Category: News & Views Page 22 of 42

How to effectively promote COVID-19 volunteering

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On 19th March 2020

In Application Features and Tutorials, News & Views, Policy and Operations, Press Releases

TeamKinetic have added an entirely new set of roles and functions we call COMMUNITY TASKS to help our customers get volunteers to those people that need it most in the community. There is also an associated app for mobile!

https://teamkinetic.co.uk/blog/2020/04/08/faq-new-covid-features/

Communities across the country are already starting to rally in support of each other during this pandemic.

We’ve put together a video and step-by-step instructions below showing how to promote your COVID-19 related opportunities.

1 – Add tags and descriptions to your COVID-19 related opportunities.

In order for volunteers to find COVID-19 related opportunities you will need to have a way of identifying those opportunities in the system. You can do this by either making sure the opportunity title includes a key words like; covid, virus, corona, or pandemic, or add the words as TAGS to the opportunity. 

Either of these solutions will allow the system and volunteers to be able to search and find the related opportunities via the normal search bar.

When you login you’ll find your custom search link in the COVID-19 notification bar. You can distribute this link via email and on your social media posts and when clicked will go straight to the COVID-19 search results.

2 – Add An Event Called COVID-19

An event is just a group of opportunities which have something in common.  By adding a specific event name, that event will show at the top of the volunteers search results.

To use this method you will need to create an event called ‘COVID-19’ and EDIT your opportunities and mark them as PART OF A LARGER EVENT

3 – Email all volunteers about COVID-19 related opportunities

We have added a button at the top the dashboard when you login as admin:

This button will automatically email your volunteers a list of all virus related opportunities (email shown below).

If you would like to only email specific volunteers then you can email the special link shown when you login as administrator.

When clicked this link will go to the COVID-19 search results.

Further help

If you have trouble setting any of this up, please open a support ticket and we’ll try to help.

Stay safe.

How organisations are adapting to the COVID-19 outbreak

By

On 17th March 2020

In News & Views

Here at TeamKinetic, we are happy to support a range of clients, from NHS services to charities and volunteer centres. During the current coronavirus pandemic, volunteers may be needed more than ever, but it is also important for everyone to stay safe. 

The recent coronavirus outbreak may mean that volunteers are needed for a different selection of tasks. Due to the potentially delicate states of some patients, exposure to the virus could be fatal and should be limited as much as possible. Furthermore, the virus could mean a much higher number of patients in hospitals across the country, increasing demand for NHS volunteers both during and after treatment.

Business as usual?

The newest government advice suggests not. With volunteering often involving activities that involve a lot of face-to-face contact, the risk of spreading the virus is increased. For example, our client the NHS Northern Care Alliance usually advertise opportunities such as:

  • Offering companionship during meal times.
  • Wayfinding for outpatients and visitors.
  • Taking outpatients to appointments using wheelchairs if needed.

These activities involve high levels of social contact, a lot of which will include contact with high risk groups. Moving to focus more on digital or non-contact forms of volunteering may be the best move for everyone right now.

Volunteers adapting to the outbreak

It could be said that one of our clients, Humanity Road, is already prepared for a situation like this. They advertise a lot of volunteering opportunities that can be completed from home. This looks to be the safest bet for anyone with volunteers in the at-risk groups who still want to help however they can.

However, if you have volunteers who are not at-risk and want to help in other ways, here are some examples of volunteers adapting to the coronavirus outbreak…

  • Creating and delivering ‘care packages’ to those in isolation.
    A pub in Liverpool started sending out packages containing toilet roll, food items and soap to pensioners in the community. 
  • Offering general help for those in self-isolation.
    A 17 year-old boy from London called Josh St John James set up a group of young volunteers to offer support in any way.
  • Cleaning.
    Frequently cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces that are often touched by a variety of people in an environment can be an effective way to prevent the virus spreading. Although simple, it may be a task that a lot of hospital paid staff are too busy to do.
  • Preventing ‘bed-blocking’.
    Teams of volunteers can ensure that patients can be discharged when they are ready, rather than block beds due to a lack of support at home. Becoming a carer can help take strain off our NHS services, helping a greater number of people recover in the long-term. As long as there are carers available, more beds will be freed up to take new patients in. It is important to note that if a volunteer believes they could have the virus, that they do not offer to care for someone who is in the at-risk group.
The care packages put together by The Bootle Arms, a pub in Liverpool.

