Spotlight on: Aoise and Zoe, International Women’s Day
March 19, 2021
For International Women’s Day, we highlighted two of our guardians who are supporting women through their work and volunteering, helping to build a more equal future for all.
Read more from our former guardian Aoise who’s paving the way for women leaders in social enterprise through her work with Supply Change. And our east London guardian, Zoe, who has been supporting vulnerable women and children in temporary housing through her volunteering with the Magpie Project.
Aoise, Supply Change
From our former guardian, Aoise
I was trying to find a place to live in London, and to do that in an affordable way was really difficult because London is so expensive…My weekend jobs were mainly waitressing which wasn’t that well paid, so I really wanted to be able to find a place that would allow me to continue with Year Here (a programme for entrepreneurs driven to create meaningful social change). That’s where Dot Dot Dot came in.
Living with Dot Dot Dot and not having to pay huge amounts of money for housing was a huge aspect of being able to carry on with Year Here. It gave me that breathing space to explore options with Supply Change, the social enterprise I set up with two of my fellow alumni, and really build on the learning I had gained from Year Here. It gave me a great launching pad and foundation.
The whole ethos and mission of Supply Change is to help social enterprises win and deliver more contracts. Our supplier base is over 50% women-led, which I think is quite common across the sector, and from the outset we try to support them to get them in front of buyers. We believe that redirecting some of that buyer spend to social businesses and social entrepreneurs can be really meaningful, especially when they’ve got past the stage of relying on grant funding. Directing revenue and regular contracts to these businesses is a really really great way of supporting social enterprises and the women who lead them.
Another way I support women entrepreneurs is through Supply Change itself. We are completely women-founded and we are a 75% women team. There are a lot of amazing women leaders in the social enterprise sector. Three female leaders in procurement is definitely a change in the way things have been done previously. We are paving the way for a lot more women to be leaders within the social enterprise sector and social procurement.
Zoe, The Magpie Project
From our east London guardian, Zoe
For a long time I had been looking to be involved with an organisation focused on supporting women, but hadn’t found myself with enough time to do so. Then after becoming a guardian with Dot Dot Dot, I found myself with more time to dedicate to issues I cared about. After learning about the incredible work that the Magpie Project does to support women and their children, I knew their cause was the one I wanted to be involved with.
The Magpie Project is an amazing charity that supports vulnerable women and their small children that are living in temporary accommodation. They work incredibly hard to get these families on their feet, and they stand up for them in ways that others haven’t. Since I started volunteering for them my role as a volunteer has involved a bit of everything. On a regular shift my role involves helping during a day session at their centre in various ways, as well as creating illustrations that they could use.
Since the pandemic started the Magpie Project has been working very hard to find ways to continue supporting its families in a safe and socially distanced way, and they’ve been very successful in finding ways to deliver help such as food and essentials to their homes. Even when the Magpie Project centre had to close its doors because of the pandemic, it found ways to continue delivering help to families that would otherwise be destitute
I volunteered for them remotely by creating some videos for the children and families to do illustration and creative activities at home. Volunteering for the Magpie Project allowed me to support women not only by helping with the work that they do every week at their centre, but also using my own skills, such as creating illustrations they could use to raise awareness about their cause, or to sell and to raise funds for the women and their families.
Becoming a Dot Dot Dot guardian enabled me to dedicate more of my time to causes I care about, which otherwise wouldn’t have been possible given the high cost of living and rent in London.
Dot Dot Dot not only gave me the opportunity to pursue my own path, as I was then able to afford enough space to have my own studio at home to develop my work, but also gave me the opportunity to give some of my time to others and help causes I feel are meaningful and worth supporting.
Read more stories from our guardians on how living with Dot Dot Dot has given them the freedom and flexibility to pursue their goals.
Spotlight on: Elizabeth – Women in Localization
August 20, 2020
As Women in Localization UK Sponsorship Manager & Global Sponsorship Liaison, Dot Dot Dot guardian Elizabeth tells of how this volunteering role enables her to take action on a global scale, working to bridge the gap for students to enter the localisation industry, whilst inspiring the next generation to pursue a career they’re passionate about.
