Eight great things about being a GFS Volunteer

The support we give to girls and young women wouldn’t be possible without all the amazing people who volunteer their time to GFS. Every week, girls and young women go to groups across England and Wales and are able to make new friends, have fun and learn new skills – all because of our wonderful volunteers!

We know it’s not just the girls who benefit from being a part of Girls Friendly Society. GFS volunteers also find the experience rewarding – so much so that some volunteers have been involved for many years. People volunteer for different reasons – sometimes it can be a personal connection to or belief in what we do and other times it’s a desire to learn new skills, to do something different or to build their confidence. Ultimately, we love that there’s an array of reasons people have for volunteering – it’s what makes GFS such a varied and colourful place to be!

Below we’ve rounded up some of our favourite reasons why volunteering for GFS is such a great experience – this is just a selection of many but if you think another should definitely make the list, please feel free to comment below.

1.) You will help girls fulfil their potential

GFS is all about building the confidence in girls and young women to go after what they want in life. We want to show girls that they can do anything and that all dreams are possible – despite all the obstacles that may lie ahead. As a GFS volunteer with the experience of being a girl, a teenager and even a young woman, you are able to empathise with the younger generation and help them achieve their full potential.

2.)You’ll have the opportunity to meet new, like-minded people

You’ve heard it before and it’s so true: volunteering is a great way to meet people and extend your social circle. Volunteering for a charity like GFS means you’re likely to meet people with similar life views as you. It’s an easy way to make friends!

3.)You’ll build up your skills and experience

Nothing says ‘impressive CV’ quite like one which boasts a range of work and volunteer experience. Volunteering not only builds up your knowledge and skills, it also shows your go-getting attitude and your passion to help other people.

4.)All volunteers have the freedom to put their own ‘stamp’ on a group

At GFS, we’re not that fussed about attainment – volunteers do not ‘teach’ and the girls don’t sit exams or earn badges. Instead, we care more about confidence-boosting skills and giving girls a place to go which is free of judgment; a place where they can make friends and have fun. Outside the rigid parameters of a school curriculum, volunteers have the chance to bring their own passions and skills to the group – if you love drawing, great! You can plan a group session around art skills. If you’re a keen footballer make sure to bring your ball to the group.

5.)You’ll join an organisation committed to gender equality

GFS is a feminist organisation in that we support and advocate for women’s rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes. As a GFS Volunteer, you’ll join a group of similarly-minded people who are interested in making society more equal for everyone. All of our groups are female-only spaces but there are volunteering opportunities open to all genders.

6.)GFS groups usually take place in the evening

Let’s be honest – we all live busy lives. Most of us are trying to juggle work, family-time, a social life and a multitude of other tasks and activities. Volunteering does take up some of your time and we do expect volunteers to commit to this but that doesn’t mean you can’t fit it around your current life and schedule. Most of our groups meet in the evening and we have quite a few volunteering vacancies which can take place on your own time frame – so if you’re more of a morning person, we might just have the right role for you.

7.)You’ll be invited to annual events and training opportunities

At GFS, we value our volunteers and we think it’s important to give them the opportunity to learn and grow during their time with us. That’s why we invite all our volunteers to a training event where they can participate in a number of sessions and workshops hosted by GFS staff. Our last event, which took place in March, ran over three days and covered topics such as community fundraising and community engagement, planning activities and – of course- issues facing girls and young women today.

8.)You’ll have heaps of fun!

If you need a break from the hum-drum of office life or your same old routine, GFS is a great way to spend your time. You can go on trips out, organise fun activities, empower girls and most importantly…go home every week with a big smile on your face!

Register to volunteer with us

Take your first step to becoming a GFS volunteer by filling our our volunteering registration form.