Making Connections

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.

Our membership consists of more than 500 volunteer-involving organisations who are Volunteers Managers working to improve good practice in Volunteers management and development in the voluntary, public, private and social economy sectors.

Here is an example of who our members are:

• Barnardos Scotland
• Children 1st
• Enable Scotland
• Scottish Refugee Council
• Scottish Natural Heritage
• Napier University
• NHS Greater Glasgow
• Volunteer Centre Network

We hold regular discussion forums with our members and stakeholders, and future topics have been programmed.

To become a member with Volunteer Development Scotland, go to our Membership page for details of benefits and costs.