Advocacy Volunteer Roles in Berkshire
Change young lives: Join Speech and Language UK's Education Committee
Do you have a passion for education and a heart for children facing challenges?
Speech and Language UK, a leading charity supporting the 1.9 million children with speech and language challenges, seeks dedicated volunteers for its Education Committee. This committee acts as the governing body for our two special schools.
Make a real difference:
- Strategic impact: Contribute to shaping the educational future of children with complex speech and language challenges.
- Direct influence: Provide guidance and support, acting as a critical friend, to ensure our schools deliver the highest quality education.
- Flexible commitment: Meetings are held online, 5-6 times a year for 2 hours each, allowing you to volunteer around your schedule.
We value diversity:
We actively encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds, particularly those, disabled, working class, LGBTQ+, or from the Midlands, North, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
We especially welcome those with personal or family experience of speech and language challenges.
Your skills matter:
Prior experience in education leadership (schools/multi-academy trusts) is a plus.
Knowledge of Health & Safety or Facilities Management is also valuable.
Most importantly, we seek your passion, fresh perspective, and willingness to learn.
Leave a lasting legacy:
Join a dedicated team shaping the lives of children with speech and language challenges.
Contact:
For more information, please contact Neil Maslen, Director of Education.
Who are Speech and Language UK?
For at least 1.9 million children in the UK, learning to talk and understand words feels like an impossible hurdle. We work to give every child the skills they need to face the future with confidence. We design innovative tools and training for thousands of nursery assistants and teachers to use in their classrooms. We give families the confidence and skills to help their children. And we put pressure on politicians to prioritise help for speech and language challenges.
We demand a country in which every child with challenges in talking and understanding words has the skills they need to face the future with confidence. Together we can achieve it.
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
The Student Publication Association (SPA) is recruiting charity trustees to assist its work in advancing the education of student journalists across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
As a small, student-led charity we support more than 200 member publications around the UK and Ireland, offering advice, training, and recognition at both our regional and national awards.
Our trustee board plays a vital role in our governance, ensuring that we remain within the boundaries of charity law, protecting the charity’s long-term stability, and supporting our student executives across the UK.
For this round of applications, we are particularly keen to hear from applicants with expertise in, but not limited to, the following:
- Governance, legal, and the charitable sector;
- Human resources and people/volunteer management;
- Fundraising and finances.
No previous experience in journalism or as a charity trustee is required — but we do ask that you share our commitment to the advancement of student journalism.
We strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. This includes, but isn’t limited to BAME, LGBTQI+, disabled, and care-experienced communities.
About The Role
As a small volunteer-run charity, we anticipate the role would take up an average of 1-2 hours a week, although this may increase during busier periods for the SPA, such as around our National Conference.
As a trustee, you will be a collaborative and supportive team player who will:
- Attend monthly oversight meetings with the executive committee and other trustees;
- Attend other meetings and 1-2-1s as needed on an ad hoc basis;
- Offer guidance and support to the executive committee throughout the year to help them achieve their goals, particularly in your area of expertise;
- Ensure that the charity is carrying out its core purpose, that resources are managed responsibly, and that activities comply with our governing documents;
- Support the delivery of our national conference, including attendance at the weekend itself during the Easter university holidays;
- Where possible, attend our induction day, for new executive members each year.
This is a volunteer role, but all reasonable expenses will be covered. The term for these appointments will be three years.
You will be part of a trustee board of ten people; four elected trustees, four appointed trustees, and two ex-officio trustees from our student-led executive committee.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about law, policy, and effective communications? Statewatch, a small team dedicated to promoting civil liberties and human rights through research, reporting and analysis, is seeking a motivated volunteer to assist in our efforts to make legal and political information accessible to all.
Terms
Time commitment: Approximately 2-3 hours per week, including a 1/2 hour check-in with the communications worker, for a 3-month period (with the possibility of extension).
Starting date: Immediately.
Compensation: This is an unpaid volunteer position.
Location: Remote
About Statewatch
Statewatch produces and promotes critical research, policy analysis and investigative journalism to inform debates, movements and campaigns on civil liberties, human rights and democratic standards. We began operating in 1991 and are based in London.
Our vision: An open Europe of democracy, civil liberties, personal and political rights, free movement, freedom of information, equality and diversity.
Our mission: To monitor, analyse and expose state activity that threatens civil liberties, human rights and democratic standards in order to inform and enable a culture of diversity, debate and dissent.
About the position:
In this role, you will work closely with the communications specialist to conduct the following.
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Archive review and cataloguing:
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Review Statewatch's archive of work, including reports, articles, and publications.
