30 January 2007
Liberal Democrat peer Rabbi Julia Neuberger is calling on groups of all faiths to speak up about their volunteering experiences in the biggest ever consultation of its kind.
Baroness Neuberger is the chair of the Commission on the Future of Volunteering, an independent body established to develop a long-term vision for volunteering in England and to make positive recommendations for change.
The Commission will be holding a series of regional events throughout England over the next few months, where individuals and groups will have the opportunity to share their views on volunteering, and contribute to the plan for the future.
It is particularly keen to hear from people in faith groups who have traditionally been underrepresented in volunteering reviews, despite making a significant impact in their community, whether on a formal or informal basis.
Rabbi Julia Neuberger said:
“I would urge all faith groups, including my own Jewish community, to help us by coming to give evidence at one of the regional events, or by writing directly to the Commission. So many people make a difference by helping others, whether they call themselves a “volunteer” or not, and we would love to hear about their experiences.
“We'd also like to hear from those who do not volunteer, or at least don't volunteer formally, and from organisations that want to recruit volunteers and sometimes face difficulties in doing so. We would be delighted to hear from everyone who is interested, and to find out what might encourage more people to volunteer. We want to make sure, unlike previous surveys, that all the different communities in our society have their views properly represented, so that their significant contribution to society is recognised.”
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.
- Dates and venue for the regional events are available at www.volcomm.org.uk
- Evidence forms can be downloaded from www.volcomm.org.uk , by emailing evidence@volcomm.org.uk or by writing to: Commission on the Future of Volunteering, c/o Meta Zimmeck, Volunteering England, Regent’s Wharf, 8 All Saints St, London N1 9RL. It is also possible to receive information in large format, Braille, or languages other than English. Please contact Meta with any special requirements
- For a full list of Commission members, visit: http://www.volcomm.org.uk/members
Press enquiries should be directed to Cat Dean on 020 7520 8932, email:
cat.dean@volunteeringengland.org.uk