Volunteers’ Week: ‘A time to say thanks’

01 June 2021
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Volunteers

To mark Volunteers’ Week, taking place from 1 – 7 June, Paul Laird, Head of Volunteering, Membership and Events, has taken the time to say thank you all the volunteers who help deliver excellent fundraising for a better world.

National Volunteers' Week is an annual awareness campaign during which volunteer-involving organisations across the UK recognise and celebrate the contribution volunteers make to society. It’s a chance to say ‘thank you’ to the many volunteers that help make a difference. 

It’s no exaggeration to say that volunteers are an essential part of the team at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. We simply couldn’t do what we do without them. During an exceptionally difficult year, they have kept going, providing the fundraising community with support even though things have been tough for so many of them personally. Most charities couldn’t exist without the people who raise money for them. So, I’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to every single volunteer that has willingly donated their time and skills towards serving others in so many ways.

It’s been wonderful to see the strength of human connections within the volunteering community and the ability to adapt to change even though we’ve all encountered unfamiliar territory. This year, the theme is ‘a time for thanks’ as it’s so important to pause and reflect on the contribution our volunteers make to the wider fundraising community.  I hope you’ll be inspired as you read the stories and testimonials of some of our colleagues across the UK.

We’re proud to have over 500 volunteers, including 350 in our group committees, our Trustees, forming our Convention Board, as advocates for RAISE, and through our Board sub-committees and those delivering our Action Plan for a safer profession. All of these volunteers are committed to help deliver our vision: Excellent fundraising for a better world.

It’s been impressive to see how volunteers have delivered affordable online learning and networking opportunities in an effort to equip and connect fundraisers in communities across Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England. In addition, volunteers are helping with shaping our strategy, amplifying our voice and allow us to broaden our reach. This approach adds so much value as the Chartered Institute continues to take steps towards being an organisation that champions inclusion and embraces diversity – for staff and volunteers. 

Our vision hasn’t changed, but in the midst of ongoing change and competing demands, the wellbeing of our people has never been more important. You are more important than what you do for us, so we want you to know that you’re not taken for granted.

Having recently joined the team, I can say that our volunteer network is made up of a wide spectrum of incredible people. We have Directors of Fundraising, and fundraisers starting out in their career. We have fundraisers from large, national charities and those from critical, smaller grassroots charities too.

I’d like to thank all volunteers connected to the Chartered Institute.  You’re all amazing!

Paul Laird
Paul Laird
Head of Volunteering, Membership and Events at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising

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