Sustaining opportunities for young people – the ‘what’ and ‘why’

The features of sustaining volunteering opportunities for young people include:

Learn how young people’s needs have been met and use this to promote future involvement

What action you can take

• Consider the varying reasons people engage in volunteering and tailor your messages to these
• Have volunteers needs at the heart of your plans on how to support volunteering programmes locally

Arguing the case for sustaining

“They’re all now really interested in getting involved in campaigning – but they wouldn’t see it as volunteering” (Local Worker quoted in Doers and Shapers, DMU, 2009)

Young people could see that adults had changed their perceptions of them and this could mean that they were no longer so trapped in negative positions. (Doers and Shapers, DMU, 2009)

“One young person did some other volunteering over the summer too – he learnt commitment on this project and carried it across [to new volunteering]” (Local worker quoted in Doers and Shapers, DMU, 2009)

One borough…offered £30 a month of ‘credits’ to do positive activities. “The website is good, it’s got blogs and activities. I’ve got £150 worth of credits so far” (Young person quoted in Doers and Shapers, DMU, 2009)

“I’m more confident and knowledgeable….I feel I am being heard and my world does mean something.” (Young person quoted in Doers and Shapers, DMU, 2009)

Demonstrate how volunteering has improved young people’s life opportunities

What action you can take

• Think beyond job prospects – there are fundamental ways volunteering can improve life opportunities.
• Focus on skill development and transfer – always ensure volunteers leave with more than they give
• Consider what volunteers might want to do next, but don’t force them into any preconceived pathways.

Arguing the case for sustaining

87.3% of volunteers reported feeling more confident, 85% having learned to work in a team and 84.7% had made new friends. (Doers and Shapers, DMU, 2009)

“I am able to make decisions on things that affect me” (Young person quoted in Doers and Shapers, DMU, 2009)

Link volunteering to future support around skill development and employability

What action you can take

• Investigate qualification/career development at the outset of planning volunteering programmes
• Be realistic and transparent about what volunteering will equip young people for – make no false promises.
• Make no assumptions about what young people want to get out of volunteering – it may not be a job.

Arguing the case for sustaining

89% of volunteers reported they had ‘gained new skills’ (Doers and Shapers, DMU, 2009)

Volunteering programmes have led to qualifications or accreditation e.g. AQA Award (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance), Youth participation qualifications and ASDAN (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network). (Doers and Shapers, DMU, 2009)

“I have been able to gain other skills for example I have taken part in a youth participation course and peer mentoring course. This is helping my CV and myself in the future” (Young person quoted in Doers and Shapers, DMU, 2009)

“It’s a good stepping stone for me and will help me get a better career. Plus it’s fun and flexible.” (Young person quoted in Doers and Shapers, DMU, 2009)

[Volunteering] show gains for many of the young people on dimensions such as communication skills, interpersonal skills and confidence and motivation for entering the world of work. (Doers and Shapers, DMU, 2009)

Find out about sustaining in action – learning from the projects >>