TeamKinetic is always here to help

We will always try and provide you with relevant news through our social media channels, especially in situations like this. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

If you’re finding it hard to recruit volunteers or advertise opportunities without a digital system in place, you can use our system completely free of charge for the duration of the pandemic by going to our website and starting a free trial. 

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us via phone: 0161 914 5757 or email: info@teamkinetic.co.uk

We also have a general guide about how to effectively manage your volunteers during the coronavirus outbreak, click here to read it.

Managing Volunteers During The COVID-19 Pandemic

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On 16th March 2020

In COVID-19, Volunteer Management

Even if you haven’t seen the lastest news or attempted to buy hand sanitiser recently, you may have noticed a decline in volunteer participation, and that pasta and toilet roll are now worth more than GOLD!

Keeping your volunteers volunteering and coming to sessions can often be challenging. During a virus pandemic, it’s sure to make that job even harder. In this blog Teaminetic aims to give some practical advice to keep your volunteers volunteering.

Reassure

Reassurance will be key. The message to volunteers should be to not panic, that volunteering should be proceeded as normal unless specific advice is received. During this time you may need a higher level of communication between yourself and your volunteers. Clear communication will help to remove the anxiety that volunteers may be feeling, and help you restore confidence through reassurance that you are doing everything possible to reduce risk.

Prepare

Preparation is key, and following a few simple rules will help.

  • Assuring hand sanitizing stations are filled and available
  • Surfaces that are regularly used have been cleaned, countertops, doorknobs etc.
  • Asking politely that anyone who isn’t feeling well to not attend sessions.
  • Provide disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces like keyboards, remote controls, desks etc can be wiped down by volunteers before each use.
  • Enable micro-volunteering or volunteering from home.

Notifications

Keep volunteers up to date with the latest news from your organisation, via newsletters, emails, texts and social media channels. A lot can happen in 24 hours as we’ve previously seen. The fluid situation could mean that sessions or events might need to be cancelled at short notice, so try to keep your volunteers informed.

Volunteering from home

There is a high probability that people could be asked to work from home. If, or when, the government issues these measures, perhaps your organisation could adopt virtual or micro-volunteering in order to maintain volunteer involvement.

Micro volunteering involves low commitment action towards a cause. Micro-volunteers can choose how and when they volunteer, providing they have access to the internet via a laptop, tablet smartphone etc.

Micro-volunteering opportunities could involve.

  • Signing online petitions
  • Writing blogs
  • Re-tweeting and posting relevant content on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Providing feedback on marketing materials.
  • Creating Facebook Live meetings or Google Hangouts meetings.
  • Getting creative by generating material for upcoming events.

Micro-volunteering and virtual volunteering will not replace traditional volunteering. However, during COVID-19 it maybe your best option in order to maintain engagement and stay tuned with your volunteers.

In the meantime

What can we all do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19?

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
  • Put used tissues in the bin.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available. Remember to wash your hands for 20 seconds, whilst singing God save the Queen (Other songs are available).
  • Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Refrain from touching your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

Stay positive, remain calm and don’t worry, there’s enough toilet roll for everyone…

Further reading sources

TeamKinetic Volunteer Management

Volunteer Management Trends of 2020

By

On 9th March 2020

In Volunteer Management

What positive changes should volunteer managers be anticipating throughout the upcoming year? TeamKinetic aims to explore the changing avenues in which you may find yourself turning down at any given point.

Embracing Technology

This year alone there are predicted to be 51 million smartphone users, who will have access to various apps on their phones. For the volunteer manager, this is brilliant as many volunteer management systems – including our own can operate through an app. Creating more ways in which you can manage and communicate with your volunteers. Which will help your volunteer management run a lot smoother, not just for you but your volunteers as well.

