Get involved with volunteering this week!

Monday, 20 February 2012

This week is National Student Volunteering Week, but staff can get involved too!

Reading University Students' Union (RUSU) have organised an action-packed programme of activities, providing students and staff with the opportunity to get involved with different types of voluntary activity from bulb planting on campus and building a greenhouse for the University nursery, to singing songs as part of a community outreach project.

Tonight (Monday 20 February) will see the launch of a new community choir, Voices of Reading, at George Palmer Primary School. RUSU hopes to bring together staff, students, children, their parents and local elderly residents to sing an array of pieces and eventually perform in regular concerts. All are welcome along at 7pm to take part in first meeting of the non-audition choir, which is being conducted by University of Reading alumnus, Nicole Johnson.

On Wednesday, RUSU is holding Volunteering Fayre in 3Sixty from 12-3pm. Over 25 charities and local groups will be present and looking to recruit volunteers for both one off and longer-term projects.

Emily Shaw, RUSU's Societies and Volunteering Co-ordinator said: "Whilst it is officially National Student Volunteering Week, we see this as a great opportunity for members of University staff too. There are lots of local charities and groups who need volunteers, so staff are more than welcome to come along to the Fayre on Wednesday to find out more. We have plenty of other activities taking place throughout the week too so please do get involved!"

If you want more information about any of the activities taking place or the choir, email volunteer@reading.ac.uk. A full programme of activities for the week is available on the RUSU Volunteering website.

What's happening this week?

Monday 20 February

• Voices of Reading - The first rehearsal of Reading's new community choir at 7pm at George Palmer Junior School. This choir is open to all ages and all abilities. It doesn't matter if you have never sung before, so long as you have plenty of enthusiasm. The group will sing a capella, gospel, folk, musicals...something for everyone!

Wednesday 22 February

• Volunteering Fayre - Over 25 community groups and local charities are looking to recruit volunteer for a whole range of regular and one off volunteering. Pop in during the afternoon and see if anything takes your fancy
• Wild flower planting on campus - Meet at 12.45pm in the Hub and head off for an afternoon with the Grounds Team planting on campus. Email volunteer@reading.ac.uk to sign up.

Thursday 23 February

• Why volunteer? This talk in Agriculture 1LI6 from 1-2pm will leave you wondering why you haven't volunteered sooner. Reading Voluntary Action are the local experts when it comes to volunteering and will be able to tell you about all sorts of opportunities
• Build a greenhouse! Meet in the Hub at 1.45pm to be involved in helping to build a greenhouse at Little Learners Nursery on campus. Email volunteer@reading.ac.uk to sign up.

Friday 24 February

• Walking tour of Lakeside Care Home - If you would be interested in volunteering at this local elderly care home on Whiteknights Road, come to this tour to hear more about how you could help and meet the residents. Meet in the Students' Union building at 10.45am.