Summer Reading Challenge 2014 Growing your volunteer programme

Today’s aims 1. Outline of SAF funded SRC volunteering in Why grow your volunteering 3. Developing a growth plan: Internal advocacy Recruiting young people: key channels Supporting young people Sustaining involvement 4. Reading Activists Challenge Support to increase numbers Support to deepen volunteer involvement

Why grow your volunteering? Group discussion: What would a bigger better SRC volunteering offer look like for you?

Policy landscape Young people are now almost twice as likely to volunteer as they were a decade ago 21% of young people are unemployed and 32% have been out of work for 12 months National shortage in the skills the UK needs to remain competitive and grow England ranked 22 nd for literacy and 21 st for numeracy out of 24 countries

2014: a step-change year Cabinet Office Social Action Fund grant Government recognition of libraries’ social activism 40% increase in youth volunteers, 80% of authorities SRCv recognised in local authority corporate plans Funding to support authorities deliver the growth Brokering national partnerships Independent research

Resources and support Training and distance support Advocacy and recruitment resources Post card Advocacy cards Schools pack Volunteer handbook, case studies and best practice guides Promotional films Volunteer pack T-shirt, badge, volunteer booklet and log, Certificate Digital platform Support to increase numbers Support to deepen volunteer involvement

Achieving the growth Developing your SRC volunteering growth plan: Internal advocacy Recruiting young people Supporting young peopleSustaining youth volunteering

SRC volunteering growth plan: Internal advocacy Discussion: How will you achieve support for growth internally?

Internal advocacy Win the hearts of staff Roll out training locally Share best practice

SRC volunteering growth plan: Recruiting young people Discussion: How will you increase the effectiveness of your youth recruitment? Schools Local partners In your library Any others?

Recruitment: Schools and colleges Use careers advisors Schools extranet Review previous participation levels Visit school assemblies Run a staffed promotional stall Write to head teachers Work with school volunteer leads Focus on a year group (e.g. Year 9)

Recruitment: Local partners

Recruitment: libraries Contact previous volunteers Encourage all staff to engage Encourage work experience students Tailor the message appropriately Work with younger volunteers Run appealing recruitment events Develop volunteer networking events Use short films

Sell the message to young people Make it meaningful Show how it adds to CVs Use peer quotes/ case studies Use films, audio, posters Sell the benefits to parents

SRC volunteering growth plan: Supporting young people Discussion: How will you improve the quality of your offer to young people? Developing roles and opportunities Training Recognition, rewards, incentives

Developing roles and opportunities Workshops/skills sessions Focus groups Leadership roles Clear roles

Training for young people Empower them to be confident advocates Agree minimum and maximum number Organise small sessions in largest libraries Add value for returning volunteers

Recognition Letter for their school/ college ‘Thank you’ certificates Secure an author visit Celebration events to recognise achievement

Rewards and Incentives Offer small expenses Prize draw for volunteers Local partner providers Group prizes

Accreditation Guides (10-14): Baden Powell Challenge, badges Senior Section (14-25): badges and activities Queen's Guide Award (16-24) – “Community Action” element of 12 month Award. Girls use the 'Go' achievement record Contact local Commissioners/ Unit Leaders or County Queen's Guide Coordinator. Other: Scouts (Explorer/ Network/ Queens Scouts) DofE (‘Volunteering’ element)

SRC volunteering growth plan: Sustaining youth volunteering Discussion: How will you sustain youth involvement in your library after the summer?

Sustaining beyond the summer Recruit volunteer champions for outreach Involve staff in after-Challenge planning Support volunteers to set up an Ambassador group Involve volunteers in service planning Build relationships with school careers/work experience adviser

Reading Activists Challenge £1m Paul Hamlyn gift Aimed at 13-24s Reading and volunteering with a focus on skills National website, local ownership linked to existing activity

Next steps After this training Evaluation

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