Community volunteer volunteer roles in blackrock, county dublin

*About Us:**
The 25th St. Marks Scout Group is dedicated to providing young people with opportunities for adventure, learning, and personal development. We are part of the global Scouting movement, committed to helping young people achieve their full potential.

**Role Overview:**
The Chairperson will lead the Executive Committee, ensuring the effective governance and strategic direction of the 25th St. Marks Scout Group. This role is crucial in supporting the Group Scout Leader and ensuring the group meets its objectives.

**Key Responsibilities:**
- **Leadership:** Provide leadership to the Executive Committee, ensuring all members are motivated and working towards the group's goals.
- **Governance:** Ensure the group operates within its constitution and complies with relevant legislation and policies.
- **Strategic Planning:** Develop and oversee the implementation of the group's strategic plan.
- **Meetings:** Chair Executive Committee meetings, ensuring they are productive and decisions are made in the best interest of the group.
- **Support:** Work closely with the Group Scout Leader to support the delivery of a high-quality program for young people.
- **Representation:** Represent the group at district and county meetings, and act as an ambassador for the group within the community.
- **Fundraising:** Oversee fundraising activities and ensure the group has the necessary resources to operate effectively.
-Communication:

Ensure effective communication within the group and with external stakeholders.

Skills and Experience:

Leadership:

Proven leadership skills and experience in a similar role.

Communication:

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Organization:

Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Commitment:

 A commitment to the values and principles of Scouting.

Teamwork: 

Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Fundraising:

Experience in fundraising and resource management is desirable.

Time Commitment:

This is a volunteer position requiring a commitment of up to 4 meetings per year, including attendance at events to promote the group

**How to Apply:**
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their suitability for the role of Chairperson person and trustee 

Are you committed to delivering high quality care? Do you have experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team?

As a County Lead of Kent, you will be part of the establishment of a County St John Council to oversee and guide volunteer Community Networks aims to create a structured and supportive framework that empowers volunteers to operate more effectively and efficiently. By providing strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight, the council ensures that volunteer efforts align with community needs and priorities while avoiding duplication of services.

St John has embarked on a journey to achieve the goal of ensuring that every community and young person across the country is first aid confident.

We are looking for a leader with a passion for local volunteering and helping communities to inspire and support volunteers on this journey across your county

The post will also interact with relevant Communities of Practice to share learning, advice and best practice.

The closing date for this vacancy is the 26th June 2025

Interviews will commence on 23rd June 2025

At Oxfam Online Hubs, we sell donated clothing, textiles and accessories through the unique Oxfam Online Shop. We focus on showcasing our most fabulous donations; from on trend high street to designer labels and vintage pieces. As an Online Hub Volunteer you can help with whatever part of the business that interests you. Put your passion to good use while learning new skills. Best of all you’ll be raising vital funds to support people facing poverty around the world.

About this role

We will give you all the training and support you need so you will develop your skills as part of our team. You don’t need to have any experience – we’ve got you covered. You can also get some lunch and travel costs too. Whatever you need, we’re here to help.

Build your CV, skills, and confidence. You can try a bit of everything or specialise in key areas:

Books: You could select, sort, and price donated books. Research valuable, rare and antiquated stock or list items for the online shop. Focus on what interests you!

Jewelley: You will work closely with our in-house specialist, learning how to sort and value jewelley. The best pieces will be photographed and listed to our Online shop. Making more your thing? We are also looking for creative volunteers to make jewllery for our Festival Shops. 

Garment Care: Your role is designed to make the most out of each donation. You’ll be responsible for hanging and steaming clothing and homewares, identifying damaged items and if you’re handy with a needle and thread, helping out with basic repairs.

Photography: Your role is essential for showcasing the amazing donations we receive. You’ll be responsible for creating a visual library of images, including photographing and editing, ready to be uploaded on the Oxfam Online Shop.

Copywriter: You’ll create accurate, exciting, and consistent listings, correctly pricing stock, measuring garments and uploading this information to our online listing programme. You will be given the opportunity to specialise in areas such as Womenswear, Menswear, Kids and Homeware.

Warehouse Operative: Your role is essential in giving the best possible customer service. You’ll be responsible for picking orders which have sold through the Oxfam Online Shop, packing them and sending them on their way to the customer.

Specialists: Vinyl, cds, coins, homeware and collectables....we have lots of other categories in need of support!