Training

Phone calls and face to face meeting could be starting to become a thing of the past. Many organisations including ourselves are now adopting the use of ‘virtual help’. This being online support which is readily available for all volunteers. Virtual help makes good use of platforms like YouTube, instant messaging and help forms. Which in short saves the volunteer manager time.

Ageing Population

People are living longer and healthier lives, which isn’t a surprise. People are starting to take a lot better care of themselves by feeling more inclined than ever to live healthier active lifestyles.

Therefore volunteer managers should expect a rise in the number of older volunteers with time and energy to volunteer. Perhaps its time volunteer managers shifted perceptions of the ‘old’ volunteer, and started removing aged based limits on volunteering opportunities. Although people aged 65 and over are 45% more likely to volunteer than any other age group, only 6% of those over 65 actually feel old. Meaning older volunteers are more than happy to take part in more physical volunteering opportunities – if given the opportunities to do so.

A common theme that our customer relations team has found here at TeamKinetic is that. The wording of opportunities can often make volunteers not want to join an opportunity. Volunteer managers should try to be mindful when writing volunteering opportunities, as certain words can make opportunities sound more physically tiring, boring or even more complex than they actually are.

Younger Volunteers

There are small indications that the younger generations are starting to volunteer a lot more than they used to. 70% of 18 – 24-year-olds have reported having volunteered at some point in the last year. Recent interviews held by TeamKinetic and student volunteers help support this statistic, as many students did volunteer in some shape or form. Either to improve their academic profile or just because they wanted to give back to their community and have fun. This increase in younger people volunteering only gives volunteer managers more options and opportunities to attract younger volunteers, who are enthusiastic to help and be apart of a volunteering programme. 

Volunteer Led Opportunities

Volunteer-led opportunities involve listening and understanding what your volunteers want to do. It’s a growing trend that organisations are listening more to their staff and their customers. It would only be right to suggest that volunteer managers could do the same. A volunteers feedback could pose to be very useful as they are the ones taking part in the opportunities on a regular basis (on the front line as you may say). Suggesting it might be worth allowing volunteers to take lead on some opportunities, as this could be more impactful or at the very least, given the time to suggest new ideas.

A Question of Flexibility

How much flexibility volunteers have is always going to be a changing factor. Pictured above are some of the many reasons why the average person is soo busy. Considering these in modern volunteer management could mean thinking about running more “one-off opportunities”. which are opportunities that don’t happen on a regular basis (perhaps monthly), allowing time for volunteers to adjust their schedules, making it so they don’t have to commit to a specific time frame every week.

For more information on TeamKinetic volunteer management, visit our website or call us on 0161 914 5757.

Cause of Death: Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets

By

On 17th February 2020

In News & Views, Volunteer Management

Phil and his co-workers wanted to manage their volunteers, however, things took a turn for the worst & now Phil and his co-workers are here…

Probably the most annoying platform to manage anything – never mind volunteers. My deepest sympathies are with those who have fallen down the bottomless rabbit hole of endless Excel Spreadsheets, which are over-occupied with volunteers.  

Does anyone truly understand Excel?

Few people truly understand all the functionalities of spreadsheets – because there are way too many! Therefore the job is left to one person, who quickly becomes very demotivated and almost consumed by the spreadsheet itself. 

Just keep scrolling…  

Scroll, after scroll. This is often associated with your current method of managing your volunteers. Finding the volunteer Jack Jones who wants to volunteer at the annual 10K run, couldn’t get any more complicated. However, by having a volunteer management system in place, your job could be a lot easier. Volunteer profiles can be easily searched for across the whole system. 

Worry less 

When it comes to your volunteers there are a few things that they are guaranteed to ask. Where, when and what. Volunteer management systems worry about all this for you, by giving your volunteers their own profile and portal where they can access all this information and even more. 