“Women in Localization’s mission is to foster a global community for advancement of women and the localisation industry, through networking, education, career advancement, mentoring and recognition of accomplishments. The non-profit organisation has 24 chapters worldwide and grows each year. Local chapters typically hold quarterly events which develop technical and soft skills, as well as networking.
In summer 2018, I was invited by the Women in Localization UK chapter as a guest speaker on the topic of remote working. I shared the stage with a panel of industry experts, exploring insights, educating and supporting the localisation community. I felt honoured to be included in such an event – being asked to speak so early into my career (1 year to date).
I participated in subsequent events and joined the core team in Autumn 2018; my role focused on sponsorship – responsible for coordinating event sponsors. Topics have included Machine translation, Quality Management, including overcoming impostor syndrome, career development and mentoring. The UK chapter has been involved in academic events, bridging the gap for students to get into the industry. I found it incredibly difficult as a Graduate progressing from unpaid internships to a full time job. It’s truly rewarding to inspire the next generation to pursue a career that they’re passionate about. We run a mentorship scheme which volunteers are encouraged to join – providing further support to the community.
A year later, I was invited to join the Global Programs, as Sponsorship Liaison, bridging the gap between the local and global teams. I’ve found a grass-roots perspective helpful while being able to take action across a global level, and several other volunteers are in a similar position, which focuses our group on the pulse of the industry.
During the lockdown, Women in Localization has adapted – all events have moved online, with several each month from different chapters around the world. Recently the UK chapter had a virtual pub-quiz to bring some joy during these difficult times.
In my volunteering experience, I’ve made some lifelong friends, with selfless values and compassion, for which I’m incredibly grateful. The UK chapter has a diverse group of skilled, amazing volunteers that are simply brilliant. Always doing what they can to help others.
Anyone considering volunteering, or even undecided, should certainly give it a try. It has certainly changed my life for the better.”
To find out more about Women in Localization, search #WLUK and #WomeninL10n on Twitter, and follow the links below:
Women in Localization – UK Chapter
Women in Localization – Global
This story is part of our Summer Series collection. If you have your own story to tell or a project you’d like to shout about then please contact us at volunteeringstories@dotdotdotproperty.com. Read more volunteering stories from our guardians on our website, and stay up-to-date with the latest news from our Summer Series on Instagram.
Where and how to volunteer during the Covid-19 crisis
March 24, 2020
It’s crucial that we’re all observing self-isolation right now. But the need to provide help and support to others is also more important than ever. Whether it’s donating goods or money to those who are less fortunate than you or cooking meals for your friends and neighbours who are either still working or too vulnerable to leave the house, every little bit helps. There are a multitude of ways that you can volunteer during the Covid-19 crisis but we’ve compiled our own list of easy ways that you can get involved – read on to discover an option that suits you.
1. Cook for your community
If you know someone who works for the NHS or in hospitality, it’s likely that they’re still going into work. Whatever their profession, they might be struggling to make it to the supermarkets whilst the shelves are still stocked. It’s no secret that comfort food soothes the soul, so what better way to help your friends and neighbours out than by cooking up some of their favourite recipes?
The great thing is that you can easily do this whilst avoiding contact with others – just leave these meals on your friend’s doorstep! Not forgetting that cooking can help to qualm any stress and anxieties you may be feeling about coronavirus. Check back here for our top recipe recommendations coming soon!
2. Assist food banks under strain
Food banks are an essential community service but are under immense pressure to ensure that no one goes without during the coronavirus crisis. The Trussell Trust, the UK’s largest network of food banks as well as smaller, local food banks will press on to provide as much support as they can to communities during the outbreak.
So how can you provide much-needed reinforcement to food banks at this critical time? Provided you are not at-risk yourself and have the time needed to volunteer, click here to find your local food bank. You can also volunteer by finding out and donating their most needed food items – these will differ from day to day so keep checking back to find out their most needed items.
3. Look out for the vulnerable in your community
The government’s advice is that we must now avoid all but essential social contact. As a consequence, this will mean that for most of us, we need to wave goodbye to many of our regular social activities and accept that spending a majority of our time at home will become our new normal. As we adjust to this new and different pace of life, it’s important that we keep up our contact with others, whether by phone calls, social media or video chats – find new ways of staying close to those who matter to you.
