The theme of Volunteer Week for 2020 is: Changing Communities. Changing Lives. To most people, this theme speaks to the impact that charities and volunteers have on the lives of the people they are helping. But to me, it means more than that. It means changing the lives of the volunteers themselves.
I’ve been volunteering for Empowered Together for about 2 years. I also recently started my first full-time job after graduating from university. The prospect of balancing a full-time role and an executive position at Empowered Together seemed overwhelming. My role as CMO was so rewarding, it involved managing a three-person remote working team. However, I wasn’t sure about my ability to balance full-time work while also keeping volunteers engaged. I just didn’t think that I could maintain my commitment to the organisation and the volunteers I managed while working full time, so I made the decision to leave my position at Empowered Together.
As my end date loomed, the idea of leaving Empowered Together really sunk in. My role had moulded who I was, giving me the opportunity for skill and mindset growth. At Empowered Together, I learnt about working as part of a remote team, how to conduct a performance review, how to manage people, how to be managed, how to grow a brand. I also had met a group of dedicated and passionate and like-minded young people. Empowered Together was also a constant in my life through numerous part-time jobs and casual positions, it was my passion project. I quickly realised there was no way that I could leave this place!
As a youth run organisation, Empowered Together empowers young people towards opening up conversations around sexual consent. At the same time, it acts as a platform where volunteers can improve their skills, further their careers and make a real difference in the sexual violence space.
Reflecting on this point, I noticed the duality in this year’s volunteer week theme.
I think about the vision Empowered Together is aiming to achieve, we are changing communities by reshaping the way we talk about sexual assault and consent. We are changing lives by removing the stigma that sadly still surrounds this topic. However, Empowered Together is also changing the lives of the young people who volunteer with them, by giving volunteers the chance to build their skills, and be a part of the solution to an issue they are deeply passionate about.
I am so grateful to now be staying on in the role of Marketing Project Coordinator, helping the marketing team to reach out to more young people and spread our message.
Take it from someone who was just about to leave Empowered Together, this place is so special! Nowhere will you find a more motivated and dedicated group of young people; it is definitely a community you want to be a part of! Keep an eye on our Instagram and Facebook pages, as well as the Contact Us page of our website for volunteer position announcements.
This volunteer week, I want to thank our volunteers for doing their part in removing the stigma around sexual violence and opening up conversations around consent. But I also want to thank Empowered Together for giving all its volunteers a chance to be a part of the change they want to see in the world. I encourage anyone who is considering applying for a volunteer position at any organisation to go for it! You help to change lives, and communities while at the same time changing your own.