The nightmare of event planning 

You may have noticed Excel isn’t exactly the best for building your events, making the process highly laborious. No template on Excel can simplify all of that! But it doesn’t have to be this way. Volunteer management systems provide a simplified solution to what once seemed a strenuous task. Save your own time and leave your explicit language along with Excel. 

Manage volunteers with more confidence 

You may be able to encrypt and password-protect the data stored on your Excel Spreadsheets. However, what happens when someone cracks your spreadsheet’s ‘safe password’? Every piece of data is then stolen, this won’t be just your budgets and accounts, this will be the personal data of your volunteers. But you don’t need to take this kind of risk with your volunteer’s data. Volunteer management systems are fully protected and encrypted with the most up-to-date security encryptions and they follow all new GDPR data regulations.  

What a volunteer management system should look like:

  • Simplistic layout  
  • Safe and secure 
  • Easy to navigate around
  • Reliable
  • Time-saving, not time-wasting!
  • An open-ended platform for everyone to access easily.

Consider the simple life and save on the sheets, one personalised and customisable system is all you need. Consider TeamKinetic, we might just be able to help.

You can find TeamKinetic on social media and listen to our podcast:

Twitter       Facebook       LinkedIn       YouTube       Instagram       Podcast

 

Have you enjoyed using TeamKinetic? If you could leave us a review on Capterra, we’d really appreciate it! We’ll even send you a little thank you.

Volunteering at Uni: Not Just a CV Builder

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On 20th January 2020

In Community, Education, News & Views

By now, students will be settled into their year at university. Whether you’re in your first or final year, you’ll have already completed seemingly endless amounts of assignments. Now, of course, university isn’t for everyone. However, as someone who has spent two years at university (so far), I can say that it is hard. It’s hard to balance all these new aspects of your life – self-motivated study, meeting new people, house-hunting, food shopping, finding a club that your random mix of mates can all enjoy, cooking, and actually finding the time and summoning the effort to clean your house. Despite this, I’m about to tell you to add volunteering to the mix.

university students, volunteering, student volunteers, volunteer management software, volunteer management system, volunteer management

Now, I’m not going to pretend like the majority of students don’t see volunteering as a CV booster. But these same students then realise that volunteering can offer so much more than a bullet point on a piece of paper. It can offer you essential life skills that you can’t develop anywhere else. The issue is that these benefits aren’t often highlighted by universities. As a result, students may not be getting into volunteering in the first place.

The Benefits of Student Volunteering

Meeting new people

Whether you’ve been at uni for a few years already or you’ve just started this year, it’s never a bad time to meet new people. These people could become your friends, best friends, or even future partners. Even if you never talk to them again at least you’ve met someone you can give an awkward wave to when you pass them in public.

  • university students, volunteering, student volunteers, volunteer management software, volunteer management system, volunteer management
  • university students, volunteering, student volunteers, volunteer management software, volunteer management system, volunteer management

Aside from gaining some mates, volunteering could also be a good opportunity for networking. Sounds strange but you never know who you might meet through volunteer work. Also, in a recent catch-up with El Afzal, she noted that people have contacted her through LinkedIn about her vast volunteer work and offered her potential future work.

Giving back to the community

Let’s face it – the vast majority of us have had a few embarrassing nights as a result of the student lifestyle. What better way to say sorry to our local community for all the drunken shouting and traffic cone theft (yes, it’s a big thing) than to volunteer for a local cause. Whether it’s the classic charity shop work or a local park clean-up, you can give back to the community you’ll be calling home for the next few years.

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Relieving all that student stress

I don’t mean to scare any prospective students, but university is stressful. It’s all fun and games during fresher’s week but suddenly you’ve been there for two months and are already drowning in assignments and lecture notes you should have somehow organised. Volunteering can be a great way to distance yourself from all the hustle and bustle of university life for a couple of hours a week (or more!) You may be wondering how you’ll fit volunteering into such a busy schedule, but you’re lying if you say you don’t procrastinate for at least a couple hours a day – whether you’re scrolling through social media or binge-watching that new TV show.

