FEATURE
A VOLUNTEER IS... Someone who freely gives their time and skills for the common good. Therefore, volunteering is an activity: 1. No financial gain = unpaid 2. Dedicate time and skills to help others 3. Freely offer to do something I volunteer to...support my community, to help others and for myself. Therefore, volunteering is an activity: 1. You enjoy doing 2. Fits your life, respects your body, and warms your heart 3. Creates value for you and others Why Become a volunteer? • The reasons to volunteer are infinite, here are the most common ones: • To use and develop your skills • To do something satisfying in your spare time • To help build supportive communities • To show you care • To further a cause • To increase your confidence and self-esteem • To get to know your community • To understand the Kiwi Culture • To improve communication skills • To avoid loneliness and isolation • To be active and productive What are the benefits? This is how adults can benefit from volunteering work: • Enrich your life • Broaden your horizons • Gain new skills to change careers • Keep active between jobs
• • • • • • • •
Feel part of the community Make friends Expand your network Improve Wellbeing and Mental health Have fun Work resumption Make a difference in your free time Teach your kids kindness
For newcomers to town, it also: • Connect to the local culture • Understand how local organisations works • Belong and Contribute • Get confidence Each Parents Centre across New Zealand is organised and run by a committee of volunteers, most of which but not all, have attended childbirth education classes through that Centre. With such a large membership and range of activities, our Centre needs a core committee of around 15-20 volunteers to coordinate and organise our activities, and must have a minimum of five financial members. We also have a number of people who join as ‘friends of committee’ and help out with smaller roles or tasks – either ongoing or as-needed. Our volunteers are responsible for a range of roles – from large to small. We meet monthly to ensure the smooth running of our centre. Contact Us at Info@palmyparentscentre.org.nz if you are interested in volunteering – we would love to meet with you and see if volunteering is right for you. Credit to https://www.volunteercentral.nz/
As part of the Kind Hearts Movement
d n i K ea ts H
has bestowed a random act of kindness upon
Rose Hu You will each receive a free coffee voucher! Don’t forget to pay it forward! Streetwise Coffee Cart, Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North
ISSUE 303 . October | November 2021
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