Click here here to tell us your story and for the chance to be entered into our prize draw for M&S vouchers . . .

Why do you volunteer? What’s great about it? And what would you change?

VDS is launched a new campaign to coincide with Volunteers’ Week 2012. We’re taking a snapshot of volunteer experiences over the summer of 2012 to create a picture of what volunteering looks like in today’s Scotland.

Your stories will help to shape the way we think about volunteering and how we can help everyone make the most of it. You will also help us inspire others to volunteer.

Taking part is easy. Just tell us, in around 100 words, how you feel about volunteering.

Everyone who participates will have a chance to enter a prize draw to win £25 worth of Marks & Spencer vouchers.

CLICK  HERE to take part.


EXAMPLES
Alan’s story:
My title at the rugby club is ‘Secretary’ but really it feels like I’m a part time travel agent, insurance broker, accountant, cleaner and barman. When I started playing rugby it didn’t occur to me that I’d have to take on all these duties. But, I suspect like a lot of volunteers, the jobs just keep piling up because only a few of us help out and I don’t want to let the club down. Knowing I’m doing my bit to keep the club going is a good feeling and you get a real buzz when we enjoy some success. I do wish, however, that more people would get involved in running things because sometimes organising other people’s fun can be a lonely job!

Stuart’s story:
I’m a board member of one of Scotland’s colleges and attend meetings every couple of weeks. Contributing to an organisation that helps thousands of people equip themselves with the skills to help them secure jobs or develop their careers is very rewarding. I underestimated the additional hours needed to read up on certain issues and to keep in touch with what the college is doing from day to day. But the support and friendship of my colleagues on the board and knowing the value of what we are doing, makes all the additional hours worthwhile. I’ve also learned a lot along the way and picked up a few new ideas to take back into my own workplace. It’s something I really value and hopefully others do to.