USE THE 2012 GAMES TO DEVELOP VOLUNTEERING IN YOUR ORGANISATION

Over the next year, excitement around the Olympic Games will increase, and so too will interest in volunteering. The Olympic and Paralympic Games have the ability to inspire like no other event.

240,000 people have applied to be Games time volunteers (Games Makers) but only 70,000 will be needed in 2012. The hope is that those disappointed in the selection process will be keen to help in their local communities in Olympic related activities. It is estimated that around 60,000 of the applicants are totally new to volunteering so this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to involve a whole new group of volunteers.

Hertfordshire is Ready for Winners Volunteering is a joint venture between Hertfordshire is Ready for Winners (HRFW) and the Volunteer Centres Hertfordshire. It has the Inspire Mark.

Volunteer Co-ordinators are in place at Volunteer Centres across Hertfordshire. They are poised to help make next year a year of celebration in the county! The Co-ordinators are armed with guidance on how to make events London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games inspired.They have advice on branding, promotion and will support events taking place in their localities.

Be creative
The best way to create Games inspired volunteering opportunities is to consider how you can incorporate the inspiration of the 2012 Games into your work. Think about the Olympic and Paralympic values, and how they relate to the services that your organisation offers.

• Are there existing volunteering opportunities that could be adapted to encompass the Olympic and Paralympic values?
• How can the 2012 Games be factored into your wider volunteer recruitment methods?
• Are there ways in which you can link your work to general 2012 Games news stories?

Inspired by the 2012 Games to Organise a Local Activity or Event?

We would like to hear from anyone considering putting on a Games inspired event, or bringing a 2012 theme to an existing event. Key opportunities for community Games inspired activities could include:

• Community projects and events such as dressing your town/village or local fairs/festivals
• Community celebrations linked to London 2012, such as the Olympic Torch Relay, the Opening and Closing Ceremonies or the Olympic Canoe Slalom event at the Lee Valley White Water Centre
• Celebrating local sports events – such as the Herts Youth Games
• Exhibitions
• Town centre tourist guides

Groups signing up to the Herts Ready for Winners Volunteering Programme have the opportunity to access:

• A database of local, enthusiastic Games-inspired volunteers who can be deployed at their activity or event
• The official HRFW Volunteering branding – recognised as delivering work supporting London 2012 in Hertfordshire and support on accessing branding specific to London 2012
• The HRFW Partnership county-wide communications networks to increase awareness and footfall
• The county-wide Cultural Olympiad celebrations which can support your activities, under its own 2012 cultural-specific branding

More information:-

Please contact your local Hertfordshire is Ready for Winners Volunteering Co-ordinator at your local Volunteer Centre.
Click here for contact details of your local coordinator. (Co-ordinators are part time volunteers so maybe unable to respond immediately - please be patient!).

Guidance for Games Inspired Activities and Volunteering Opportunities is available for download here.

Download an application form here if you are planning on running Games inspired events.

Please contact your local Volunteer Centre for more information and to get your opportunities registered on the do-it website. www.do-it.org.uk

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Useful links:-

• Sports Clubs - see how Volunteer Centres can help you find the volunteers you need.
• Register with your local Volunteer Centre.

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