Sharing Volunteering Success

Last Thursday, our v20 members had the unique opportunity to attend a noteworthy event at Portcullis House, Parliament. This gathering, hosted by the National Council for Voluntary Youth Services and the All Party Parliamentary Group on Youth Affairs, highlighted the incredible impact of youth volunteering.

The room was abuzz with energy as young volunteers shared their experiences. It was inspiring to witness such a strong turnout, dispelling the myth that adults don’t care about young people. The event began with a speech from Natascha Engel MP, addressing the challenges faced by young volunteers today.

Inspiring Stories and Networking

A standout story was shared by Peter, a Young Ambassador for the Prince’s Trust. He recounted his journey from Nigeria, overcoming personal hardships through volunteering. His story exemplified how volunteering for young people can be a transformative experience.

The newly appointed Minister for Civil Society, Nick Hurd, emphasized the importance of a ‘big society’ and engaging communities—including young people—in improving volunteering opportunities. His message resonated with many attendees, although the term ‘big society’ was humorously overused.

Engaging with Influential Figures

We took the opportunity to connect with several MPs, including James Morris and Nick Hurd, discussing the future of v. Vanessa, a v20 member, impressed them with her vcashpoint project.

Meeting Lisa Nandy MP was particularly memorable. We discovered shared backgrounds and she offered to support our initiatives in Parliament. This encounter highlighted the influence young people can wield when they engage with political figures.

A Call to Action

The event concluded with Simon Hughes, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, encouraging young people to participate actively in politics. His words reinforced the power of civic engagement and the need for action in the present.

Getting Involved

This event was a testament to the potential of youth volunteering and its far-reaching impact. We urge young people to contact their local MPs and get involved in their communities. Together, we can drive change and make a difference.

Explore more stories of volunteering success and learn about the impact of young volunteers.

For more photos from the event, visit our Flickr page.