If you are aware of someone in your building, community or neighbourhood who could be at risk of feeling isolated (pay particular mind to over 65’s or the elderly), volunteer to be their point of contact during this period of uncertainty and separation. This could involve being ready to do their shopping, video calling them regularly, or batch cooking their meals if they are less able to do so.
4. Walk your neighbours dog and more by joining your local mutual aid group
More than 1,000 community focused mutual aid groups have been popping up across the UK. Umbrella organisation, Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK is coordinating localised groups designed to support those who are self-isolating. Whether it’s dog walking, shopping, delivering medicine or other daily tasks, they’ll connect you with people in your local area who you may not otherwise know are in need of help. So far tens of thousands of people have come forward to offer their support.
Here is a comprehensive and growing list of nationwide Covid-19 mutual aid groups, making it quick and easy for you to find one in your local community. There’s also the opportunity to help shape and run these groups even if you’re the one self-isolating. If you’re fit and healthy, this is a great way to volunteer to keep your community afloat and to provide hope to elderly residents who could be forced to self-isolate for four months.
5. Volunteer virtually
If you can’t leave the house either because you’re self-isolating or you’d simply prefer not to, there are a myriad of ways that you can spend your time constructively by volunteering online. The Covid-19 Mutual Aid group is currently searching for people who can digitally facilitate and build digital tools. From researchers to product managers to engineers to designers, let them know what skills you can offer and how much time you can commit and they’ll get in touch to help you get started.
Alternatively, check out our list below to discover an online volunteering opportunity to suit your needs:
Mental health & crisis support:
- Texting services Shout, Young Minds & Crisis
- Help those in crisis with online platform I’mAlive
Education:
- Mentoring with Brightside
- Teach online with School in the Cloud
Crafts:
- Sewing blankets with Binky Patrol
- Knit for premature babies with Bliss
Global support:
- Assist global crisis relief efforts with Missing Maps
- Find out how your skills can help the UN
Whilst many of these options may be suited to you, if they haven’t sparked your interest try using do-it.org or Reach Volunteering. Both have ‘do it from home’ preferences enabling you to narrow down your search for a remote volunteering opportunity that you can get behind. Why not also check out Remote Volunteering Options That Work For You? There you can check out more options and some top tips on how to get started today.
Life as a Dot Dot Dot property guardian: Desire
March 6, 2020
Futurist Women launch party
Here at Dot Dot Dot, we support all of our property guardians to follow their passion through volunteering. For Desire, our former employee and Dot Dot Dot Property Guardian in Newham, her passion was and still is to give a platform to younger women in communities where the tools they need to develop their careers aren’t easily accessible. Through living as a Dot Dot Dot Property Guardian, Desire was given the all-important time she needed to put her passion into practice and volunteer with Futurist Women.
Futurist Women is a social enterprise, established to provide exposure and equality for women and youth in underdeveloped communities: “We want to educate and empower them with the skills and knowledge to allow them to adapt to the developing trends across all disciplines.
“I’ve been involved with the project from the beginning as one of the founding team. My friend and founder of Futurist Women, Tiffany Nelson, brought the idea to me and I immediately wanted to get involved and make it happen. We want to encourage young women to think outside the box, be more creative and grow with the times and technology”
Futurist Women talks
Desire’s main responsibility in her volunteering is to raise the profile of Futurist Women and to help them gain credibility as a social enterprise. One example was their launch party, entitled ‘Millenial Maiden’ which took place in Ghana in December 2017: “As the Curator, it was my job to organise meet-ups for the team in Ghana to make sure that plans were coming along smoothly. I oversaw and assisted in writing proposals and emails to potential guest speakers and sponsors for the event.
Futurist Women launch party
“Over the two days we introduced who we are and the aims of Futurist Women, alongside networking sessions and inspiring talks from leading women in various industries such as oil and gas, media, construction and health.” Ultimately, their vision is to build socially and economically conscious global leaders, who are ready to embrace gender and career equalities.
Currently, around 250 charities are in receipt of voluntary assistance from Desire and her fellow Dot Dot Dot property guardians every month. Since we began in 2011, more than 3,000 charities have been helped, and more than 1,200 people have been housed by Dot Dot Dot and contributed to their local communities through their volunteering.
To find out more about how volunteering and guardianship go together, check out our community website page or read some more of our property guardians volunteering stories here.
