For immediate release
16 November 2006
An influential volunteering taskforce has recruited a member of youth volunteering charity, v to represent young people on its commission. Joe Gordon, 23, will assist the Commission on the Future of Volunteering in developing a long term vision for volunteering in England as a legacy of the Year of the Volunteer 2005.
Joe, who is currently working for an accountancy firm, is a member of the v20 youth advisory board, where he has been involved in building relationships with the voluntary, political and business sectors. He has been actively involved in volunteering for around 10 years, most recently helping people from deprived areas in England to build life skills.
Joe said:
“I think that young people should play a part in determining the future of volunteering and I expect to learn a lot from the many distinguished members of the Commission. It would be great to see the recommendations that we voice shape the future of volunteering in this country and the reward will be in seeing the difference it makes to people’s lives.”
Baroness Neuberger, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Volunteering, said:
“Young people’s views on volunteering should be heard and represented at the highest level and I am delighted that Joe has agreed to lend his insight, experience and enthusiasm to the Commission. Our work is to build on the legacy of the Year of the Volunteer by making recommendations on how to achieve a healthy and sustainable volunteering sector and I am confident that Joe’s appointment will play an important role in making this happen.”
Notes to editors:
- The Commission on the Future of Volunteering was established by the England Volunteering Development Council (EVDC) to develop a long term vision for volunteering in England as a legacy of the Year of the Volunteer 2005. It is sponsored by the Volunteering Hub and supported by Volunteering England. The Commission is due to present its findings in autumn 2007.
- Press enquiries should be directed to Cat Dean on 020 7520 8932, email: cat.dean@volunteeringengland.org.uk . For out of hours enquiries, please contact Sonya Roberts on 07952 128 057.
- v is an independent charity which was launched in May 2006 to champion youth volunteering in England. Its aim is to inspire a million more young people aged 16-25 to volunteer. To do this, v is working to increase the quantity, quality and diversity of volunteering opportunities available to young people.