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Identify content with continued relevance based on ongoing policies or contemporary issues.
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Catalogue relevant content by both topic/context and type of relevance (e.g., policy implications, historical insights).
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Organise the catalogued content for easy reference and retrieval.
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Social media messaging:
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Draft ideas for social-ready messaging in various length by distilling relevant information from the catalogued content.
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Assist with translating legal and political language into accessible and accurate information suitable for social media platforms.
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Ensure messaging aligns with Statewatch's mission and messaging guidelines.
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Language guide development:
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Identify key terms and phrases commonly used in Statewatch's external messaging.
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Research and provide guidance on the relevance and appropriateness of certain statements or terminology.
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Assist with developing a language guide for discussing specific topics, including examples and explanations.
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Collaborate with Statewatch team members to ensure consistency and accuracy in messaging.
Key results
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Catalogued archive of relevant content, organised by topic/context and type of relevance.
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Social media messaging templates and content suitable for various platforms.
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Comprehensive language guide for discussing specific topics, including examples and explanations.
About you
We are looking for someone who:
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Has an understanding of legal and political language, with an interest in translating complex concepts into accessible information.
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Research and analytical skills.
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Is proficient in written communications in the English language
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Interest in the political and social context in which Statewatch operates
Benefits:
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Gain hands-on experience in legal research, policy analysis, and accessible communications.
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Work closely with a dedicated team passionate about civil liberties and human rights.
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Make a meaningful contribution to Statewatch's mission of promoting transparency, accountability, and democratic standards.
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Develop valuable skills in communication, research, and advocacy.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Community Action Volunteers needed to manage their own collection tins route.
Training will be provided for the role, and online for GDPR, Fire Safety, and Manual Handling. Certification provided.
Become an integral part of our lifesaving charity, connect with other volunteers, manage your role via the Volunteero app.
Be part of a charity that has 'Investing in Volunteers' standard.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) want to strengthen their Board of Trustees with up to 4 new Trustee appointments, including a Treasurer. These are voluntary positions and provide opportunity to help SWAN to develop its strategic direction and sustain innovative services to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, primarily, but not solely, in counties across the South of England.
SWAN began life in Wiltshire and over the past 25 years has expanded into Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Isle of Wight, West Berkshire and Portsmouth. We deliver high quality, independent advocacy services supporting a diverse range of vulnerable people. We have developed a model of advocacy which ensures everyone, including the most marginalised, have the same rights and opportunities as their fellow citizens. Our services are free at the point of delivery, confidential and non-judgemental.
We work with people from all walks of life and have already supported thousands of the most disadvantaged people to have their voice heard and their choices respected by those that are making decisions about their future.
We are looking for dynamic and empathetic people to become trustees within our organisation, people who have the passion and drive to support SWAN and help us to ensure that the voices around our Board table reflect and understand the communities we work in. We would encourage people from all sections of our communities to apply , but particularly Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, disabled, and LGBTQ+ applicants because these groups are currently under-represented on our Board. We are happy to accept applications from people without prior Board experience but who can evidence their commitment to our purpose, values and ambitions and show a willingness to learn in the role.
The organisation is led and managed by the Chief Executive and the Executive Team who oversee the delivery of our services and the infrastructure that underpins them, and we believe that this, coupled with sound governance, will help us to achieve our vision and maximise our reach and impact.
We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate some of the following:
• Experiences that will bring different perspectives to our organisation i.e. being a member of , or working in, diverse or minority communities.
• Having direct experience of using advocacy or support services
• An understanding of, or interest in, the lives of vulnerable adults including those who have been victims of hate crime
• An understanding of, or interest in, the wider voluntary sector
• A commitment and willingness to improving the lives of vulnerable people
• Integrity, strategic vision and relationship building skills
• Governance, finance, and/or entrepreneurial experience
• Good communication skills and knowing how to work as part of a team
· For the treasurer role some experience of managing and understanding budgets and financial reports would also be required.
Time commitment averages 1 day a month, meeting locations are flexible and either face to face or virtual. Trustee expenses, including travel are paid.
Please note that for safeguarding purposes, all our roles require a current DBS check.
If you believe you would add value to our Board we would love to hear from you. Please contact Sarah Gibson for further information on how to apply.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for some volunteers trained in divorce law to help our current law team at SPSAS.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job Description
Nyaka UK is seeking committed and dynamic individuals to join our Board of Trustees. Trustees play a vital role in providing strategic direction, governance oversight, and leadership to the charity. We are looking for individuals with diverse backgrounds, skills, and experiences who are passionate about making a positive impact on global development issues.
