Volunteering is an act of optimism - Amanda Naylor OBE CEO of Volunteering Matters

In this episode of the Time for Impact podcast, Chris Wade and his co-host Matt Cobble engage in a conversation with Amanda Naylor OBE, CEO of Volunteering Matters. The discussion centres around the transformative power of volunteering and its role in fostering community cohesion and social justice. Amanda shares insights into the Vision for Volunteering initiative, which aims to reshape the volunteering landscape by emphasising mutuality, empowerment, and inclusivity. The episode highlights various innovative projects, such as the RSVP program for senior volunteers and community-led solutions like the hearing aid repair initiative in Scotland. The conversation underscores the importance of flexibility, experimentation, and collaboration in volunteering, advocating for a shift from traditional service models to more community-driven approaches.KeywordsVolunteering, Community Cohesion, Social Justice, Vision for Volunteering, Mutuality, Empowerment, Inclusivity, RSVP Program, Hearing Aid Repair, Community-DrivenTakeawaysVolunteering is a powerful tool for social change and community cohesion.The Vision for Volunteering initiative emphasises mutuality and empowerment.Community-driven solutions are more effective than traditional service models at engaging volunteers.The RSVP program engages senior volunteers in meaningful activities.Hearing aid repair initiative in Scotland showcases community innovation.Flexibility and experimentation are key to successful volunteering projects.Volunteering Matters focuses on inclusivity and removing barriers.Volunteers gain as much as they give, creating mutual benefits.Collaboration and sharing power enhance the impact of volunteering.Volunteering is an act of optimism and hope.Links.Volunteer Maters https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/Volunteer Matters Impact Report https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/about-us/impact/Volunteer Maters Strategy and ecosystem. https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/shaping-the-future-of-volunteering-together/Dom Pinkney's article mentioned - what if everyone stopped volunteering https://www.works-4u.com/what-ifVision for Volunteering. https://www.visionforvolunteering.org.uk/