Making Connections

        

As Scotland's Centre for Excellence in volunteer development we aim to investigate, interpret and disseminate intelligence about the past, current and possible future volunteering landscape in Scotland. We develop and build strategic relationships with our members, stakeholders and organisations both in the UK and abroad. Becoming a member of Volunteer Development Scotland will provide you with access to the members only discussion forum where we can seek your views on volunteer development in Scotland. You will also be able to view and join in the discussion surrounding volunteering in Scotland with other members of Volunteer Development Scotland.

This discussion forum is designed to allow those involved in volunteering and volunteer management to access current trends and thinking on all aspects surrounding volunteering and on how Scotland can best untap the huge potential of the benefits of volunteering. You will find useful information on a wide variety of issues surrounding the volunteering marketplace.

Becoming a member brings a wide range of benefits. If you would like to join Volunteer Development Scotland simply download and complete our membership form. Or e-mail vds@vds.org.uk

In our efforts to make connections with our members and stakeholders, we have developed an annual programme of Volunteering Assemblies which combine our AGM with a platform for policy debate on issues that affect volunteering.

Our first one in December 2005 was held in Stirling and included an address from CIVICUS General Secretary, Kumi Naidoo, new research on the High Trust Society from the Scottish Council Foundation, and the latest findings from research on 'asking volunteers'

Our second was in June 2006, also held in Stirling, covered new research on 'Space, place and volunteers, the start of the process of forming a 'European Volunteering Manifesto' and one for Scottish Parliamentary and local authority elections in 2007.
 
The Third Assembly in December 2006, was held in Edinburgh as part of the Third Sector Summit, a unique event held in collaboration with our partners from the Scottish Government, Big Lottery Fund and SCVO. The theme was 'Young People Volunteering - The Big Picture' where we connected people to the current developments in youth volunteering.