👋 Hello and welcome to the March edition of Volunteering Matters! 🌼
Book your place at our 2023 Conference; be inspired by displaced people volunteering in Ireland; get some ideas for volunteering this Springtime; and find out about our upcoming workshops!
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Get your ticket to the National Volunteer Management Conference!
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📅 Wednesday, 26 April 2023 at University of Galway
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If you engage with volunteers in your paid or voluntary work, then you can't miss the National Volunteer Management Conference 2023! The Conference takes place Wednesday, 26 April 2023 at the University of Galway.
Join us for a one-day conference dedicated to creating positive volunteering experiences. Learn from leading figures in Ireland's voluntary sector, as well as international experts.
📢 Early bird tickets are on sale now! Visit our website to view the conference programme and reserve your place. We hope to see you there!
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Volunteer story: Mohamed is giving back to the community that welcomed him
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🌍 Mohamed fled the war in Somalia and was welcomed in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. 🤗
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"We'd like to thank Mohamed [left] for everything he has given back to his community through volunteering," says Kildare Community Volunteer Coordinator, John Murray [right.]
"Mohamed has been an orphan since a young age. He arrived in Ireland alone and with few possessions in 2022, fleeing war in his home country, South Somalia.
"Newbridge, Co. Kildare welcomed Mohamed, and it became his new home. We asked Mohamed how he felt in those early days in Newbridge. Was he worried, scared or anxious? Mohamed said he just felt extremely grateful. He felt safe and welcome. He explained how, over time, he developed a strong urge to give something back to the Newbridge community that had welcomed him.
"While Mohamed was very keen to get involved, contribute, and feel part of his local community, he was unsure how to do this until he met staff from Kildare Volunteer Centre. We connected Mohamed with some great local volunteer groups.
"Mohamed has since volunteered with Newbridge Tidy Towns, has become an active volunteer in the cultural exchange group in Newbridge Family Resource Centre, and has been a steward at local 5k runs. Mohamed has also become a member of our Community Volunteer programme.
"He explains that he loves volunteering as it allows him to meet many different cultures, make new friends, and share his own culture. He mentions how it helps him improve his English and feel part of his local community.
"Mohamed now works full-time and still finds time to maintain all his volunteer roles. He says it's important to keep giving back to the community that helped him so much when he needed it the most."
💜💙💗 Thank you to Mohamed for sharing his inspiring story!
📢 Share your volunteering story with our followers! We're looking for stories from people who feel volunteering has improved their lives. 📨 Please email [email protected] if that sounds like you!
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Can I volunteer if I'm a displaced person in Ireland?
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All around Ireland, refugees, asylum seekers, and people living in Direct Provision centres are volunteering and giving back to their new communities.
Migrants and displaced people enrich our communities by making them more diverse, vibrant, and welcoming, and provide opportunities for all of us to learn from one another. 💜💙💗
If you're new in Ireland and interested in volunteering, all you need to register is an address in Ireland. (The address can be a Direct Provision centre, a hotel, etc.)
You can browse and apply for volunteering opportunities by visiting our website (www.i-vol.ie) or contacting your Volunteer Centre.
You can search roles by location/cause/activity, etc. You can also search for roles that are suitable for basic English.
Alternatively, visit our website to find your nearest Volunteer Centre. You can call or email the Volunteer Centre, and they'll help you.
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Volunteers in action this February in Dublin, Offaly & Cavan
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Get out and get involved this Spring!
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🌱 Upcoming nationwide volunteering opportunties 🌷
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If you've taken a break from volunteering and have been meaning to get back to it, Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start!
Volunteering gives us a sense of belonging and builds stronger communities – both of which are vital to our individual and collective wellbeing.
Charities and community groups across Ireland are looking for volunteers to support their activities this Spring. Here's a selection of upcoming opportunities. Find more at I-VOL.ie
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Know someone who'd enjoy Volunteering Matters?
Then please forward this email to them! 📨
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Does your organisation engage volunteers, or do you work as a Volunteer Manager? Then don't miss our upcoming training sessions!
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Wed 26 April
Our Conference enables and enhances volunteering through the promotion of best practice in volunteer management.
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Thu 13 April
FREE
Join us on Microvolunteering Day to explore all aspects of microvolunteering.
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Thu 25 May
Learn to support volunteers to manage stress and encourage them to mind their mental health and wellbeing.
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