Volunteering is defined as “A choice to give time or energy, a choice undertaken of one’s own free will and a choice not motivated for financial gain or a wage or salary” (The Scottish Government “Volunteering for All – Our National Framework). 

Volunteering not only makes a difference to the people/organisation you are assisting but also to you as a volunteer. Dedicating your time within your community can be rewarding in a variety of ways – from allowing you to give back to your community, to providing a chance to learn new skills/qualifications and help in progressing your career. 

It does not have to take up a huge amount of time; volunteering is flexible around your other commitments. You can dedicate just a few hours each week to one organisation (considered formal volunteering) or get involved in a one-off event, or on an ad hoc basis (informal volunteering and micro-volunteering are often terms used for this). 

To see what opportunities there are to get involved in volunteering in Clackmannanshire, please see our Volunteering Opportunities finder and contact your chosen organisation directly. You can also keep you to date with new opportunities by giving our Volunteering Clackmannanshire Facebook Page a like or following our Team Leader for Volunteering & Routes to work on Twitter. 

Ready to start your volunteering journey? Register to Volunteer

Benefits of Volunteering 

1. Gain confidence: Volunteering can help you gain confidence by giving you the chance to try something new and build a real sense of achievement. 
2. Make a difference: Volunteering can have a real and valuable positive effect on people, communities, and society in general. 
3. Meet new people: Volunteering can help you meet diverse kinds of people and make new friends. 
4. Be part of a community: Volunteering can help you feel part of something outside your friends and family. 
5. Learn new skills. Volunteering can help you learn new skills, gain experience and sometimes even qualifications and rewards. 
6. Take on a challenge. Through volunteering you can challenge yourself to try something different, achieve personal goals, practice using your skills and discover hidden talents. 
7. And most importantly, have fun!