people with volunteer opportunities that align with their interests, skills, and values. We collaborate with various community organisations and groups to identify their needs, then help match those needs with people looking to make a difference. Whether it's through our online portal, in-person consultations, or community events, we're constantly working to make volunteering accessible and rewarding for everyone.
Providing Training & Development - we believe that volunteers are more effective and confident when they have access to the right tools and knowledge. That's why we offer training workshops that cover key topics such as governance, volunteer engagement, leadership, finance, diversity, and best practices. These workshops benefit both volunteers and the organisations they serve by promoting best practices and building stronger, more capable teams.
Fostering Inclusivity and Supported Volunteering - not everyone is able to volunteer in a 'traditional' capacity, which is why we're dedicated to creating inclusive volunteer opportunities. Our Supported Volunteering programme caters to individuals with health conditions and disabilities, offering them guidance and resources to find roles that match their strengths. Through this programme, we work closely with participants to ensure they feel valued and supported every step of the way.
Engaging Youth in Community Service - youth engagement is a priority for us. We work to make volunteering appealing and accessible to younger generations. We know that young people often prefer flexible, short-term projects, so we focus on creating opportunities that align with these preferences, allowing them to gain experience, build networks, and make an impact on their terms.
Strengthening Organisations Through CSR and Capacity Building - beyond supporting individual volunteers, we work with businesses through our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, helping companies develop employee volunteering programmes that build community connections. We also offer capacity-building workshops to help community organisations enhance their operations and better support their volunteers. This holistic approach helps build a stronger, more resilient volunteer sector.
Advocating for Volunteer Best Practices - our commitment to supporting volunteers doesn't end with placement and training. We actively advocate for the volunteer sector, emphasising the importance of updated Best Practice Guidelines and championing improvements across the sector. We believe in leading by example, which is why we're dedicated to implementing these standards within our own organisation as well.
Staying Connected in a Remote World - recently, we transitioned to a fully remote operational model, allowing us to reallocate resources and better serve volunteers and organisations alike. By adapting to remote work, we're able to be more flexible and accessible, meeting volunteers where they are and ensuring they have the support they need - whether it's a quick question via email, a video chat, a phone call, or an in-person chat for personalised guidance.
Supporting volunteers is a complex, multi-layered effort, but it's one we are deeply committed to. Every day, we work to create a volunteer sector that's vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable. It's a behind-the-scenes journey with a powerful impact, and we are honoured to be a part of it.
Whether you're a current volunteer, a potential one, or an organisation looking to involve volunteers, know that we are here to support you every step of the way. Together, we're building a community where everyone has a chance to give back, grow, and feel empowered to make a difference.