MLP for Researchers - Volunteering
"Never Doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world"
(Margret Mead)
Volunteering is a key element of the MLP. You must be committed to completing a minimum of 60 hours of validated volunteering work in order to take the Leadership in Action for Researchers unit and qualify for the Manchester Leadership Award.
The 60 hours volunteering can be undertaken with one voluntary / not-for-profit organisation, or with many.
What is volunteering?
"(Volunteering is) any activity that involves spending time, unpaid, doing something that aims to benefit the environment or someone (individuals or groups) other than, or in addition to, close relatives. Central to this definition is the fact that volunteering must be a choice freely made by each individual. This can include formal activity undertaken through public, private and voluntary organisations as well as informal community participation."
Volunteering England's definition, 2008.
Volunteering is a great way to 'give something back' and make a real difference. It is also an opportunity to:
- Identify, develop and articulate your transferrable skills
- Widen your own participation and make a positive impact on diverse communities
- Build your confidence and communication skills
- Work creatively and adapt to unfamiliar situations
There are many definitions of volunteering. For the purposes of the MLP, a 'suitable' volunteering organisation is an unpaid activity with an organisation that directly benefits the wider community.
The wider community
One of the aims of this Programme is to bring MLP participants into contact with, and to have a positive impact, upon communities outside of HE and the University of Manchester. It is therefore essential that MLP participants work directly with volunteering organisations based in the non-University community.
At least 15 hours of your volunteering must be carried out in the North West of England. One of the overall aims of the MLP is to give something back to the local community. The remainder can be completed elsewhere, as long as the appropriate evidence can be collected.