Introduction to Volunteering Page

As Wisdom In Nature is open to people of all faiths and beliefs, the same principle applies to volunteering. Anyone who is able to work within our ethos can contribute to our work. You may wish to make your interest known to the Chair or Support, either at a WIN forum or at another convenient time, and together you can discuss how you may be able to participate. At the same time, as you attend forums and other WIN events, you will get to better know other volunteers, the ethos of the group, its priorities etc.. and other volunteers will also get to know you. Soon, it will become clearer how you can contribute to the group in a way that is best for everyone, including yourself!

As WIN is a network that aims to value it's volunteers whilst also working for positive change, there is a basic ethos that we individually agree to, and are able to expect of one another. These are essentially common sense, but as they can also be overlooked it is useful to outline them here:

The Responsibility of Other Members to You

• You can expect others to treat you with respect
• You can expect to have your voice heard
• You can expect other members to keep to their word
• You can expect to be able to choose not to take up any task

Your Responsibility to Others

• You agree to treat others with respect
• You agree to listen to the point of view of others
• You agree to complete your agreed tasks
• You agree to keep those around you informed if for an unforeseeable reason you find you are unable to complete any task

Please note that for official WIN representatives, there would in addition be an expectation of sharing the workload that enables the group to function.

The Strength of the Whole

When a group of people come together and follow through with actions whilst keeping to basic principles, such as keeping true to their word, keeping others updated, discovering and sharing one another's perspectives, motivations and vision, and being encouraging to each other, powerful things can happen and everyone wins, both in terms of results, and through the process. The value of the whole can then far exceed the sum of it's individual parts. This requires consistent work. It means making sure we each complete our seemingly trivial responsibilities, yet building a foundation for a greater goal to be completed.

Hence, people coming together and talking about 'saving the planet' or saying 'let's create peace' does not automatically mean results(!) It is too easy to overlook the effort and spirit involved that is necessary for the desired result to be achieved. Indeed, it is sad but true that often it's a case of 'all or nothing'. And if 'nothing', then everyone can lose. At WIN, our intention and effort is directed towards the former example - and we also aim to enjoy ourselves whilst we're at it. We look forward to welcoming you to join in!

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Examples of tasks people might take up

The following list is simply designed to give some idea of activities that members have taken up at certain times. In the end it will of course vary according to the groups focus at any given moment, and equally the list is not an exhaustive one!

• Handing out fliers at an event
• Liaising with venues to find an appropriate place for a public meeting or exhibition and keeping others updated
• Writing up outcomes from a meeting, circulating them to relevant members and incorporating feedback into a final version.
• Taking photos at an outing, march, or public meeting for the website or photoalbum & ensuring that the relevant person(s) receive(s) the photos after the event.
• Researching a subject or analysing a government paper and presenting it to others
• Coordinating transport for a day out to an ecology park
• Writing a press release

And, finally, if you have any skills or services that you'd like to volunteer and which are not mentioned above, then please contact us, or join us at our next forum.

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