Position: General Board Member & Trustee (Non-Portfilio)
Location: United Kingdom (Remote)
Reporting Line: Chairperson & Officers
Role Overview:
Contract type: Voluntary (Unpaid) except for reasonable expenses.
Time Commitment: Adhoc - 5-10 hours per month, including board meetings, committee meetings, and other related activities.
What we are looking for?
Applicants from diverse backgrounds, and skill sets. Area of interest: Individuals with experience gained from private, third or public sectors in leadership positions with expertise in fundraising, event management, legacy donations, grant applications and writing, marketing, web development, and domain management, alongside experience with African communities. We are looking for a variety of skill sets that can enhance our mission, emphasizing innovation, dedication, and the ability to contribute to meaningful change.
Essential Criteria:
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or over.
- Be fluent in English written and spoken.
- Not be barred from working with children or vulnerable people.
- No criminal record of dishonesty such as fraud or theft.
- Strong commitment to Nyaka UK’s mission.
- Willingness and ability to undertake an active hands-on role.
- Commitment to continuous learning and training.
- Willingness to leverage professional and person networks to support fundraising and awareness efforts.
Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume/CV and a brief statement of interest outlining their motivation for serving as a trustee of Nyaka UK.
Following your application, successful applicants will be invited to an interview with our Chairman to explore their application in more depth, and understand what skills they can bring to Nyaka, UK.
‘The relief and prevention of poverty for children & grandmothers in or from Uganda.’
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you love to support and empower people? We are looking for compassionate champions to join our volunteer mentoring programme. Help mentees build confidence, get established in community and develop independence. The Build mentoring programme supports survivors of modern slavery. A volunteer mentor is paired with a co mentor meeting fortnightly in the community with a mentee; being a friendly support, setting goals, exploring opportunities and life skills. All volunteer mentors are supported and accountable to the Build Coordinators. This role is voluntary and unpaid (costs incurred for refreshments related to the mentor role will be reimbursed).
The Role
- To create a safe, compassionate, and healthy mentoring relationship
- Provide the mentee with tools and techniques to navigate a pathway to achieve things that are important to them
- Provide practical support to the mentee where appropriate (eg signposting)
- Support a mentee to identify and establish goals and life skills that are important to them
- Liaise with the mentee and fellow mentor to arrange safe and suitable meeting places including date and time
- Debrief with your co-mentor after each meeting and provide a brief written record of the discussion for the Mentoring Coordinator
- Work with your co-mentor to model ‘healthy community’
- Manage the trio’s refreshment expenses for reimbursement
Skills you need
- Compassion, empathy and active listening skills
- Ability to be able to help people feel at ease and build confidence
- To help people draw out personal goals and things that are important to them
- Have a passion and desire for wanting to transform and support the lives of people
- Be sensitive to someone who has experienced trauma
- Ability to keep confidence and professional boundaries
- Reliability and good time keeping
- Commitment to safeguarding and a willingness to raise concerns where necessary
- Experience of supporting others navigate and integrate into community
- Access to car/public transport and flexibility around location
What you will get from us
- Online or face to face training prior to working with mentees:
- Volunteer Induction and specialised programme training
- e-learning courses relating to Safeguarding, Data Protection and Equality & Diversity, IT and Data Induction
- Ongoing support sessions from the Build team
- Ongoing training with an emphasis on trauma informed practice Commitment
- 12-month commitment period
- Meet with mentee and co-mentor fortnightly for 1-2 hours
- Commitment to write up debriefs and any relevant actions between meetups
- To able to complete all required training
- To be able to attend a minimum of 4 training sessions per year
All roles within the mentoring programme need:
- Mandatory checks including DBS
- Two satisfactory references
- Completion of induction training
- An informal interview and introductory period
- Have a passion and desire for wanting to help and support people
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join Us in Shaping the Future: Bring your passion for eye care and diverse expertise to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need. Become a Trustee of Vision Care for Homeless People!
- Are you passionate about ensuring everyone has access to essential eye care services, regardless of their circumstances?
- Are you eager to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those experiencing homelessness?
- If so, we invite you to consider becoming a Trustee at VCHP, where we're dedicated to providing vital eye care to those in need.