This week’s top 5 volunteering opportunities
June 24, 2016
1.UN Volunteers
Where: From Home
When: Various
Category: Translating, Writing. Editing
Commitment Level: Various
UN Volunteers have many different opportunities that you can undertake from the comfort of your home! Share your skills, knowledge and ideas from a computer anywhere in the world. To find out more and search for opportunities, click here.
2.Well Met Thamesmead
Where: Thamesmead
When: Various
Category: Befriending, Elderly
Commitment Level: Ongoing
The Peabody Well Met befriending project in Thamesmead aims to improve quality of life for members of the community who are isolated. Befrienders can play a big part in improving confidence and providing a link to the outside world through social interaction. For more information or to register as a volunteer, please contact Sarah at Trust Thamesmead. T: 0203 828 4936 or E: sarah.feleppa@peabody.org.uk
3. Guy Fox History Project LTD
Where: London
When: Various
Category: History, Children, Education
Commitment Level: Various
Guy Fox History Project is an educational charity in London, with a mission to create innovative activities that encourage children to explore the world around them. They are looking for people who can help them distribute their resources to libraries, community centres and shops. If you are interested in this, click here.
4. Richard House Children’s Hospice
Where: Liverpool Street / Woolwich Ferry
When: 14th July, 16th July, 17th July
Category: Fundraising, Hospice
Commitment Level: Ad Hoc
Richard House Children’s Hospice deliver clinical care, short breaks and other residential services to children and young adults, whilst supporting their families through counselling and bereavement support. They are looking for people to help with a few hours of fundraising and bucket collecting in July. If you are interested in taking part, please contact Rachel Green. T: 02075400230 E: RachelG@richardhouse.org.uk
5. Sutton Community Farm
Where: Wallington
When: 29th June
Category: Farm, Community, Harvest
Commitment Level: Ad Hoc
Sutton Community Farm aims to increase access to fresh, healthy, sustainable food and provide a shared space for people to cultivate skills, get exercise and make friends. They are looking for volunteers who have an interest in plants and vegetable production by organic methods. For more information and to register, click here.
This week’s top five volunteering opportunities
April 1, 2016
1.Bee Garden build day
Where: Dalston, E8 3DL
When: Thursday 7th April – 11.00 to 16.00
Commitment Level: Regular Commitment
Help to get the Bee Garden ready for spring planting. They’ve nearly finished assembling the new raised bed planters and now need help filling them with soil. No prior experience or skills are required. For more information and to sign up, click here.
2.Friendship Works
Where: Various
When: Weekends
Commitment Level: Regular Commitment
Friendship Works is looking for people to mentor children who are facing multiple disadvantages. Mentors give long term support by meeting with a young person for three out of four weekends. Activities include visiting a museum, going to a café or pursuing shared interests such as sport or crafts. To find out more and apply, click here.
3.Sustainable Merton
Where: Various
When: Various
Commitment Level: Various
Sustainable Merton is a community led initiative giving local residents the opportunity to do practical work to make the area a sustainable community. They are engaged in projects covering renewable energy and energy saving, local food growing, water conservation and raising awareness of issues associated with climate change. They are looking for a host of volunteers to perform a variety of roles. To find out more, click here.
4.Gardener at Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice
Where: 185 Bostall Hill, Abbey Wood
When: Various
Commitment Level: Various
The hospice grounds provide an opportunity for rest and relaxation for patients, visitors, staff and volunteers. In order to keep the grounds looking beautiful they are supported by a team of dedicated and committed volunteers. There are a variety of tasks including weeding, planting bulbs, watering and general garden maintenance. For more information and to register your interest, click here.
5.PACT – Prisoner’s Family and Friends Helpline Volunteer
Where: Peckham
When: Various
Commitment Level: Regular Commitment
The purpose of the role is to provide support for those involved in the Criminal Justice System. Service users can contact their confidential service by telephone, email, letter, website or via the peer support group. They aim to give practical advice and emotional support and to work as a signposting agent. If you are interested in this opportunity, please click here for more information.
BONUS OPPORTUNITY
Into University are looking for people to volunteer as Academic Support Tutors to support primary and secondary students during their after-school sessions. The programme provides free tutoring and support to young people in a stimulating classroom environment. Volunteers act as role models and support academic progress. For more information and to apply, click here.
