POSTPONED - Creating Space for Youth: Engaging youth as volunteers
Young people have always wanted to volunteer. We have seen them as climate action activists, environmental warriors and as companions to the elderly. We saw many take up volunteering throughout the pandemic of 2020 through 2021, following their own passions to help and support their communities.
Besides building character and finding out what excites them in life, being a volunteer teaches youth important life skills that aren't always as easy to teach in school. They learn work ethics and gain the confidence they need to become leaders among their peers.
However, when it came to wanting to volunteer for NGO community groups they seemed to struggle to get accepted. We wanted to find out why this is.
Over many conversations with member community groups, organisations, NGOs and high schools, we heard that a minimal understanding of legislation relating to youth, recruitment and retention of young volunteers, and student safety were at the forefront of why many were often hesitant to engage youth under 18 years as volunteers. The cumulation of these many conversations and research into youth volunteering is Rangatahi te Mahi Tūao - a support guide for NGOs to engage with youth as volunteers
Join us at the inaugural workshop for this support guide as we "create space for youth" in our volunteer programmes.
The role of youth in volunteering in New Zealand since 1990 has been transformative. Young New Zealanders have shown a deep commitment to addressing the most pressing issues of their time, from climate change to social justice, and have become leaders in their communities and on the global stage. Their volunteering is characterised by a strong sense of urgency, creativity, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Are you ready to change your organisation's status quo and engage more young people into volunteering?
Where: Athol Syms Community Hall, 11 Griffin Ave, Epsom