Also, research shows that if you volunteer during your student years, you’re likely to continue throughout your life. Wouldn’t it be nice to live a life full of voluntary work? I think it would.

  • university students, volunteering, student volunteers, volunteer management software, volunteer management system, volunteer management

How can TeamKinetic help?

Are you a student looking to get into volunteering? Check with your university’s student union or sports department for any active opportunities. You could also give this blog by The Student Room a read – it includes some helpful information about student volunteering!

Perhaps you work for a university wanting to commit more to student volunteering? This blog might be better for you! Find out how TeamKinetic can work with you to recruit, manage, and retain your student volunteers by visiting our website or calling us on 0161 914 5757.

Whether you’re student or staff, you can find us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. We share and create content suitable for anyone interested in volunteering!

You can also read our other blogs on student volunteering here and here.

Volunteer Firefighters

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On 16th January 2020

In News & Views

Many children dream wildly about becoming a firefighter when they’re older, many children would consider this to be their ultimate dream job. It certainly was mine for many years. Sadly, of the many that dream, few actually become firefighters later in life. 

However, those who continued to dream heroic fantasies have been continuing them by helping to fight the detrimental fires that have been taking place in Australia.

Becoming a volunteer firefighter in the UK is not well-renowned. But in America and Australia volunteer training is highly extensive, requiring hard work and valiant commitment to the community. Smaller towns and villages in such places rely on volunteer firefighters to respond quickly to incidents, perform firefighting duties, and provide assistance and support to full-time paid firefighters.

Ultimately, ‘volunteering’ means there are no monetary benefits for volunteer firefighters risking their lives. However, many volunteer firefighters are honoured and proud to be able to serve and protect their local communities – which is the greatest reward of all.

Australia

Volunteer Firefighters

The Australian wildfires are expected each year during the summer, marking it the fire season. Hot and dry conditions permit perfect conditions for a blaze to start. This season is always particularly dangerous proving more so than ever this Australian summer, the worst seen in decades. The last significant wildfires were Black Saturday 2009. 

Wildfires have swept across 17.9 million acres of woodland and national parks, also effecting the largest cities Melbourne and Sydney – with the state of New South Wales being the worst struck. A total of 27 people have died and over 480 million animals. 

The video above is merely human kindness towards a fellow friendly koala. Many people, like those above, have taken their own actions to help desperate wildlife.

The bushfires are continuing to blaze and challenge the brave and noble volunteer firefighters which are risking their lives to save their country. Many firefighters have been injured and lost homes and their own lives.

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is the largest in the world, with 70,000 members across 2,002 brigades. The NSW RFS has received a spike (five times their usual amount) in applications of people wanting to become volunteer firefighters due to the ongoing events.

The Australian Prime Minister recently announced that volunteer firefighters will receive up to 6,000 Australian dollars if called out to battle blazes for more than 10 days.  The Prime Minister said the compensation was necessary so that the NSW fires commissioner was able to continue to call out the volunteer force from their usual jobs – as the bushfires continue.

TeamKinetic volunteer management software

Our thoughts are with those in Australia and those being directly impacted by the fires. Please support The NSW RFS here. These horrific events should not be ignored. 

Volunteering: Not Just For Christmas, But Perfect At Christmas?

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On 16th December 2019

In News & Views

Let’s be honest, Christmas time is a mixed bag. Some people love it, some hate it. For some, it’s a time full of family, friends, food, and celebration. For others, it can be stressful or lonely. 

  • volunteer management, volunteer management system, volunteer management software, volunteer management software uk, volunteer software, volunteer system, TeamKinetic, Christmas
  • volunteer management, volunteer management system, volunteer management software, volunteer management software uk, volunteer software, volunteer system, TeamKinetic, Christmas

Activities and events hosted by volunteers can be essential for many over the holidays. Being surrounded by happiness when your own situation is the opposite can be awful. But these activities give people a much-needed boost.

