SociaLink, the umbrella organisation for the Western Bay of Plenty social sector, is running a free workshop for potential volunteers next month – and it’s hoping to attract people who may not have volunteered before.
Feel Good by Doing Good: How to be a helping hand in your community will be held on Wednesday March 22 at 5pm at The Kollective in 17th Avenue. It will also include the launch of Volunteering Bay of Plenty under its new SociaLink banner.
The workshop will include a panel of prominent volunteering organisations and a keynote speaker, Damian D’Cruz of Mindspring. It is designed to be fun and interactive with questions and answers from those already in the volunteering field.
SociaLink general manager Liz Davies said they are keen to bring in new types of volunteers – people who hadn’t thought of volunteering before.
“We know that volunteering is good for people’s general wellbeing, as well as contributing to our communities. Recent events like Covid and the flooding in Auckland and Hawke’s Bay have demonstrated the power of community, and that strong communities do well.
“This event aims to bring together those groups seeking volunteers, such as Student Volunteer Army and environmental groups, with people who are interested in looking into volunteering,” she said.
“We’re particularly keen to find volunteers from groups who, for a whole range of reasons, don’t tend to volunteer, for example where we know there are growth opportunities – among migrants and newcomers, and young people. Volunteering can help with improving English, provide a chance to meet new people while doing good and can lead to employment or career development for those who are keen to lend a hand.”
The workshop facilitator, Damian D’Cruz, has worked as an outdoor instructor, trainer, facilitator and consultant since 1995. He worked for two NZ training companies and then established Mindspring in 2001.
He was a finalist in the Vero Business Excellence awards in 2007 for his creative approach to business consulting, and he works in the areas of leadership training, change leadership, and people skills training.
The free workshop will include refreshments, and those interested in attending can register at https://www.eventspronto.co.nz/event7250