My experience of applying: EASY!

When I read about the wave of friendship I knew this was one such opportunity. And it’s easy to take part in!, basically:

Find a volunteering opportunity to suit you

My action: I act as volunteer project officer for  “props” engaged in finding supported volunteering opportunities for ex-offenders. So, I started looking for likeminded projects in Scotland and found one at Volunteer Centre Edinburgh. Perfect!

Contact organisation for agreement in principle for you to participate

My action: I found the email of the project manager and asked her if it would be possible to visit. She replied very positively and after some discussions about what we wanted to do together we agreed to go ahead and fill in the application forms, this happens in two easy parts.

Volunteer Fills in an application form

My action: this can sometimes be daunting but the wave of friendship has made it very simple. The application asks for your normal personal details and then asks you to think creatively about why you are passionate about the opportunity (why wouldn’t you be :) it then asks you to think “in what ways the opportunity mirrors the Olympic values of: Friendship, Respect, Excellence, Courage, Determination, Equality, Inspiration?” Unsure? Ask a friend its fun once you start and remember you don’t have to tick them all but I bet you can.

For example planting trees mirrors respect because we are promoting respect for the environment. next part…

Ask the organisation to fill out a form.

My action: send the organisation the application form! Like I said, easy. Remember voluntary organizations rely on volunteers. They will be more than willing to do it once they realize you are passionate about the opportunity.

Send forms to wof@peoplemakingwaves.org.uk

And fingers crossed you will have the opportunity to see Scotland whilst contributing your willingness to volunteer!

As for me I can’t wait to see Edinburgh. You can find out more about the scheme at: http://www.peoplemakingwaves.org.uk