Now of course, volunteering isn’t just for Christmas. The work of volunteers is essential throughout the whole year. However, we live in a time where it’s been revealed that: 
– There are around 800 more foodbanks in the UK than McDonald’s branches.
– Around four million children are currently living in poverty in the UK.
– Almost a million older people feel lonelier at Christmas.
– At least 135,000 children will be homeless and living in temporary accommodation across Britain on Christmas day.
It’s fair to say that we all need to spread a bit of love and compassion this time of year and beyond.

So… what can you do to help?

If you’re yet to set plans this Christmas, why not check out volunteering opportunities near you? There may be a place offering food to the less fortunate, or a service preventing people from spending the festive period alone.

For students staying in their university’s city over the holidays, volunteering can be a great way to spend free time. It gives you something to do while helping locals and generally improving the community. Check out your university’s volunteering page (they should have one!) for things you can get involved with. Or you can try and find opportunities here.

You could also check out local organisations and clubs, both online and at their offices/HQs. For example, me and Milo went to volunteer at the Liverpool FC Foundation over summer and had a great time. Usually, community-based organisations will have a lot of activities on over the festive period that you can help out with.

In additon, you can help out local charities by acting as a fundraiser for them. People may be strapped for cash around Christmas but will often spare a few pennies for a good cause!

Still stuck for ideas? You could see if Crisis or Shelter have any opportunities near you. They both provide help for homeless people at this critical time of year. By volunteering with organisations like these, you can make a real difference to people experiencing homelessness. 

  • volunteer management, volunteer management system, volunteer management software, volunteer management software uk, volunteer software, volunteer system, TeamKinetic, Christmas
  • volunteer management, volunteer management system, volunteer management software, volunteer management software uk, volunteer software, volunteer system, TeamKinetic, Christmas

Does it really make a difference?

Short answer: yes. Multiple stories can be seen reported in local media outlets of how volunteers have helped to improve the Christmas period for individuals and groups. One example describes a man who was helped by volunteers and was then inspired to give back to his community. 

While volunteering helps others, it can also help you. It has been found to lower stress and increase happiness. A perfect combination just in time for Christmas! 

community volunteering, volunteer management, volunteer management system, volunteer management software, volunteer management software UK, volunteer software, volunteer system, TeamKinetic, Christmas, volunteering at Christmas

If you need help organising your volunteers over this busy festive period, don’t hesitate to reach out to see how TeamKinetic can help! Give us a call on 0161 914 5757 or visit our website.

International Volunteer Day 2019

By

On 5th December 2019

In Community, News & Views

Today is the chance to celebrate your hard work, so sit back and bask in the efforts you have achieved over the last year. Today isn’t about anyone else. It’s all about you.

Let’s take a minute to see what exactly you’ve been up to.

Youth Hostels Association

YHA began recruiting more youth volunteers, the aim was to get more young people work-ready. YHA partnered with North Lindsey College, where students were encouraged to take a minimum of 30 volunteering hours of work experience. Students could take part in a number of projects including building bug houses, decorating, gardening and many more projects. As we all know qualifications are only half of your CV, having experience is just as essential. So congratulations to the YHA volunteers, in preparing the younger generations for the world of work!

Humanity Road

Every year Humanity Road have helped thousands of people around the world which have been affected by disasters. In 2018 alone, Humanity Road volunteers responded to 68 events in 31 countries. These events included 21 earthquakes, 17 floods, 7 wildfires, 12 hurricanes, 4 tornadoes, 5 volcanoes and 1 technology event. Humanity Road’s volunteers really excel themselves by aiding people to points of rescue in unpredictable disasters. If anyone deserves a day, it’s definitely you. Truly amazing work, done by people that care.

Nightstop

Nightstop volunteers allow young homeless people who require emergency accommodation to stay in their own homes overnight. Volunteers provide accommodation, a bite to eat and somewhere safe, where people are no longer in a vulnerable environment. We had the opportunity to visit Nightstop earlier in the year and we have to say the team of volunteers we met were incredibly friendly with many great stories. So a special happy volunteer day goes out to Nightstop and volunteers Helen Patrick, Peter Conroy, Rosemary Grovestock, Dave Batchelor and organiser Beth.