Volunteering that works for you

Volunteering can be very flexible to suit you. So even if your availability or skills don’t match this role, get in touch and we will find something right for you. By volunteering for a few hours a week, you will meet new people and have some fun for a good cause. At Oxfam we know that everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

Events Volunteer

We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers. Our volunteers are a key part of achieving our goals and their support is vital. Join us. 

About this opportunity
We are looking to recruit Fundraising Events Volunteers for the Milton Keynes and District Group. As a Fundraising Event Volunteer, you will be participating in occasional events and collections, promoting them locally. 
We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones.

About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally.
You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. 
You’ll be friendly and welcoming and able to work as part of a team.

Apply 
- Read through the role description and project brief carefully
- Apply by clicking the ‘Apply’ link provided.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

We are seeking a creative and results-driven Social Media Volunteer to join our new community interest company. The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing effective social media strategies to enhance our online presence, engage with our audience, and promote our brand. This role requires a strong understanding of social media management and public relations, as well as the ability to create compelling content that resonates with our target market. We are also looking for someone who has a genuine interest in counselling, therapy or mental health.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage social media strategies across various platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
• Create engaging content tailored to different audiences and platforms, ensuring alignment with brand messaging.
• Monitor social media channels for trends, customer feedback, and engagement opportunities.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to integrate social media efforts with broader marketing campaigns.
• Analyse performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of social media initiatives and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Engage with followers by responding to comments and messages in a timely manner.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in social media management and public relations.
• Assist in the development of public relations strategies that align with social media efforts.

Requirements

• Experience in social media management or a similar role is not essential, but we are looking for someone with genuine interest in developing their skills and abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an eye for detail.
• Proficiency in using social media management tools and analytics platforms.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Creative thinking skills with the ability to generate innovative ideas for content creation.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

If you are passionate about social media and eager to make an impact through engaging content, we would love to hear from you!

We are looking for volunteers who would like to play a role in building people’s confidence. Would you be interested in supporting people to improve their conversational English skills?

English is a wonderful language, but it is also notoriously known to be difficult to learn. As an English-speaking volunteer whether native or fluent and with any kind of accent or background you will have the skills needed to support people who would like to improve and learn the English language. Just by talking to those wanting to learn, you will be helping and making a difference.

Improving someone’s understanding and spoken English language, will allow individuals to communicate and connect with people in their local community, widen their network of friendships and relationships and provide people opportunity to improve their employability skills

As a growing organisation we are seeking to strengthen our Board through the appointment of 3 new trustees with a passion for supporting young people in to pathways towards meaningful and sustained employment and rewarding careers.

We are particularly looking for trustees who can demonstrate skills or experience in one or more of the following areas to enhance our Governance.

• Local Government experience
• Experience within the education sector
• Experience of policy, lobbying and campaigning

We are also seeking Young Trustees (under 25 years old) to represent youth voice on our Board. Ideally this will be someone with relevant lived experience and/or someone who has participated in Spark! programmes.

We welcome candidates with links to our priority areas of Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon and Hounslow, and from ethnic minority and black backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of the communities we serve.

Applications from first-time trustees are welcomed and we will provide training and support on the role.

For more information please read the full recruitment pack.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Key Volunteer:

Our Key Volunteer role is an extra level of responsibility for someone who can commit to supporting their local Sense Shop on a regular basis. Once you've had all the training, you'll be getting involved by:

• Learning and following fire procedures.
• Open and close the shop when necessary to support the Shop Manager.
• Cash up the till at the end of the day.

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 600 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated & new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

Our retail stores are the face of our charity on the high-street and in local communities. We have loads of amazing stock donated to us every week, and this all needs to be sorted, tagged and put on the shop-floor for sale!

Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till too, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.

You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.

Why we want you

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 700 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

What you will be doing

• Work on the till processing sales and returns
• Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
• Create stylish window displays
• Replenish stock on the shop floor
• Stock-take and other administrative tasks

The skills you need

• Friendly and helpful
• Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
• Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
• Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks

What's in it for you

• Have fun and meet new people
• Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
• Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
• Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
• Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer

Disclaimer

We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the above, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please visit your local store for a paper application form or contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on our website.

Location:

Unit 2, Anglia Way, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 4TB, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 

Please note: we only accept applications from those residing in the UK

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind
• Access to Sense discounts and advice, including cashback and discounts on hight street brands, as well as 10% off at Sense charity shops.

