Vision for Volunteering in Reading
Reading is a place where the difference made by volunteering and social action is recognised, valued and celebrated. We want everybody to have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the goal of making Reading a thriving community, improving and enriching the lives of all.
Objectives
- Organisations that involve volunteers in their work have the support and resources they need to do so effectively.
- Volunteering, in its multiple forms, is widely recognised and celebrated and the positive impact it has on individuals and the community is valued
- Opportunities to volunteer are diverse and well supported, allowing everybody the chance to benefit from the wellbeing boost involvement can bring
- Volunteers see themselves as part of a wider community of people making a difference in the town
Desired Outcomes
- Organisations have the resources they need to offer impactful volunteering opportunities for all
- Those responsible for coordinating volunteers are able to access training and feel supported
- Volunteers are well supported in their roles
- Non-voluntary sector organisations and businesses have a better understanding of the resources required to make volunteering impactful and sustainable
- Reliable data on the extent, nature and value of volunteering in the town is available in an accessible format
- Non-voluntary sector organisations and businesses have a better understanding of the impact and importance of volunteering
- The promotion of volunteering is inclusive and representative of Reading’s diverse population
- Potential volunteers are able to find a diverse range of roles to suit their interests, skills and availability
- Residents are able to identify and access opportunities to make a difference in their neighbourhoods
- The wellbeing boost that volunteering can bring is well understood with illustrative local examples available
- Volunteers feel confident in voicing their views on how to make the town a better place and institutions and decision makers value and act on their reflections
- Volunteer retention is improved