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Today, I want to share with you the information prepared by the team of the Natalia Kovalenko Foundation on "How to Work with Volunteer Tasks and Be Effective in a Team." I believe this question is on everyone's mind. It's important to know that this journey is not just an opportunity to help others, but also a moment of personal growth and influence on the world around us. Volunteer projects and the foundation bring people together, inspiring collective achievements and the discovery of talents. Each team member brings their unique abilities and experiences to the collective pool of ideas and efforts. Working together on projects provides an opportunity to learn from each other, improve communication and collaboration skills, and tackle challenges together. Now, I want to highlight key aspects of volunteer work and share useful tips for effective teamwork. — Don't hesitate to ask for help: Especially when working in a volunteer team, it's important to be open to support and advice from other participants and to explain the importance of fundraising: why and for whom? — Choose communication methods with the team: Ensure effective interaction and information exchange by choosing the most convenient communication methods for your team in any messenger. — Know your responsibilities: Before starting work, carefully familiarize yourself with your duties and responsibilities in the team. — Flexibility and adaptability: Volunteer projects can change quickly, so it's important to be prepared to adapt and respond to changes. — Support and gratitude: Remember the importance of supporting and showing gratitude to other team members for their work. Positive communication and recognition of others' efforts will increase motivation and engagement of the entire team in the project. Let's work together to do great things and make positive changes in our world! #volunteering #support #teamwork #NataliaKovalenkoFoundation #NataliaKovalenko #Kyiv #Ukraine #help

What abundance in your life? Guess what Abundance is created in our lives when we place value on being of service in everything we do. How are you being of service? Which value do you create? Grateful for being able to serve along many like Marsha Ralls from Entrepreneurs' Organization #growth #wellbeing #service

Exciting News! 🌿 We are thrilled to announce that our Indigenous Youth Voices (IYV) annual summer trip is just around the corner! This year’s adventure promises to be our best yet, with incredible activities, special guests, and opportunities to connect with nature and our heritage. While we had to push back the trip to August due to unforeseen family emergencies, we remain dedicated to making this event a memorable one. Stay tuned for the official dates and details – we’ll be announcing them very soon! Sign-ups will open shortly, and spaces are limited, so make sure to keep an eye out for our updates. The trip is for Native youth ages 15-27, with travel available for those from Denver, Wind River, Pine Ridge, and Rosebud. If any youth out there are interested but unsure what to expect, please reach out to our Youth Coordinator, Jonah GreyBull-Green. He can explain the program and connect you with other youth members who have attended in previous years. This option is available for parents/guardians as well. We are dedicated to empowering our Native youth and enriching our traditional storytelling and knowledge. Our program includes discussions on healing, mental and emotional health, and the importance of Native leadership in environmental justice, climate change, and Indigenous advocacy work. Participants will learn how to get involved in internships, outdoor recreation, national park services, conservation, and employment pathways in these fields. Also, keep a lookout for our upcoming Indigenous Youth Voices funding and sponsorship shoutout! We want to honor our partners and those who made this happen, and more importantly, share the impactful work they do. Some are first-time supporters of Native-led initiatives, and we deeply value their contributions. If you are interested in becoming a partner or sponsor, please contact us. Help us make this summer a memorable one for our Indigenous Youth Voices Group. We are still fundraising to cover activities like white water rafting and lodging. If you are interested in sponsoring any of these, please reach out to us at notournativedaughters@gmail.com or text 'NATIVEYOUTH' to 44-321. #IndigenousYouthVoices #NativeYouth #NativeLed #SupportNativeYouth #HonoringOurPartners #FirstTimeSupporters #NativeAmerican #Indigenous #YouthLeadership #JoinTheMovement #IndigenousAdvocacy #EnvironmentalJustice #TraditionalEcologyKnowledge #CommunityBuilding

This spring, embark on a journey that transcends the ordinary and dive into an experience that's about making a real, tangible difference. Join us on our next trip to Nazareth Orphanage in Tecate, Mexico, and be a part of a movement where your actions contribute to the brighter futures of children in need. Trip Dates: Mark your calendars for March 23rd! We're kicking off in the early morning and wrapping up by the evening, giving you a full day of immersive volunteer work. Departure Points: Choose from two convenient locations, with departures from St. Elizabeth Catholic Church at 7:30 AM or St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church at 7:45 AM. Return Time: Expect to be back by around 5:30 PM, filled with new memories and experiences. Why You Should Be There: Impact: Directly engage with the children and leave a lasting impact on their lives. It's more than a trip; it's a chance to contribute to a cause greater than yourself. Connection: Meet like-minded individuals from your generation. Forge new friendships and expand your network with people who share your passion for making a difference. Experience: Gain invaluable life experiences and insights into a different culture. It's an opportunity to grow, learn, and step out of your comfort zone. Empowerment: In a world craving positive change, your participation is a powerful statement. Show the world the strength and compassion of our generation. Logistics: For more details, follow ofno.org ! Get started : https://lnkd.in/gFq2q4fN #volunteersneeded #volunteerabroad #travellingabroad #volunteeropportunities #tecate #mexicogram #orphanage #nonprofitfundraising

BRUSSELS—26 March 2024—"In order to respond to challenges at the local level, it is important to have individual encounters, which is why we work at the neighborhood level. Before our Neighborhood Day, I didn't know the people, but since then, I greet them and there is the beginning of a conversation." Rina Rabau Nkandu, Alderman for the City of Mechelen responsible for social cohesion, education, participation, communication, seniors and accessibility, shared this reflection at an event titled Fostering Inclusive Communities: Leveraging Social Cohesion for Thriving Societies. Hosted by the Bahá'í International Community’s Brussels Office and the Office of Public Affairs of the Bahá'í community of Belgium, the event explored the need to create inclusive spaces where individuals from various backgrounds feel a sense of belonging and can actively contribute to community progress.  While emphasizing the importance of understanding the local reality of a neighborhood to effectively address ongoing challenges, Didier Vanderslycke, Coordinator of ORBIT VZW, an organization that fosters coexistence and democratic cooperation among people of different backgrounds, said "It is important to meet and get to know each other, but we will now focus more on working together in solidarity. We will look around the neighborhoods, the cities, what is a problem here, what is an obstacle, what is a threshold. And how can we work together to find a solution?" And Philippe Seidel Leroy from AGE Platform Europe, a European network that promotes solidarity between all generations and the participation of older people in society, added “If we say ‘more inclusive’ for the elderly, that means more inclusive for everyone.” By focusing on the interplay of European Union, national, and local policymaking, the event underscored the significance of ongoing conversations and collaboration among residents and institutions to strengthen social cohesion at the grassroots level. “Organizing these events is crucial for establishing inclusive and creative environments where policymakers from all levels can interact with grassroots organizations. By doing so they can draw insights from community perspectives and shape policies that embrace diversity in a more collaborative way”, said Sarah Moser, representative of the Office of Public Affairs of the Bahá’ís in Belgium. The event underscored the critical role of social cohesion in shaping resilient and thriving societies, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to create inclusive spaces where all individuals can actively participate and contribute to community well-being. #InclusiveCommunity #SocialCohesion #Communication #Education #BahaiInternationalCommunity #BahaisOfBelgium

Volunteerism is not just about giving back to the community; it's about making a tangible difference in the lives of others and creating a positive impact on the world around us. Throughout my journey as a volunteer, I have had the privilege of working with diverse groups and organizations, each experience shaping my understanding of the power of collective action and the importance of selfless service. One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteer work is the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life. Whether it's mentoring youth, serving at a local shelter, or participating in environmental conservation efforts, every interaction has reinforced the value of empathy, compassion, and understanding. These experiences have not only broadened my perspective but also instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude for the ability to make a meaningful difference, no matter how small the contribution may seem. Volunteerism transcends geographical boundaries and cultural differences, serving as a unifying force that brings people together for a common cause. It is a testament to the inherent goodness within humanity and a reminder that, by working hand in hand, we can overcome challenges and create a more inclusive and equitable society. Reflecting on my volunteer journey, I am reminded of the countless individuals who have inspired me with their resilience, kindness, and unwavering spirit. Their stories have fueled my passion for volunteerism and reinforced my belief in the transformative power of community engagement. I encourage everyone to explore volunteer work possibilities, whether through local initiatives or global causes. Every act of volunteerism, no matter how big or small, has the potential to sow the seeds of positive change and leave a lasting impact. Let's continue to lend our time, skills, and energy to create a world where compassion and solidarity flourish and every individual can thrive. Together, we can build a brighter future for generations to come. #Volunteerism #CommunityEngagement #MakeADifference

🌍 Unlocking Volunteer Potential Across Europe! While Northwest Europe may be the sweet spot for volunteerism, it’s essential to remember that great volunteers can be found across the continent. Understanding what motivates individuals to volunteer is key to tapping into this potential. According to the 2021 EESC study, these are the primary motivations for volunteering in Europe: 🔹 Values: Alignment with personal values, especially relevant for political organizations. 🔹 Career: Networking opportunities that assist in landing the next job or business venture. 🔹 Social: Building and maintaining social networks. 🔹 Enhancement and Protective Functions: Developing leadership skills beneficial for career growth. Interestingly, altruism - often a central argument in the U.S. - is notably absent from this list. This suggests that "what’s in it for me" messaging, focusing less on altruism, may resonate more with European volunteers. So, forget the "giving back" pitch—European volunteers are motivated differently! Understanding these motivations can help organizations across Europe tailor their volunteer recruitment and engagement strategies more effectively. How are you tailoring your volunteer recruitment messages for a European audience? #Volunteering #CommunityEngagement #VolunteerMotivation #EuropeVolunteers

Volunteering has helped me to integrate into Australian culture, expand my knowledge and feel I belong here. I have been participating in different volunteer programs to support, learn and contribute to the community over the last 5 years. To celebrate National Volunteer Week, I’ll be sharing some of the lessons I learned from 400 hours of volunteering as a city ambassador at the City of Melbourne. 💡 Expanded Local Knowledge  Each volunteer shift brought new opportunities to work with different volunteers and spark different conversations. This allowed me to get to know more about Melbourne from the locals and fellow volunteers. 🙌 Embracing diversity  One of the most enriching aspects of volunteering as a city ambassador has been celebrating the diversity of cultures of people who visit our city. Each encounter provided an opportunity to learn about different perspectives, fostering a deeper appreciation for the world’s rich tapestry of cultures. 😀 Simple smile goes along the way To greet someone with a smile is the simple act of kindness we all can express. 🎤 Enhancing Communication Skills  Being on the street or at different events, I have communicated with people from different walks of life. This helped me to become a better communicator. ☘ Commitment is not easy, but the rewards are greater When I learned that the minimum commitment for the volunteer role was 12 months, I was a bit hesitant. However, by taking each week as it goes, and showing up for each shift, I learned the value of commitment. With commitment, the depth of relationship with other volunteers went deeper along with a greater volume of knowledge and experience gained. If you are volunteering somewhere like me, let me know what have you learned from your experience. #volunteer #NVW2024 #somethingforeveryone #volunteerexperience

🌟 Empowering the Next Generation: A Lesson in Compassion and Community Service 🌟 At Serve the City Luxembourg, we recently had the privilege of hosting an Easter-themed kids activity that went beyond the joy of arts and crafts. It was an opportunity to engage with young minds about the significance of community support and understanding for individuals facing challenging circumstances in our city. Through the creative process of decorating paper bags with Easter-themed art, the children not only unleashed their creativity but also learned about empathy, compassion, and the importance of giving back to the community. It was an enlightening experience that combined fun, education, and meaningful discussions. One of the most memorable moments was when a young participant made a heartfelt pledge: “I promise you, I will serve the city.” This statement resonated deeply with everyone present, serving as a powerful testament to the impact of our initiative. It highlighted the incredible potential of our youth to drive positive change and reinforced the importance of nurturing these values from a young age. As professionals committed to social responsibility, let’s take inspiration from these young changemakers. Let’s continue to support initiatives that empower the youth, fostering a culture of empathy, service, and community engagement. Together, we can make a significant impact on the world, one small act of kindness at a time. #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityService #ServeTheCityLuxembourg #SocialResponsibility #EmpathyInAction

In our Volunteer Leader Network Meeting on Tuesday, we explored engaging CALD communities and new migrants in volunteering 🤝 In our panel session, Adele Horkings, Volunteer Program Lead at Puffing Billy Railway, and Ruby Cheung, international student and volunteer, highlighted the importance of: Understanding volunteer motivations: 🔹Personal connection - building genuine relationships. 🔹Sense of belonging - fostering community ties 🔹Relevant experiences - aligned roles with studies, professional aspirations, interests Attracting CALD volunteers: 🔹Forge partnerships: Collaborate with local community groups, universities and networks where CALD individuals seek opportunities to contribute 🔹Seek funding: Grants can support program development, cultural awareness sessions, research, enhancing marketing materials Explore the panel session summary here: https://rb.gy/u8j851 Additionally, Koonie Karinsen, Volunteer Recruitment and Training Coordinator and Reshma Manandhar, Community Engagement Officer at AMES Australia led an Interactive session on engaging and retaining volunteers from CALD communities offering tips like: 💡Assess English proficiency in volunteer tasks 💡 Send interview questions beforehand, use clear language, choose a relaxed setting 💡Foster cultural understanding among staff 💡Assign a multilingual buddy to new volunteers 💡Celebrate different cultural holidays and traditions Attracting and retaining CALD volunteers enriches our community. Let's keep fostering diversity in volunteering 🌟