Whiteley counts down to York MV's first birthday
Posted on 3 April 2001
Fiona and Richard are giving up their time to mark the first anniversary of York Millennium Volunteers on Monday 30 April: an evening of information, celebration and conversation, involving voluntary organisations, schools and colleges, employers and guidance services.
York MV, a city-wide initiative led by the University of York, is designed to help anyone aged 16 -24 to share their time and talents with their community. So far York MV has recruited sports coaches for local clubs, web designers for small charities, workers for a homeless shelter, first aiders for the Red Cross, classroom assistants for schools and a team of landscapers for a primary school garden. Volunteers are encouraged to plan and review their voluntary activities so that they learn from their experiences. Every hour that they give brings them closer to a national award in recognition of their achievements.
Bettys' Fiona Hunter will provide all the best ingredients for a thought provoking evening, highlighting the important contribution young peoples' volunteering can make to the life of the City. Presentations from staff and volunteers will provide a flavour of their achievements. Richard Whiteley's vowels, consonants and conundrums will be the icing on the cake.
"Volunteers confront prejudices, become better at talking and listening to others, more sensitive to those around them. You learn so much from volunteering - everyone should do it." Arc Light Night Shelter Co-ordinator.
"Tell everyone we love it - we're having a great time!" York College MVs
Notes to editors:
- Millennium Volunteers is a national initiative managed by the Department for Education and Employment. York MV is a partnership between Askham Bryan College, City of York Council, College of Ripon and York St John, the University of York, York College, York Council for Voluntary Service and York and North Yorkshire Careers Guidance. The University of York is the lead partner.
- A York Millennium Volunteer has much to gain as well as much to give. Working in an unfamiliar environment tests young peoples' flexibility and allows them to gain new skills and experience. A York MV project might be linked to a young person's area of study, a hobby or a career aspiration. It could be a one-off project or an on-going commitment, working alone or in a team.
- Through a process of planning and review, York MV encourages each young person to see their volunteering as a valuable means of personal development. If they give 100 or 200 hours to the community during one year, York MV will reward them with a National MV award in recognition of their achievement.