The podcast discusses evolving volunteer practices post-pandemic, exploring informal volunteering during the pandemic, developing a national strategy for volunteering in Ireland, enhancing diversity and inclusion in volunteer strategies across Europe, and concludes with encouraging engagement and feedback.
Volunteering trends in Ireland emphasize flexible opportunities post-pandemic.
Enhanced support for volunteers' well-being crucial due to increased mental health issues.
National volunteering strategy in Ireland highlights inclusive practices and improved training for managers.
Deep dives
Introduction to Season Three and the Goal of the Podcast
Season three of the podcast is introduced with the goal of delving deeper into volunteer engagement beyond the basics. The host aims to discuss strategic and profound issues with various guests over seven episodes to inspire and inform the audience.
Volunteering Trends in Ireland and Shifts Post-Pandemic
Discussion with Stuart Garland highlights recent volunteering trends in Ireland. Changes in volunteer infrastructure in Ireland have defied global trends, emphasizing a shift towards flexible volunteering post-pandemic. There is a focus on incorporating more inclusive and diverse volunteering practices.
Impact of Pandemic on Volunteering and Mental Health
The pandemic significantly affected volunteering levels in Ireland, leading to a drop followed by a shift towards more flexible volunteer opportunities. The increase in mental health disorders among Irish people during the pandemic underscores the need for enhanced support for volunteers' well-being.
Development of National Volunteering Strategy and Local Infrastructure Investment
The discussion delves into the development of a national volunteering strategy in Ireland, emphasizing the importance of diverse and inclusive volunteering practices. Investments in local volunteering infrastructure have increased, with a focus on improving training for volunteer managers and promoting ethical and skills-based volunteering.
Value of Inclusivity and Welcoming Environment in Volunteer Management
Lessons from volunteer management stress the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for volunteers. Prioritizing valuing each volunteer's contribution, fostering diversity, and ensuring a safe space for sharing challenges are central to effective volunteer engagement strategies.
Stuart is the Learning and Capacity Building Manager with Volunteer Ireland. Previously he was Volunteer Manager with a leading homeless charity and the manager of a Volunteer Centre for several years. Stuart has worked in a range of roles in the third sector since and has a background in youth work.
He has extensive direct Volunteer management experience with managing volunteer teams of over 1,430 volunteers. He is committed to volunteerism, and to fostering a vibrant and active community, where everyone can volunteer without restrictions, regardless of background or capacity, and achieve full participation by their voluntary activity.
Connect with Stuart
Email: stuart@volunteer.ie
X / Twitter: @StuartGarland | @VoluntIreland
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/StuartGarland
Web: www.volunteer.ie/training
Music by Zen_Man from Pixabay
Thanks to Awesome Panda for their work editing this episode. Find out more at https://www.awesomepandauk.com
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode