Fersiwn Gymraeg ar gael ymaOn volunteers week, we talk to one of our young volunteers, Parichat (Pari) Cooke about her role with us.
Q) Tell us about yourself - what are your passions and what first inspired you to volunteer for RSPB Cymru?
A) Ever since GCSE Geography, I developed a passion for the environment and an enthusiasm for exploring the tropical ecosystems and understanding the impacts we have on wildlife as well as the actions taken towards safeguarding endangered species, mitigating against natural hazards, and protecting our resources for future generations. In 2019, I graduated with an MSc degree in Environmental Biology and currently, I am working towards pursuing a career in conservation. With my passion for protecting wildlife, I decided to volunteer with the RSPB to make my contribution and gain experience working as part of a successful conservation organisation.
Q) What does your role entail and what do you enjoy most about volunteering?
A) I volunteer as a Local Groups Assistant Volunteer in Wales, this role involves providing comprehensive administrative support, making enquiries on behalf of my Line Manager, attending team meetings, and ensuring an efficient level of communication between groups and staff across Wales. I have enjoyed my role during the planning and development of newsletters, collecting and sharing stories for promotion, and being involved in volunteers’ recruitment actions. Local group volunteers are core supporters and have valuable links within their communities. I would recommend finding out if there is a local group near you by clicking on this link and popping in your postcode.
Q) What has been your highlight so far?
A) In each volunteering session, I gain the opportunity to develop new skills and experiences, for example, I am currently learning to operate their volunteer database known as the ‘Volunteers Management System’. From developing this new skill, I have been able to proactively input and update volunteer details as well as supporting some groups with their volunteers’ recruitment needs. I also appreciate the training courses and transferable skills provided by the RSPB. From this, I developed a strong understanding of GDPR, safeguarding, unconscious bias as well as the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
Q) Would you recommend volunteering to others and why? What is the importance of volunteering?
A) I would recommend volunteering with the RSPB to anyone with a passion for nature, those who are pursuing a career in environmental conservation and especially students looking for work experience. For me, the importance of volunteering is being able to make my contribution to the team as well as learning some of the many aims and objectives that the organisation aspires to achieve in order to protect and safeguard endangered species and their habitats.
Q) What are your thoughts on the future - how does community nature work and volunteering fit into the big picture in helping Wales tackle the nature and climate crises?
A) I believe that the future will be brighter than today. It is important to educate young people about the environment and promote sustainable living as it is key towards minimising our carbon footprints. We can protect the planet by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by making small changes to our lifestyle e.g. using public transport, reducing our water and energy consumptions and recycling as much as possible.