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Are you passionate about creating a culture of welcome for refugees in the UK? Do you have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation? This could be the perfect role for you! 

STAR is a dynamic and exciting national charity which makes a huge impact on a small budget. We are looking for our new Co-Chair of Trustees. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about creating a culture of welcome in the UK for refugees ,who believes in the power of young people as changemakers and who wants to empower refugees to reach higher education to join our board of trustees. 

 The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation and be able to commit to at least 2 years in the role.

We are in particular looking for applicants who: 

• Have lived experience 
• Have HR experience 
• Have campaigns experience, in particular hybrid campaigning.
• Have charitable fundraising experience. 

 Applications from persons with lived refugee experience are highly encouraged. 

Role Description

To provide strategic oversight of:

• STAR’s compliance with its Articles of Association, policies, and law; 
• STAR’s compliance with all funding conditions and contracts;
• Whether STAR is best using its resources to meet its objectives; 
• The effective and efficient administration of STAR;
• Monitoring and reporting of financial information; 
• STAR’s funding and expenditure situation; and
• Implementation of STAR’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Safeguarding Policy in employment and service delivery.

Also to:

• Contribute actively to STAR by giving strategic direction and evaluating performance against targets
• Attend and prepare for board meetings
• Appoint board members and officers via the procedures in this policy
• Approve accounts
• Ensure that STAR and the board safeguard STAR’s values and reputation
• Provide any other assistance the board or STAR may require, as appropriate, particularly utilising any specialist skills or experience they may have.

Specific responsibilities of the Co- Chair

• Ensure the proper management of board meetings, including setting agendas in consultation with the Director, chairing meetings, facilitating discussions and decision;
• Oversee the administration and coordination of any sub-committees; 
• Monitor implementation of board and sub-committee decisions;
• Take "Chair’s action" between meetings, where an immediate decision is required;
• Serve as line-manager to the Director, and conduct regular planned supervision and appraisal;
• Represent Board as required to the public or external parties such as funders and government; and
• Keep other officers fully informed so that they can deputise if necessary
• Working alongside and in collaboration with the other STAR trustee co-chair, sharing responsibilities and ensuring excellent communicative shared working.

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Experience of governance of a charity or public sector organisation
• A commitment to STAR’s values
• An awareness of issues affecting both STAR and the wider refugee sector, the ever shifting landscape of refugee policy and media coverage, or a willingness to learn and stay abreast of these current topics and new developments. 
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to prepare for and attend regular STAR meetings for at least 2 years
• Integrity and good independent judgement
• Strategic vision and an ability to stay focused on strategic objectives
• Willingness to take part in STAR discussions, contribute constructively and listen to others
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and liabilities of trustees of a charitable company
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• A commitment to the principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the Equal Opportunities Policy
• Willingness to undertake training required to allow them to fulfil their duties.

Desirable 

Five years experience in one or more of:

• Working with people seeking asylum and refugees;
• Other work with the asylum/refugee/migrant sector;
• Charitable fundraising;
• Voluntary sector issues, such as trends for charities and partnership/network formation;
• Organisational development, growth or change;
• Human resources;
• Financial management/accountancy;
• IT;
• Negotiations;
• Marketing and public relations;
• Lobbying, advocacy and campaigning regarding social justice or social policy;
• Management and administration of a charity, for example as a director or trustee;
• Campaigning;
• Social Media/ Communications 

About Student Action for Refugees

STAR (Student Action for Refugees) is the national network of students building a society where refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed and can thrive. 

Set up by students at Nottingham University in 1994, STAR is creating a more understanding, just and welcoming society by: 

• empowering young people to be changemakers; 
• providing practical support and connecting local communities through volunteering and student volunteer led community projects; 
• challenging the structural barriers that refugees and asylum seekers face when seeking protection and building new lives in the UK; 
• Sharing trusted information about asylum and the lived experience of refugees to combat misinformation, hostile narratives and instead spread compassion and humanisation 

We have a small staff team who train and support the network and lead on national campaign and advocacy work, with expertise in improving access to higher education for forced migrants.

