Volunteering is choosing to spend time doing something for the benefit of others, or for society or the environment, without being paid to do it. It is a large aspect of the work JCI members do in their community and it seems appropriate therefore, whilst in the middle of the National ‘Volunteer’s Week’  , to share ways in which our members can support our chosen charities in a voluntary manner.

Two charities we are suppporting this year are Barnsley Independent Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support (BIADS) and Barnsley Churches Drop-in Project (BCDP). Both charities support the Barnsley public and I often see posts on their respective Facebook pages asking for volunteers to help at their befriending/drop in sessions. If you are interested in helping out for even just a few hours a week, I am sure you would be welcomed with open arms. I would encourage any interested person to get in touch with the charities for more information.

Here in JCI UK we want to reward those members who go that little bit further and get actively involved in their local community.  As a result we recognise members for their level of community involvement through the community hour’s project.  

What do I have to do?

• It is very simple - all you have to do is volunteer in your local community and record your hours  
• Keep a record of the number of hours you volunteer and log them on our JCI UK Community form 
• Keep your local community director or Chamber up to date with your progress
• Send your volunteering stories and photos to the JCI UK National Community Director Katie Jackson (katie.jackson@jciuk.org.uk) 
• Wait to be recognised! 

We look forward to hearing your volunteering stories!

Jo Mackfall

JCI Barnsley President