FAQ

My Volunteering Frequently Asked Questions

The Wave of Friendship Frequently Asked Questions

Make a Splash! Frequently Asked Questions

A Scottish Wave of Change Frequently Asked Questions

My Volunteering Frequently Asked Questions

What is People Making Waves?

People Making Waves is part of The Scottish Project, which will create a cultural legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralymic Games in Scotland. It is supported by Legacy Trust UK and by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland. It is a 4 year programme that will invite the people of Scotland to connect with the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Olympic Movement in general to express its values of excellence, respect, equality, courage, determination, inspiration and friendship. People Making Waves will focus on creating a legacy in Scotland through people's awareness and involvement in the Olympic Movement encouraging people to learn new skills through volunteering, make new connections through volunteering and to try things they never have before through volunteering.

Who is involved?

As the lead partner Volunteer Development Scotland will deliver the People Making Waves programme in partnership with Voluntary Arts Scotland, Gerry Hassan of Demos Associates and Greater London Volunteering.

What are the projects in People Making Waves?

There are four projects in People Making Waves. The first of which is this website www.peoplemakingwaves.org.uk where we are gathering the stories of the participants who have taken part in the Wave of Friendship, A Scottish Wave of Change and Make a Splash! the other three projects.

Make a Splash! led by Voluntary Arts Scotland is managing a small grants programme to encourage people to participate in the arts linked to the Olympic Legacy themes of Sport & Wellbeing, Knowledge & Learning, Arts & Culture. Make a Splash! has already funded over 50 arts groups and delivered the first ever Voluntary Arts Week in 2011 www.voluntaryartsweek.org

A Scottish Wave of Change led by Gerry Hassan is using the Olympic values to inspire people to engage in a debate about the future of Scotland. The project has already delivered a range of activities including three Local Futures Projects in Govan, Dundee and Lochgilphead, published a book – Imagination – and produced a documentary "A Voyage of Dreams" following the trials and tribulations of five young first time sailors as they face the challenges of sailing a boat round the west coast of Scotland.

A Wave of Friendship is a bursary programme, offering bursaries of up to £500 to support volunteers to visit London or Scotland to undertake volunteering. Volunteer Development Scotland is delivering this in partnership with Greater London Volunteering. So far over 170 volunteers have participated and had some fantastic experiences.

What role will volunteering play in both 2012 and 2014?

These major events will allow anyone and everyone to get involved – simply by getting involved and offering their time before the Games, during the Games and after the Games. Volunteers are a part of our everyday life and will unquestionably have a critical role in ensuring the success and last legacy of such a major events. We expect that from now individuals, groups and communities from Scotland and around the world will create their own inspirational stories of sustainable activities and actions which will contribute to and strengthen Scotland's unique identity. Up to 70,000 volunteers will be directly involved in Games time volunteering at the Olympic and Paralympic Games and up to 15,000 during the Commonwealth Games.

What is the purpose of the website peoplemakingwaves.org.uk?

An online resource to create and record experiences and associated with the other waves or stories about how you are inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games . Allows you to create a digital storybook of word, movies, images. Provides social networking opportunities with people and groups The site will generate a rich picture of the diversity of the people of Scotland and how they are inspired by and contribute to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

How can I tell my story?

A story can be in many forms, it could be a traditional story using words to describe your experience. It could be a series of photographs, a movie or a podcast. It could also be a mixture of any of these methods.

Does my story need to be related to sport?

No, the Olympic and Paralympic Games are much broader than sport and also cover the arts, culture. Your story may be related in some way to one of the Olympic Values: Excellence, Friendship and Respect .

The Wave of Friendship Frequently Asked Questions

When can I apply?

Now! Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

What volunteering opportunities are available?

Visit the volunteer now section of this website and there are links to websites which you can search to find opportunities. Alternatively, if you have an idea which you can't find on these websites, contact us with your idea. So far we have had people use their bursaries to support them to volunteer with Walk the Walk, the Notting Hill Carnival and the British Museum.