Here are just some of our highlights from last year:

• 37  STAR university student society groups, across 28  towns and cities, run by 222 STAR student leaders. 
• 262 events were organised by STAR groups to educate, campaign, and fundraise for a more welcoming UK, from art exhibitions to cookery classes and film nights.
• 1,280 refugees and people seeking asylum were supported by 413 volunteers  through 28 community projects and 25 one off volunteering events. 
• 100s of students mobilised to support calls for better treatment of refugees in the UK including standing against detention, for a fairer plan for refugees and to lift the ban on work.
• 88 UK universities now offer sanctuary scholarships for refugee students. The STAR staff team was involved in the development of many of these new scholarships and the improvement of  existing scholarships. We also ran workshops for hundreds of  university staff. 
• 15 STAR groups campaigned for Equal Access at their institutions and 4 won!
• 65 aspiring refugee students were supported by our mentoring project and we provided signposting and advice about accessing HE to over 470 people.

If you would like an informal chat before applying, please get in touch.

Deadline for applications: 11th July 2025

Interviews: Rolling

About Kith & Kids
We provide activities, opportunities, information and support for people with a learning disability or autism, their parents and siblings.
For all our projects and activities we are dependent on volunteers.

Our Summer Camps
Thursday 21st – Sunday 24th August, & Thursday 28th – Sunday 31st August near Romford, Essex.

We are currently looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers to join us on one (or both!) of our action-packed residential Summer Camps. On the camp you will be supporting one of our members with a disability to have a holiday they won’t forget.

What you'll do

On the camp you and a fellow co-volunteers will support one of our members with a learning disability or autism for the 4 days. You’ll support and encourage them to take part in lots of exciting activities such as campfires, treasure trails, swimming, nighttime activities, day trips to the seaside and much more. You’ll also help our members with their day-to-day routines and preparing our meals.

Not only is it four days full of fun and games for you and our members, but you will also play a vital part in supporting them to develop their social skills in a day-to-day environment and of course, to enjoy a fantastic holiday!

Come along and get involved!

Male volunteers especially welcome (we need more)!!

What you need
You do not need experience. Full disability awareness training will be provided before you begin volunteering with us.
The only requirements we ask of you are enthusiasm, energy and to be open-minded.
Minimum age for volunteers is 18.

How much time?
The Camps run on consecutive weekends for four days each. The dates are Thursday 21st – Sunday 24th August, & Thursday 28th – Sunday 31st August. You can volunteer on one or both weekends.

Both camps start and finish in Tottenham, North London.

We can offer you
We can reimburse your travel expenses for your training days. All meals, transportation and accommodation are provided during the camps.
We'll also provide excellent training before the camp, and lots of helpful support throughout.

By volunteering on our camps, you'll also:

• Use and develop your skills
• Learn something new, get involved in fun activities with others
• Increase your confidence
• Meet new people and make friends
• Gain experience for (other) work
• Give something back to the community
• Do something fun and satisfying in your spare time
• Challenge yourself
   

What about training?
Volunteers must attend training and complete a free DBS check before you begin volunteering.

This is a great opportunity to get to know everyone at Kith & Kids: your fellow volunteers, some of our members you will be working with, and also gives the opportunity to develop some new skills and expand your knowledge in our workshops.

Topics we cover include:

• Communication
• Autism
• Supporting emotions
• Safeguarding
• Creativity & Participation
• Epilepsy

When do I need to come?
We’ll be meeting individual volunteers online from mid-April.

We'll be running face-to-face training in north London. Training starts from 24th May with other date options.

Training will take place in North London – once we have met you online for a chat, we will send you confirmation of our training venue details. 

Yemaya Surf

We create space and opportunity for Dominicans, especially Black & Indigenous women and girls, to reclaim their right to the ocean through surfing, cultural reconnection, and climate justice.

The north coast of the Dominican Republic is home to world-renowned waves and surf beaches. It is also home to a long and painful history of colonialism, exclusion, and ecological disruption. In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed in what is now Puerto Plata—where Cabarete, the island’s surf capital, is located. More than 500 years later, that legacy continues to shape who has access to the ocean, whose knowledge is valued, and who benefits from its economic, cultural, and healing power.

In Cabarete today, surfing is dominated by foreigners and men. Despite living near the sea, Black Dominican women and girls are largely excluded from ocean sports, environmental decision-making, and leadership opportunities. Of the 30+ surf instructors at Playa Encuentro, only three are women—and just one is a local Dominican. While the Dominican government has branded Cabarete as the country’s “Capital of Surf,” local communities face barriers at every level: surfboards and lessons are priced for tourists, beachfront access is restricted by private developments, and the sport’s culture often feels unwelcoming or unsafe for women and people of color.

