Youth Volunteer Charter

GwirForce members have identified that Wales currently does not have a Policy for Young Volunteers. GwirForce recognised the need for this to be developed. GwirForce used their initiative to create a charter for Young Volunteers. This recognises and protects young volunteers in Wales.

GwirForce used an empathetic approach as all members are young volunteers in their own communities. As a group they developed some key strategic principles as outlined in the charter.

One key objective is for the group is to seek political endorsement for the charter. We have consulted Nia Griffiths MP for Llanelli who is supporting us with the policy and the political drive. GwirForce key objectives, that they would anticipate Voluntary Associations and organisations to adopt the policy into their organisation.

GwirForce members recently attended the WCVA conference in North Wales; this opportunity enabled them to showcase the Youth Volunteering Charter through a series of workshops. They were well received by various organisations and as a result have created some worthwhile partnerships, in North and South Wales.

Another objective is GwirForce would like to see the Policy adopted nationwide by our peers in Scotland, Northern Ireland and England. GwirForce plan to showcase the charter through the use of video conferencing to their peers in Scotland, Northern Ireland and England.
 

We would welcome some additional comments / feedback in relation to the charter.

Charter for Wales

Young Volunteers in Wales have the opportunity to engage in positive relationships; create community cohesion and develop new skills that are recognised, valued and transferred into all areas of their lives; today and in the future.

Our aim is to holistically sustain, promote and encourage Volunteering in Wales. This can be achieved by providing a professional, friendly and safe environment for Volunteers in Wales, who give their time positively and constructively for the benefit of others.

How can we achieve this?

Young volunteers can:

• Support their communities through regular projects and strengthen community cohesion by seeking to involve a diverse group of young people.
• Develop their skills and provide positive contributions to organisations & businesses young volunteers will help them constantly grow to provide better services.
• Identify support, training and research opportunities to ensure progression.
• Promote volunteering efficiently by ‘doing’ and making a visible contribution to raising money for charity; running workshops and promoting events.

Organisations and employers can:

• Provide training and help develop work skills such as communication, IT and working with colleagues from different backgrounds which may lead to other opportunities and/or employment.
• Afford young volunteers with fairness and respect alongside paid members of staff.
• Provide focussed personal and work-related support through meetings and one-to-one sessions; financial assistance in travel and food expenses.
• Acknowledge and recognise the commitment given by the young volunteers to ensure motivation and enthusiasm; achieved via awards from volunteering providers and life qualifications through on the job training.
• Recognise the benefits to the organisation or workplace from the contributions of young volunteers.

Young volunteers have the ability to create and develop the future of the economy in Wales with a reliable source of knowledge, understanding; skills & experience. Communities across Wales can realise immediate and longer term, sustainable benefits from the contributions and involvement from their young people