Spotlight on Peter
March 23, 2016
Peter has been a Dot Dot Dot guardian for over a year and a half. He has been a dedicated volunteer with Sycamore Tree during this entire period, amassing over 400 hours of volunteering.
Sycamore Tree is a restorative justice and victim awareness course, helping prisoners to rehabilitate themselves and create awareness about their past, present and future. It operates across several prisons, and Peter usually finds himself in Brixton or Holloway leading his sessions.
Here’s how Peter describes his role:
I work as a group leader – building relationships, facilitating discussion, to help guide my group through the course, and lend support elsewhere as and when needed.
I encourage the women or men to be open in order to fully take responsibility, but my main impetus is to try to help them realize their own self-worth and hope that this continues upon release, so they fulfil their true potential, rather than lead a life of crime.
Recently he had a particularly rewarding example of how valuable his volunteering is:
A man, at Brixton, was rambunctious and extremely reluctant to engage in the course during the first two weeks. Claiming that all he was doing, whilst inside, was trying to better his game, to get smarter, figuring out how to continue committing crime, but to not get caught.
By the end of the course, he’d done a complete 180. He was a calmer, content gentleman, and he was excited to tell me he’s starting a CSCS course, in order to become a builder when he came out. Realizing the only true way to not get caught/go back to prison, is by not committing crime! All he now wants to do is remain on that path, and help provide and care for his child and build a better life for himself and his girlfriend.
This isn’t really a highlight; it’s more an example. The whole course is a highlight, as there are so many more examples.
So, well done Peter! This kind of volunteering is absolutely invaluable, and we’re happy our guardians are engaging with such worthwhile causes.
Get involved
- If you’re interested in volunteering and becoming a guardian with dot dot dot, apply here today
- Keep up to date with our news and our guardians’ volunteering experiences on Facebook and Twitter
This week’s top five volunteering opportunities
March 18, 2016
1.Missing People
Where: South-West London
When: Various
Commitment Level: Various
Missing People is a charity which is dedicated to bringing missing children and adults back together with their families. They have a variety of volunteer opportunities to get involved in – which you can find here. For further information please email volunteer@missingpeople.org.uk or contact them by phone on 0208 392 5548.
2.Trees for Cities
Where: Greenwich, SE9 2JE
When: 2nd April 10.00-16.00
Commitment Level: One-off
Trees for Cities is working in partnership with the Royal Borough of Greenwich to plant new trees around Eltham Estates in Greenwich. The species have been specially selected to help prevent flooding. They need volunteers to help them plant, stake and mulch the trees and shrubs. For more information, see here.
3.Friends of The Connection at St Martin-in-the-Fields
Where: Central London
When: Various
Commitment Level: Various
The Friends of The Connection is a network of people dedicated to preventing street homelessness and reintegrating homeless people into society. The Friends does not offer direct volunteering opportunities with homeless people but they do offer opportunities in fundraising and other areas. They have openings for a communications lead, an honorary treasurer, a membership recruitment lead and a local fundraising support lead. If you are interested in any of these please contact the Chair, Charles Woodd on 07962 213494 or email friends@cstm.org.uk
4.Into University
Where: Various
When: Various
Commitment Level: Regular Commitment
Into University provides local learning centres where young people are inspired to achieve. They have a whole variety of volunteering opportunities, which you can find here.
5.Poplar HARCA – Spring Festival Volunteers
Where: Chrisp Street
When: 23rd April
Commitment Level: One-off commitment
Chrisp Street is hosting a Spring Festival to celebrate all things green and local on Saturday 23rd April. They are looking for friendly and welcoming volunteers to help with the event. For more information and to register your interest, click here.
This week’s top five volunteering opportunities
March 10, 2016
1.Open the Gate
Where: Across London
When: Various
Commitment Level: Various
Want to get involved in a fast growing cultural organisation? Open the Gate is looking for volunteers to help with organisation, promotion and event hosting. If this is something that interests you, please email show@openthegate.org.uk
2.Beanstalk
Where: Various Locations
When: Various
Commitment Level: Medium – Regular Commitment
Volunteer with a young person as a reading helper! In the reading sessions you will spend one-to-one time with children, chat with them, read and play educational games on a regular basis. For more information, see here.