About Us
At VCHP, we believe that everyone deserves the right to clear vision and eye health. Since 2003, we've been on a mission to provide comprehensive eye care services to individuals experiencing homelessness across the UK. From eye exams to prescription glasses, we're committed to ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to their vision. Now, as we look to the future, we're seeking dynamic individuals to join our board and help guide our strategic direction.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. Do you know how to positively challenge the status quo? At VCHP, we're on a mission to provide essential support to those experiencing homelessness, and as we move forward, we recognise the importance of having a diverse and skilled board to guide our efforts effectively. We're currently seeking individuals who can bring specific expertise to address the existing skills gaps on our board. We're particularly interested in candidates who possess one or more of the following skills and experiences:
- Board Experience: To provide strategic leadership and governance oversight.
- Digital Skills: To navigate the digital landscape and leverage technology for organisational growth.
- Cybersecurity: To ensure the security and integrity of our digital infrastructure.
- Lived experience of homelessness or experience as a service user: To offer firsthand insights into the needs and challenges of our service users.
- Charity Law and Compliance: To ensure that we operate in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Policy Development: To develop robust policies that align with our mission and support our organizational objectives.
By adding individuals with these specific skills to our board, we aim to enhance our capacity to fulfil our mission and serve our community more effectively. For the full role description, which outlines essential skills and responsibilities, please contact us.
Why Join Us
- Make an Impact: As a Trustee, you'll have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve and contribute to positive change in our community.
- Professional Development: Joining our board offers valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth, including leadership development, networking, and learning from experienced colleagues.
- Be Part of Something Meaningful: Join a dedicated team of like-minded individuals who are committed to making a difference and creating a brighter future for VCHP and those we support.
How to Apply
If you're ready to embark on this rewarding journey and help shape the future of VCHP, we'd love to hear from you!
To apply, kindly detail your alignment with the desired skills and experiences and articulate your motivation for seeking the role of trustee at VCHP within a concise response of no more than 2 pages. Please accompany this with your CV, if you have one.
If you want to learn more or have questions before applying, please contact Anna, who will be happy to assist you. Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format such as audio or video upload or require any adaptations for your initial engagement with us, please contact Anna who will be happy to advise on this.
Closing date for applications: 31st May 2024, with the possibility of interviews conducted on a rolling basis.
Interview dates: July 2024. While this role can be carried out remotely, please note that there will be one annual face-to-face meeting.
To apply, kindly detail your alignment with the desired skills and experiences and articulate your motivation for seeking the role of trustee at VCHP within a concise response of no more than 2 pages. Please accompany this with your CV, if you have one.
Closing date for applications: 31st May 2024, with the possibility of interviews conducted on a rolling basis.
Interview dates: July 2024. While this role can be carried out remotely, please note that there will be one annual face-to-face meeting.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
ACEVO is the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations, and we exist to help civil society leaders to make the biggest possible difference. For nearly 40 years we’ve been there to inspire and support our members by fostering connections, refining skills and building influence. ACEVO's network of over 1,700 individuals includes the leaders of every shape and size of civil society organisation and at every stage of the leadership journey.
More than a membership organisation, we are a strong, supportive community, and are often our members’ first port of call for help and advice from their peers.
Civil society is under greater pressure than ever before, from a range of sources, and we are proud that our response has been characterised by imagination and ambition. Our outgoing chair, Rosie Ferguson, has played a crucial role in strengthening and consolidating our position over the past few years, and as her term of office concludes she leaves a very strong legacy for her successor. But we also know that there’s no room for complacency, and we are looking for a new chair to take up the challenge of leading us into the next phase with energy, commitment and rigour.
Candidates will share our passionate commitment to the power of civil society, and our vision for extending and deepening our reach within the sector. A skilled governance practitioner, able to work effectively with an engaged and expert board and a high-performing executive team, you’ll have a nuanced understanding of our business model and of how we can build on the progress of recent years. You must be eligible for membership of ACEVO, and experience of leading within our sector is essential.
With a significant amount of external change likely to take place in the early stages of the next chair’s tenure, we will look for a track record of working with agility and strategic creativity. You’ll need to balance your professional expertise with personal humility and curiosity, and current, practical knowledge of our sector across England and Wales would be a significant asset. An exceptional communicator, and passionate about the benefits of membership, you’ll ensure ACEVO remains the go-to organisation for leaders, aspiring leaders and stakeholders alike.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in your community? Do you have expertise in finance and a desire to contribute to a cause that positively impacts lives? If the answer is yes, then this could be the perfect role for you!
STAMP Revisited is a small but ambitious charity, which provides advocacy and emotional support to those experiencing mental health difficulties. We support them to access vital services they need that they would not be able to access independently. We have already supported thousands of the most disadvantaged people to have their voice heard and respected.
