The Power of Corporate Volunteering
I have always been a passionate believer in the power of volunteering. There is something about giving back to my community and helping others that makes me feel good. When I started as a Volunteer Manager at Bright Futures UK, I quickly realized that our network of volunteers who support us are doing more than just a regular volunteering gig. These roles provide a chance to make and see the real difference your support makes in the lives of young people who are facing some of the toughest challenges imaginable.
But more than this, I have seen first-hand how volunteering provides people with the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop as individuals too. When volunteers come together to offer their support, connect, share positive experiences, and work collectively, positive communities are formed, and teams are created through their shared goals and working collectively for good. Corporate volunteering provides an opportunity for colleagues to come together in this way.
Who we are
Bright Futures UK is a charity that supports young people who have been forced to take time out from education due to chronic illness. These young people have missed so much, and often feel isolated and alone. But we are here to help them get back on track and act as a bridge between illness and normality, to help educate, assist, and mentor young people to feel supported and able to achieve their true potential.
How corporate volunteering can enrich young people’s lives who are living with long-term illnesses
Here are some of the ways that corporate volunteering can enrich the lives of young people we support:
- Provide support and guidance: Corporate volunteers can provide young people with support and guidance in a variety of areas, such as missed education, career development, and personal development. This can help young people to reach their full potential.
- Help young people develop new skills: Corporate volunteers can help young people develop new skills, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. These skills can be valuable in the workplace and in life.
- Build relationships: Corporate volunteering can help to build relationships between young people and members of the corporate community. These relationships can provide young people with mentors, role models, and friends.
- Create a sense of community: Corporate volunteering can help to create a sense of community for young people. This can be especially important for young people who are feeling isolated or alone.
How businesses can get involved in corporate volunteering
If you are a business that is interested in corporate volunteering, there are many ways to get involved. You can:
- Match your employees’ volunteer hours: This is a great way to encourage your employees to give back to their communities.
- Sponsor a volunteer project: This is a more hands-on way to get involved in corporate volunteering.
- Donate to a volunteer organisation: This is a great way to support the work of charitable organisations.
No matter how you choose to get involved, corporate volunteering is a great way to make a difference in the lives of young people.
Corporate volunteering is a win-win for everyone involved. It is a great way for businesses to give back to their communities, for employees to gain valuable skills and collective experiences, and for young people to benefit from the support and guidance of mentors.
To find out more about corporate volunteering with Bright Futures UK please connect with me, or email zara.skidmore@brightfuturesuk.com.
@brightfutures Zara, this is a great post and very in keeping with the sort of spirit and ethos of the great folks who are invited to join Kmend as founder members. Thanks for sharing! See you soon, David