Students getting their hands dirty

In one of our past blog posts, we talked about how many university students struggle with building the best possible CVs. This leads many of them to view volunteering as a requirement, or even a chore, that they need to do in order to because there is so much demand for paid starter-level jobs, or even unpaid internships. 

However, volunteering can have so many different benefits; there are many ways that university students can volunteer and possibly find something that they are truly passionate about – so that it’s just for their CV, but for themselves and the cause they are supporting.

·       Volunteering at an animal shelter & fostering animals

Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by animals for hours at a time? Volunteering at animal shelters or fostering animals until they find a new home can be a rewarding experience for animal lovers, but also a very fun time. Animals have been suffering more during these times of economic difficulty, as they are often the first thing to be neglected when money is short. Your help means they can find a new home that will appreciate and gain from having them.

·       Making your community a better place

Volunteering in the local community can be a rewarding experience that will also have a direct effect on your day to day to life. Many communities need the help of volunteers for cleaning, gardening, maintenance and other similar activities. Some charities also need some help in the kitchen – perfect for those who are passionate about cooking. By volunteering in the community you will see the effects of your efforts every day. As a student, especially if you’re not studying in your home town, volunteering offers a way to create links with the local community that are often overlooked.

·       Travel and help at the same time

Volunteering doesn’t necessarily need to happen in your city, or even your country for that matter. There are plenty of volunteering opportunities in various countries, where you don’t just get to help others, but also get the chance to immerse yourself in a completely different culture, and make new friends and connections from all over the world. Volunteers are needed in African countries, India, Mexico and many other beautiful places. Many universities or student unions will have opportunities for you to do this. These are sometimes opportunities you won’t get once you have left university. Tzedek UK is a great example of a Jewish charity working abroad, who sometimes have opportunities to work aboard (click here for more info).

Students visiting a local old age home in Nottingham in-between their studies

·       Use your university studies to help a charity

Volunteering can also help you put into practice whatever you are studying at university. This way you not only help others, but you also get to gain experience and more knowledge in your own desired field of work. There are plenty of opportunities for various fields, including administration, marketing, communications, or research. You can also help by campaigning and helping organise events or by handling a charity’s PR or social media, which can sometimes be done remotely. There are also opportunities for artists and graphic designers in designing leaflets and posters or leading group art sessions.

·       Driving

If you’ve brought your car to university and enjoy driving,then you can put your skills to use while also helping people. Many charities need drivers – there is always something or someone that needs moving. Whether it’s transporting people or food, good drivers are important assets to many charities.

These are just some of the ways that students can get volunteering, but there are plenty more. There are several people who can help you get started in volunteering at university. Your JSoc Social Action Officer will be happy to have your input if you would like to set up a volunteering opportunity for the society, run a fundraiser or support a local charity. Or, if you are at Birmingham or Nottingham for your studies, there is already a volunteering programme – Vscheme – dedicated to helping Jewish students volunteer in the local Jewish and non-Jewsih communities. E-mail nottingham@vscheme.org or birmingham@vscheme.org to contact your local Vscheme Reps. Alternatively, if you want to volunteer without a Jewish influence, your Student Union will have a variety of social action campaigns running throughout the year that you can get involved with.

Vscheme

If you’re not sure how to begin, get in touch with the JVN Youth Co-ordinator Mike: mike@jvn.org.uk