How To Get Involved In International Volunteers Day

by Lauren Armstrong

4 December 2023
International Volunteer Day is just around the corner, a perfect time to make a difference in the world through volunteering. It doesn’t matter if you are an established volunteer or new to the world of small charity fundraising, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and make a meaningful impact. This is an annual event which honours the invaluable work of volunteers and volunteer organisations. Overall, this day aims to inspire more people to engage in volunteering activities. It promotes the ways it contributes to building a better and more inclusive world. This blog article will guide you on how to join the celebration of giving and share your passion for small charities. It will consider the significance of this day, how to support small charity fundraising, and the role of charities in the UK. 

However, before delving into how to get involved, it’s essential to comprehend the significance of this day. Established by the United Nations in 1985, International Volunteers Day celebrates the dedication and selflessness of volunteers worldwide. It provides a platform to recognise and thank individuals. Through small charity fundraising, they have an unwavering commitment to creating positive impact.

Participating in International Volunteers Day is an excellent way to acknowledge and support the efforts of volunteers in your community. Small charities play a crucial role in addressing specific social issues, often with limited resources. Getting involved with these organisations can be particularly rewarding, and this is a great opportunity to help out. Here are some ways you can support this cause:

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Joining Forces with Small Charities

One of the most profound ways we can get involved in International Volunteers Day is collaborating with small charity fundraising to continue their incredible work. For the most part, small charities operate on limited resources and rely heavily on volunteers to carry out their missions. Therefore, by working together, you can play a vital role in helping them achieve their goals. Here are some steps to consider:

  1.  Identify Your Passion and Skills:

To make a meaningful impact, start by recognising the causes that resonate with you the most. Whether it’s supporting education, healthcare, the environment, or social justice, finding your passion will ensure that your volunteer work is fulfilling.

2. Research Local Small Charities:

In your local area or across the UK, look for small charities that align with your beliefs and interests. Additionally, you can easily find these organisations through online searches, on social media, or by asking for recommendations from friends and family.

3. Contact the Charities:

Once you’ve identified a few charities that interest you, reach out to them. Many charities are constantly on the lookout for dedicated volunteers who can contribute their time, skills, or resources. Furthermore, if you want to get involved, initiate a conversation with organisations to discuss potential opportunities.

4. Plan Your Contribution:

Collaborate with the charity to plan how you can best support their mission. This could be through volunteering at events, offering your professional skills, or arranging fundraising campaigns. Regardless of this, your contribution will be valuable to their cause. Small charities are often in need of dedicated volunteers to assist with various tasks, including direct community engagement. Your skills and time can make a significant difference. For instance, you might consider volunteering for a cause or charity that appeals to your interests and skills.

Small Charity Fundraising for a Cause

For small charities, fundraising evidently plays a crucial role in supporting their actions. As an individual or part of a team, you can make an outstanding impact by creating fundraising events and campaigns. 

1. Choose a Fundraising Idea:

To make your fundraising efforts successful, decide on an idea that aligns with your interests and the charity’s mission. Whether it’s a charity event, online donation campaigns, or charity auction, creativity is the key.

2. Set Clear Goals:

You should define clear, measurable fundraising goals to keep your efforts focused. This could be determining how much money you aim to raise and where those funds will be directed within the charity. Additionally, you can use your voice and social media platforms to raise awareness about small charity fundraising. As a result of sharing their mission and success stories, it can encourage others to get involved.

3. Engage with the Community:

Rally friends, family, and community members to join your fundraising campaign. Collaborative efforts are often more successful. They can create a sense of unity and purpose within the community. Building and maintaining relationships with donors is a crucial part of fundraising in the UK. Donors want to see how their contributions are making a difference, and effective communication is so important.

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Supporting UK Small Charity Fundraising Initiatives

In addition to supporting small charities directly, you can also participate in larger-scale UK fundraising initiatives that aim to make a significant impact on a national level. By getting involved in these initiatives, you can amplify the reach of your volunteer efforts and help multiple charities at once.

1. National Fundraising Events:

Keep an eye out for national fundraising events and campaigns that take place in the UK. Many organisations, such as the UK’s National Council for Voluntary Organizations (NCVO), host events and campaigns that you can take part in. Many communities have events and activities on International Volunteers Day to showcase volunteer work. To further show your support, make sure you attend these events.

2. Online Giving Platforms:

Additionally, explore online giving platforms like Givey, which provides an online donation platform where you can contribute to various charities and causes. This can be done by making donations or setting up your own fundraising page. Givey recognises the essential role of small charities and has made it their mission to promote them. 

3. Volunteer for UK-Wide Initiatives:

 Across the UK, you can join volunteer projects that are designed to support multiple charities. These strategies can provide a structured way to engage with various causes while increasing your impact. Fundraising in the UK is extremely diverse. Regardless of how you raise money for charity, remember your efforts will help individuals and communities. 

Conclusion/Summary

International Volunteer Day is a wonderful occasion to celebrate the selfless acts of volunteers around the world. It’s a day to honour their commitment, dedication, and the positive change they bring to communities, especially through small charities. As someone who is passionate about volunteering and its positive impacts, I want to spread the message that every effort has an impact.  By giving your time, fundraising, and spreading the word, you can make a significant impact on International Volunteer Day. Moreover, understanding small charity fundraising in the UK and the role it plays in supporting causes is significant for effective involvement with charity organisations. Get involved, be the change, and celebrate the ethos of giving on International Volunteer Day!

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