Liverpool Football Club Foundation

Liverpool FC works with local communities in and around Liverpool, aiming to deliver long-term change which is sustainable within these communities. Not just for current generations, but for future generations as well. In 2018 to 2019, LFC’s programmes attracted 28,630 children which took part in activities.

But a lot of the work LFC does couldn’t go without a helping hand from their volunteers. Me and Alex witnessed the contribution volunteers have first hand. We witnessed this earlier in the year when we volunteered alongside the experts of LFC’s volunteering team, which was a true pleasure to be apart of.

Happy International volunteer day to Dawn Georgeson, Michael Murray, Anas Usman, Paul and everyone else at LFC. I wish I could name you all but I’d be here all day.

Dreams Come True

Here at TeamKinetic, we have only recently begun working with Dreams Come True, so this is not only just the opportunity to say Happy International Volunteer Day, but also to say welcome aboard. Dreams Come True has a simple aim of enriching the lives of young people who have serious life-limiting conditions.

The volunteers and staff at Dreams Come True ensure that every young person and child has an unforgettable experience which fulfils their dreams and creates life-lasting memories. They aim to go above and beyond, treating all young people and families with the most respect through what can be challenging times.

TeamKinetic Volunteer Management

Uniting communities and bringing people together through volunteering is one of the main foundations of TeamKinetic. One of the many benefits of this job is meeting lots of fascinating people, who are all so driven to achieving various objectives and helping others before themselves.

Happy International Volunteer Day 2019

Gifting Santa’s Real Helpers

By

On 2nd December 2019

In Christmas, Volunteer Management

Note: One of the greatest Christmas movies EVER!
besides Love Actually

Christmas is slowly gaining upon all of us, for those with children it can be a time of bliss and happiness. To wake up and see your children’s faces, as they quickly become overwhelmed by the sight of the over stacked present and a half-eaten carrot left by Rudolph. It’s also the time that we get to see all the family members that we hugely avoid all year, I mean love seeing… well at least pretend to for the day.

But before I continuously ramble on about how much I love Christmas (Bah humbug) I must dive into talking about gifting Santa’s real helpers.

Santa’s real helpers

Volunteers are very much the real helpers in the world. Like Elves, volunteers work tirelessly without pay and put the needs of others before themselves all year round. Such selfless acts should not go unrecognised. So I think it would only be right if we all rewarded our helpers with a little something this Christmas. A thank you is all very well and an excellent way to show your appreciation. But at Christmas, everyone loves a present.

I’ve made a list, I’ve checked it twice and I know which gifts are just right…

Custom thank you boxes

A cost-effective gift that can be customed to your helpers. Perhaps more for the lady helpers in the world, but will look very impressive under the tree. In the box could be bath bombs, creams, soaps and candles (no one holds a candle to you). You can thank me for that one later.

Handwritten cards

Simple but a handwritten heartfelt card with true meaning will pull at the heartstrings of your helpers. The words which you write will really count.

Helping hand tree

Volunteers love a personal touch! Which I highly recommend for those helpers who work with children. Using cut-outs of the children’s hands and getting them to write a small personal message. This would be a well-received gift.

Thank You for your Thyme Plant

Small but comical gesture for your helpers, after all, they have spent a lot of their thyme with you. Maybe it’s about thyme you gave some back… Okay, I’ll stop now.

Christmas Party

Go on throw a Christmas party, celebrate your volunteers for a whole evening. Awards, certificates and special guest speakers would help show your true appreciation to your helpers. Watch out for Mary on the double Ports though!

Everyone loves a mug

Now we know for a fact, volunteers love a good cuppa tea. And I’m sure as a volunteer manager you know only too well. So logically your helpers would probably appreciate a customised mug.

The true spirit

No matter what you end up giving your volunteers this Christmas, really it doesn’t matter. Providing you’ve put sincerity behind your gift I’m sure your helpers will be thankful to have received something.

From us at TeamKinetic

Keep watching for more festive blogs.

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