3.Day Old
Where: Across London
When: Various
Commitment Level: Various
DayOld is a food surplus social enterprise, tackling food waste and food poverty. They sell surplus baked goods through treat boxes, office pop-ups and event catering. Their baked goods are collected from artisan bakeries the previous day, preventing them from going to waste. They are looking for volunteers to help them with this process. For more information and to register your interest, click here.
4.Cleaner, Greener Volunteers
Where: Bow Churchyard
When: 16th April 10.30am
Commitment Level: One-off
As spring is almost here, Big Dig day is a national scheme to get people helping out at gardens. On the 16th April, a group will be heading to Bow Churchyard to take the first steps in revamping and restoring the site. If you want more information, please contact Chris on black.bird@virgin.net – or just turn up on the day!
5.Kitchen Volunteers
Where: Ashford Place, NW2 6TU
When: Saturday March 19th from 11am to 2pm
Commitment Level: One-off
Ashford Place is a community resource centre in North West London. They provide advice and practical support to the whole community. Ashford Place is looking for volunteers to support their Saturday project – a mental health and support group. They want help preparing and serving lunch. For more information and to register your interest, click here.
Food, Glorious Food
March 5, 2014
Food is great – not only does it keep us nourished, but a good meal with friends or even strangers binds you together in a way that nothing else does with quite such ease. On the volunteering side of things, food based projects are brilliant: they draw on skills you already have; most end up being inherently social (as is the way with food!); and most importantly many of these roles can be done on a relatively ad hoc basis or at the weekends, meaning that even people who struggle with volunteering around work hours can get involved.
Food Cycle makes excellent use of food that would otherwise be wasted – in their seventeen hubs spread over the UK which provide food for those individuals at large risk of food poverty. Volunteers can do any number of tasks: from chopping, stirring and serving, to menu planning based on the provided ingredients. Engaging with the diners is also essential – there’s something here for everyone! Currently there are four hubs in London each occurring on a different day of the week, as well as the Pie in the Sky Café, running out of the Bromley-by-Bow Centre on a daily basis.
A different approach to solving issues of food shortage or malnutrition is that undertaken by Casserole Club. An innovative idea, especially for those searching for an opportunity to volunteer as and when you can – as a member, you cook for an isolated individual in your area who would otherwise not cook for themselves. I’m certain we all have experience of the demotivation often involved in cooking anything substantial for one, and this is exactly why Casserole Club exists. It is here solely so that individuals who live alone, and who therefore may be experiencing this lack of motivation daily, can instead have a portion of something delicious and homemade with a little bit of love brought right to their door.
The Upper Room aims to improve the lives of socially vulnerable people and give them the confidence to be economically independent. UR4Meals is one of their mechanisms for doing this – providing an evening meal five days a week. As a volunteer you can get involved in the running of these meals on any day of the week, making that a weekly or even fortnightly commitment. In this role, you can either help the chef with food prep, or assist with serving, cleaning up and sharing some friendly smiles.
Tower Hamlets Foodbank takes food donated by the community and organises and redistributes this food in emergency food packages for individuals who have been referred and are in crisis. Understandably, this is the sort of operation that benefits from the power in numbers – the more collections that can be done, the more food that can be sorted, and the more foodbank attendees that can be catered for and cared for. There are vacancies also for help with admin in the office, so there is plenty to be done – get in touch if it takes your fancy and see how you can get stuck in!
Another wholly worthwhile venture is The Food Chain. Here, nutritional advice, cooking classes, communal eating opportunities, as well as weekly donated grocery supplies, are delivered to people living with HIV in London and their dependants. There are tonnes of different volunteering opportunities at The Food Chain, ranging from the regular to the more ad hoc, and the reports from current volunteers are glowing. This is well worth a look, and the variety of ways you can help mean there is surely something for everyone.
As M.F.K. Fisher wrote, “First, we eat. Then, we do everything else.” Without dedicated volunteers supporting all of these, and the many many more invaluable projects, those individuals who these initiatives support would not have the wherewithal to do what Fisher describes as, quite simply, “everything else”. The variety of food based voluntary roles cover every single option, so if you are someone looking for heartfelt, community based volunteering with an unquantifiable impact … tuck in!