How do I get started?

  • Find a volunteering opportunity to suit you
  • Contact the organisation and get agreement in principle for you to participate
  • Fill in a Wave of Friendship application form (add link to application (pack to be provided))
  • Ask the organisation you are volunteering with to fill in the form 'Host organisation Agreement in Principle'
  • Send both completed forms to

What would my commitment be?

After completing your volunteering experience you would need to:

  • Write a short description of your volunteering experience on this website (including photos where possible)
  • Share relevant information with us about your volunteering experience such as how you found suitable accommodation, to help us to improve our support to future volunteers

How are bursaries claimed?

By submitting receipts for the expenses incurred. If any volunteer has difficulty paying expenses before receiving a bursary it is possible to pay them in advance. Full details of how to do this will be given to successful applicants.

Are there any age restrictions for applications?

Applications will only be considered by those aged 18 or over. However, if someone under 18 has a parent/guardian/responsible adult who would be willing to undertake the volunteering as well, they can both apply through the application process as a family volunteer exchange.

What support is available for applicants with additional needs?

Applicants with additional needs, which would mean that they require assistance in order to volunteer, may apply to the programme with a friend, partner or support assistant.

What if my application is unsuccessful?

Each application will be considered on its merits and the decision of the award panel is final. However you are free to apply again for a place on the programme in future.

What is Make a Splash! all about?

Run by Voluntary Arts Scotland, Make a Splash! is about providing new ways for people to connect to the arts aimed at existing voluntary arts and crafts groups – or people keen to set one up. Make a Splash! is run by Voluntary Arts Scotland un in conjunction with the Scottish Community Foundation. Make a Splash! is also about gathering stories – your stories which we want to share on this website. We are also using this project to support Voluntary Arts Week 2012.

Are you holding an event near me? And if so, when?

Probably! We have been promoting the Make A Splash! grants through a series of events, visiting all 32 Local Authorities, in order to reach as many people as possible. Details of where we're visiting and when will be continually updated in the 'Events' section of this website and on the Voluntary Arts Scotland website.

Do I have to attend a Make a Splash! event before I can apply for a grant?

No, but we strongly recommend it. The events will offer help, support and advice on the best way to apply for and spend your grant. However, if we're not visiting your part of Scotland for another six months, and you have a burning idea you just HAVE to try immediately, then by all means go ahead and apply! I If you have any questions please contact the Scottish Community Grants Foundation who manage the Make a Splash! grants on our behalf on 0141 341 4960

How can I apply for a small grant?

You can apply for a grant using all the information on the Apply for a Grant page which has more information including the application forms.

Who is Voluntary Arts Scotland?

Voluntary Arts Scotland is based in Edinburgh, and offers help and support to organisations, groups and individuals engaged in the voluntary arts and crafts in Scotland. It is part of Voluntary Arts, an organisation whose aim is 'to promote participation in the arts & crafts' across the UK and Republic of Ireland. You can find out more about us, and how we can help you, at  www.vascotland.org.uk

A Scottish Wave of Change Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Scottish Wave of Change all about?

A Scottish Wave of Change is about people bringing about change, Scotland and international connections and exploring the potential of the Olympic and Paralympic values and vision. It has crated 3 local Wave Propjects in Govan, Dundee and Lochgilphead and will be publishing a book in 2012 about the activities undertaken by these groups.

Who is Gerry Hassan?

Gerry Hassan is a writer, commentator and thinker about Scotland, the UK, politics and ideas. Hailed by the Sunday Herald as 'Scotland's main public intellectual' , Gerry has written and edited a dozen books in the last decade on Scotland and the wider world: from the setting up of the Parliament, to its record, policy, indepth studies of the Labour Party and SNP, and looking at how we imagine the future. Gerry's activities include facilitating events, discussions and conversations which bring people together in Scotland and across the world. www.geryhassan.com

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