/// TASTER PROJECTS FOR YOUTH VOLUNTEERS

We have found that most young volunteers aged 16-25, prefer their first volunteering experience to be within the context of a group ‘taster’ project. After taking part in this sort of introductory activity, they will often then go on to take part in other more regular volunteering.

We are therefore offering you a fantastic opportunity to get jobs done in your organisation by creating one-off ‘taster’ sessions to attract groups of new young volunteers. Examples of these might include clearance work, painting or decorating, environmental or conservation activities, or taking part in fund-raising or promotional events.

Surrey vinvolved will strive not only to supply volunteers – ideally in groups of between 6 and 12 young people – but also support organisations or projects in the planning, promotion and facilitation of successful ‘taster’ projects. Taster sessions would usually last for a minimum of half a day and maximum of three consecutive days.

Activities need to be carefully thought through as host organisations will need to consider issues such as volunteer transport (how will they get there? will public transport costs be refunded?), refreshments, volunteer supervision and instruction, risk assessment / health and safety, and the provision of protective clothing (if necessary).

We have had many successful examples of such projects, and the benefits to organisations include:

•Getting a job done quickly using healthy and energetic manpower

•Putting in place the infrastructure for further volunteering projects in the future

•Introducing your charity or project to young volunteers who may then become interested and wish to do more regular volunteering, promotion or fund-raising

•Publicity for your organisation, demonstrating that it has a volunteer policy open to all ages

It is important that taster projects take place at times when young people are available. We therefore recommend weekends, summer evenings, or school / college holidays.

We are currently in the process of compiling a selection of ‘taster’ projects for young volunteers in July and August (i.e. during the summer vacation). Please refer to our vivnvolved calendar on our website, www.surreyvinvolved.org for tasters listed so far.

If your organisation would like to host a ‘taster’ youth volunteering project and would like young volunteers to help with one or more ‘Summer Projects’, please contact us before May 30th so we have time to work together to set up projects and advertise them properly in advance.

For more information please contact Surrey vinvolved at:

01737 784970, or e mail: info@surreyvinvolved.org