We are currently recruiting a new Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees. As a Trustee of STAMP Revisited, you will play a crucial role in setting the strategic direction of the charity and ensuring good governance. You will contribute to ensuring that the charity fulfils its mission, operates effectively, and remains accountable to those experiencing mental health issues.
In addition to the general duties as Trustee, as Treasurer you will play a pivotal role in securing the financial integrity and sustainability of our charity. You will ensure that effective and appropriate financial measures are put in place and report to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation.
If you are interested in finding out more about being a Treasurer and sitting on our Board, we would love to hear from you. Our Board welcomes people from diverse backgrounds, aged 18 or over with a wide range of skills. We are keen to welcome people who have personal experience of mental health challenges, including service users and carers.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Can you spare a few hours a month to support STAMP Revisited, a local mental health charity?
We are, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), which has provided advocacy services for the people of Teesside for almost 30 years, and we are currently looking for new Trustees to join our Board.
Our advocates provide advocacy to adults who are experiencing mental health difficulties that impact on their ability to make their voice heard and are unable to independently navigate personal issues such as aspects of their health, finances, or housing needs.
Trustees are essential to the success of a charity, and the Board is the charity’s governing body. Trustees are responsible for ensuring the charity meets its objectives and are responsible for its general administration and control of the charity.
If you are interested in finding out more about being a Trustee and sitting on our Board, we would love to hear from you. Our Board welcomes people from diverse backgrounds, aged 18 or over with a wide range of skills. We are keen to welcome people who have personal experience of mental health challenges, including service users and carers.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We're looking for Virtual Volunteers (based in the UK and aged 16 and over) to join us at our online after-school sessions, where you will be supporting young people aged 9 to 13 with their reading and writing and championing their work as they become published poets, authors and podcast creators!
We're looking for people that are positive about social change and that love literacy. No experience working with young people is necessary as full training is given.
There's never been a better time to volunteer with school closures likely to have reversed efforts to close the educational gap.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Apply today to be a Youth Ambassador for the World Literacy Foundation in your region.
Join 1000 other young people from around the globe
Every year, the World Literacy Foundation runs a global program to train and encourage youth people to become literacy advocates and generate change in their communities. Our ambassador program is an incredible platform to interact, share and strengthen togetherness with other like-minded people determined to eradicate illiteracy worldwide.
Be a local voice and advocate for the importance of literacy.
Ambassadors will speak at their school, university, media and community groups to raise greater awareness and education.
About us
The World Literacy Foundation is a peak non-profit organisation striving to eradicate illiteracy.
Who can apply?
We are looking for young people who meet the following criteria:
Be 15-25 years old.
Have a deep passion for literacy, human rights, and social causes
Wants to join a community of Change-Makers
Have access to a computer/smartphone and internet connection
Have the availability to contribute 30 hours of service across the 3 months to complete the program
Be able to take part in fundraising activities for the organization
Applications close May 1 2024
Further information and to apply please visit the website of the World Literacy Foundation
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Member of Connexional Solidarity Circles (Carers, Rural, Disability, LGBT+, Racial Justice, and Women)
Closing date: 9am on 7 May 2024
Proposed start date: 1 Sep 2024
Solidarity Circles for Disability, LGBT+, Racial Justice, and Women were launched in September 2023 as part of the Strategy for Justice, Dignity and Solidarity. We hope to start 2 new Solidarity Circles – one for Carers and one for Rural Communities in September 2024.
Solidarity Circles are online meetings for the Methodist Church to support people in different diversities of the Church’s life to meet regularly, to support one another and to raise with relevant Church leaders the concerns that need to be addressed. These circles act as consultative groups for the work of the Methodist Church and are supported and led by a volunteer coordinator.
Each Solidarity Circle is formed of up to 15 members who are appointed for one, two or three years with up to five new members recruited each year to ensure a diversity of views and experience are heard.
If you are passionate about working with others towards a fully inclusive church and meet the criteria then please consider applying to join one or more of the Solidarity Circles.
- Solidarity Circle for Disability
- Solidarity Circle for LGBT+
- Solidarity Circle for Racial Justice
- Solidarity Circle for Women
- Solidarity Circle for Carers
- Solidarity Circle for Rural Communities
For the role description and Solidarity Circle Terms of Reference, please review the Solidarity Circle Information pack. The pack also details the additional information regarding preferences and availability, which will need to be noted on your application.
The closing date for applications is 7 May 2024 by 9am.
A drop-in session has been arranged to support the recruitment for new Solidarity Circle members. The session will take place on 24 April from 7-8pm
Please view job on the Methodist Church jobs page to register your interest to attend drop-in
The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God's love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.