Spotlight on Federico

Federico became a guardian with Dot Dot Dot in August 2015 and since then has volunteered for a variety of environmental and educational charities. This is his experience: 

I started being a guardian over a year and a half ago with a different organisation, but I was interested in Dot Dot Dot because they are more community minded. I always like to feel that I’m part of something bigger and having this opportunity to not only secure a property but to engage in activities with the community that help to improve the local area was particularly attractive. I have found this fulfilling and have enjoyed helping people living in the community.

When I first started volunteering around Poplar, there were many interesting projects to be a part of, and I didn’t know where to start or which one to choose. I decided to get involved with many of them and tried out different opportunities, from helping with gardening to constructing an organic waste device in a recycling project in a park.

In the end, with the help of the team at Dot Dot Dot I was put in contact with the managers of Poplar HARCA Spotlight, a youth centre where children from 11 to 18 years old can go to participate in creative activities including art, theatre, games, music, radio, sports, dancing and more. As I am a musician and recently finished my audio production degree, I wanted to share my knowledge collaborating in something related to audio or music. After introducing myself to the team working in Spotlight, I have been helping to teach music in their studio. I regularly teach children to play a variety of instruments, write songs, produce their music and rehearse. We have also created several events, where the local community can listen to what has been created.

I’ve been very happy with both my guardianship property and my volunteering, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this progresses.

Get involved

• If you’re interested in volunteering and becoming a guardian with Dot Dot Dot, apply here today
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Guardian Spotlight: Renee and youth charity Envision

This Month, Dot Dot Dot Guardian Renee shares her experience volunteering with Envision, a national charity working with over 1600 young people every year…

Envision is an amazing charity that engages young people in social action. I love the organisation so much that this my third time volunteering with them!

As a team mentor, I meet sixth formers on a weekly basis at a school in Stratford. Throughout the school year we explore what issues the young people feel strongly about and look at what they can do to influence change. It’s great for them to experience from a young age what it’s like to have an impact.

For me it has been a wonderful opportunity to practice my facilitation skills, enabling others to reach their full potential. Over the last three years, every project has been completely different with teams running campaigns, volunteering and fundraising.

Last year the team I supported developed a weekly youth club called ‘Movie Munchies’ to engage young people in Camden. Movie Munchies was a welcoming space for young people to watch films, unwind and even take part in cookery lessons for a lucky few.

This year, my current team’s project is examining the influence of the media on young people.

It is always lovely to see students grow in confidence  in things like public speaking. They also get to showcase their projects in front of over 300 students at their annual celebration event.  It was an honour to see my team win an award last year, and also be awarded for best team mentor!

Envision is a fab organisation to volunteer for as you get to attend great events, and access really useful training on working with students.

More importantly, it helps students realise their creativity and talent, and allows them to use a wider set of skills than they usually do in the classroom which give them fantastic practical experience for adult life and work.

Get involved

• Inspired by Renee’s story? Find out how you can support and volunteer with Envision
• Love volunteering? Subscribe to Dot Dot Dot’s newsletter for updates from the team

The Big House Theatre Company

Skills-based volunteering makes sense. Not-for-profits gain from the access to a professional skillset they don’t have in-house and volunteers often get to use their skills in new environments, take on greater responsibility and gain valuable experience. Several of our guardians sidestep traditional volunteering opportunities and use their professional skills to add long term value and impact to charities. Guardian Josh, a Lighting Designer, volunteers his talents and massive chunks of his time to The Big House Theatre Company in east London.

Led by Artistic Director Maggie Norris (who won a place on the The Independent’s 2014 Happy List for her tireless work), The Big House was founded in January 2013 to work with care leavers to provide them with a safe and creative place wherein they can develop their skills and confidence. A therapeutic tool, live performance builds trust and provides a voice and a platform to young people who may be struggling with the stressful complexities of beginning a new life outside of care.

Their powerful and energetic performances are constantly praised by critics and their work with young people is exciting and innovative, something communities across the country need. They’re always on the lookout for brilliant volunteers who have time and skills to share. They’re also looking for a volunteer to join their Front of House team from 13^th November to 20^th December 2014. Get in touch for details via info@thebighouse.uk.com.