This disparity is not coincidental—it is systemic. Tourism and coastal development in the Dominican Republic have prioritized profit over people, often displacing low-income communities from their ancestral shorelines. Surf beach entrances are illegally closed to favor tourists. One surf lesson can cost up to $65 USD, with board rentals priced at $20 per hour—far beyond what most Dominicans can afford. Gender norms, racism, and cultural stigma further prevent Afro-Dominican and Indigenous women and girls from feeling safe, confident, or supported in ocean spaces. At the same time, climate change is wreaking havoc across the country. Hurricanes and heavy rains regularly displace entire coastal neighborhoods, while government inaction and deforestation by foreign-owned corporations exacerbate the crisis. The burden of climate adaptation falls on local communities, especially low-income women, who are often excluded from climate conversations, planning, and resources.

Yemaya Surf exists to shift this reality.

Yemaya Surf integrates sports, cultural healing, and climate action to produce long-term, structural change in who has access to coastal spaces and who shapes environmental solutions. We prioritize community-led environmental care, Afro-Indigenous spiritual practices, and environmental stewardship.

Yemaya Surf's Theory of Change

We believe that when Black Dominican women and girls reclaim the ocean through surfing and ancestral wisdom, they heal, empower themselves, and challenge systemic exclusion. By centering their leadership in surf culture and coastal stewardship, we transform the sea from a site of historical marginalization into a space of liberation, climate justice, and collective power.

Yemaya Surf’s activities include:

• Delivering surf lessons and climate education workshops
• Leading reforestation projects and sponsoring local surfers
• Hosting community events and workshops to promote environmental stewardship and climate justice
• Building partnerships with local organizations and communities to advance our mission and goals

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Yemaya Surf! We’re deeply grateful you’d consider sharing your time and talents to empower women and girls through surf and climate justice.

Why Your Role Matters: Every hour you give helps us:

��‍♀️ Teach lifesaving surf skills to local girls who’ve never had access. �� Amplify climate justice in coastal communities. ✨ Build a movement where every girl and woman feels welcome in the waves.

We’re a small but mighty team, and volunteers like you are the heartbeat of our work. Whether you’re editing videos, researching grants, or helping at events, your contribution ripples far beyond the beach.

Fundraising & Grants Assistant

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Role: Help secure financial resources through grants, sponsorships, and donor outreach while setting up efficient fundraising tools. Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising Systems Setup:

• Assist in finalizing GiveButter fundraising platform setup (e.g., campaign pages, donor management features).

• Integrate GiveButter with SquareSpace website (e.g., embed donation buttons, ensure seamless donor experience).

• Test donation workflows to troubleshoot issues (e.g., receipt automation, data tracking).

Grants & Sponsorships:

• Research and compile grant opportunities (gender equity, sports, climate justice).

• Draft templated outreach to surf/environmental brands (e.g., sponsorship proposals via email/LinkedIn).

Donor & Merchandise Support:

• Help manage recurring donation campaigns (e.g., thank-you emails, impact updates).

• Support merchandise sales (SquareSpace store setup, inventory tracking, promo ideas).

Reporting & Improvement:

• Generate simple donor reports (GiveButter analytics) to track progress.

• Suggest improvements for donor engagement (e.g., referral rewards, campaign ideas).

Skills Needed:

• Basic tech savvy (comfort with platforms like GiveButter, SquareSpace, or Canva).

• Attention to detail (for error-free donation workflows).

  • Interest in nonprofit fundraising or CRM tools.

Perks:

• Hands-on experience with fundraising tech (resume booster).
• Direct impact on Yemaya’s financial growth.
• Experience with an International Nonprofit Organization
• Free surf lessons (if and when in the Dominican Republic)

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

1-2 months

Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people
Our publicity team leaders have the important role of supporting a wider team of publicity volunteers. As a team our publicity volunteers collectively keep members of the public informed of the vital and varied ways we help our cats in need. Raising awareness is crucial to us being able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us. A higher profile can help raise funds, raise awareness of adopting a cat, promote neutering and encourage as many people as possible to learn about feline welfare.

You can expect us to 
Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you
You’ll be:
Communicating with others including newsletter, social media and website volunteers
Advising others on the content of newsletters and web posts
Interacting with others to make sure information is positive, accurate and consistent
Liaising with your volunteer group and our Head Office to organise media campaigns
Responding to local media requests if required

Time expectation 
Our publicity team leaders usually spend 3 to 4 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.