Blogger: Janet Moorse, Communications Team Volunteer
I am not in a position to work full time, needing to be around for my kids and finding myself 100 miles from grandparents and family baby-sitters. But I still want to keep my brain from stagnating and have volunteered my time over the past few years to help out in my local play group and school. A year ago I saw an advert for a volunteer to join the RSPB’s Eastern Region Communications Team. They needed someone in their office several days a week.
Charities rely heavily on volunteers. The RSPB has a structure for placing volunteers depending on your requirements. Some will be working out on the reserves in the shops or cafes. Others work in offices and provide a service to a specific department. All those that I have met give their time happily and willingly. It is great to feel part of a team and to be appreciated. Better still, to give your time to a charity whose reserves I have enjoyed since childhood. I have been surprised and delighted to learn about all the other campaigns and partnerships that the RSPB is involved with, many of which I hadn’t considered.
I’d never previously worked in the charity sector or in conservation, so my understanding of the funding requirements and the diversity of knowledge required was very limited. I’m continually impressed with the enthusiasm of those working around me, to support, involve and encourage one another. The ideas and the humour bounce off the walls. People seem genuinely happy with their jobs. I have never worked in such a pleasant atmosphere. My previous paid jobs have involved working in Air traffic control, with long periods of boredom, followed by short periods of organised mayhem. As well as Police control room, with long periods of organised mayhem, followed by short periods of deep breathing!
Long term, I’m planning on going back to work, I hope my time as a regular volunteer will add some colour and experience to my CV. My brain has not stagnated and I have increased my knowledge within a different sector of employment.
Don’t be scared to volunteer, what ever time you can give, or experience you can bring will always be appreciated. Better to feel positively about what you can do, than to worry about what you can’t.