To celebrate International Volunteer Day on Tuesday 5th December, we are highlighting some of our inspiring students who spend their free time giving back to the community.
As this year’s theme is “The power of collective action”, we want to showcase the impact volunteering has on society. Read more about our students’ experience in this blog.
At RGU, we have a wide variety of volunteering opportunities, but we also encourage students to take on roles within the community, for example with local charities and organisations. By being involved in a volunteering role, you can build up valuable skills and even earn certificates via our RGUplus programme.
Our Beyond the Classroom initiative provides an opportunity for you to get recognition for your volunteering work, which will support your employability. But volunteering does not only benefit you, it is also a great way to transform our society for the better. Hear from other students about the impact their engagement has:
Miles – Acting Go Green President, Kaim Shop and BikePad volunteer
“I’m a first year Nursing student who’s really interested in sustainability, the environment and creating a just energy transition. During Freshers week, I saw Go Green were doing an event so I went along. I immediately felt like I found a community who shares my interests.
“Being really passionate helped me get started with volunteering and gain committee roles like Head of Kaim shop and Acting President! It feels great to promote active travel in the city through BikePad, and having the free second-hand Kaim shop definitely makes a difference to many students in need every week. I recommend if you’re passionate about helping others and the planet, get involved in Go Green!”
Jaime – Student School Officer
“Volunteering as a Student School Officer has been extremely rewarding so far. I was able able to work with students and staff and strengthen the sense of community through events that boost engagement, as well as generally gathering feedback and being able to be a part of actioning change for the better. It’s such a rewarding experience!”
Emma – Equality Champion for Disability and charity volunteer
“I volunteer for Shout UK! and Who Cares? Scotland. I really enjoy doing both those roles in the community and having an impact on the lives of people in need. For Who Cares?, I love campaigning and empowering the rights of care-experienced people.”
Robert – BikePad volunteer
“I think volunteering for BikePad helps to get students cycling and it’s a great way of encouraging others to stay fit as well. It also helps make the buses less crowded!”
Lera – Go Green volunteer
“I am part of the Go Green gardening club. It allows me to reconnect with nature. My grandparents are farmers, and I used to visit them every summer, so I missed digging around in the soil.
“I also hope to encourage people to take up gardening as well, be it on their windowsill or at a community garden, since I believe it’s a good way to keep in touch with the planet, so to speak, to remember the importance of other organisms in our increasingly human and technology-centred world”.
There are so many different ways for you to volunteer and make a difference. You can join a society, sports club, group, or network at the Union, become a Class Representative or School Officer, or volunteer with a charity close to your heart.
And don’t forget to find out more about turning your experience into employability skills and awards on our website!