email: support@southern-impact.org.uk 

Why?

Think this thought next time someone mentions the word charity... Do you have a younger brother or sister? Did you ever teach them how to do something or help them out? Of course you did! Remember how good it felt? That's the sort of thing we're talking about...

It won't have escaped your attention, that outside the affluent areas of London, there's a lot of poverty, deprivation and underpriviledge. Most of it right under your nose.

You've seen the street kids on the rob, the beggars, the homeless. Its not JUST that simple. A lot of the people in the areas around where you live suffer from poverty. The kids can't read, the parents can't find a job, the mothers manage the household income on, or below, the breadline.

Eco-conservation is fine but besides helping to save the rhinos from extinction in Africa, you could also improve the life of families in your neighbourhood. There are physical, economical and social problems right on your doorstep. And YOU can make the difference. 

If we've convinced you, go check out the opportunities list and start making a difference in your local community. Stop being a tourist and start learning more about the country you live in...

If not, then read on...

How you can make a difference

1. You can give a few coins to the next homeless person who asks.
2. You can help your next door neighbour when they need it.
3. You can volunteer at the local charity shop
4. You can sit on a committee and organise a voluntary group or fundraising
5. You can use your professional skills to make a REAL impact to a community or voluntary group.

Brokered Projects

A number of 'broker' agencies exist to facilitate volunteers in working with the voluntary sector. We understand that the relationship isn't always easy but the results are worthwhile and the brokers can help and support you along the way. Business Community Connections operate a UK-wide electronic Broker Bank. The local Council for Voluntary Services may also be able to steer you in the right direction - you can find them at www.nacvs.org.uk or look them up in Electronic Yellow Pages. Southern-Impact works with all these brokers, agencies and local groups to find projects for you. Check out the opportunities page for more information.

Advantages to YOU - the 'business' benefit

1. A project may lead to the prospect of paid work (although an assignment should never be undertaken for this purpose).

2. You can meet new people and social groups (both within the voluntary group and the people you help).

3. Word of mouth is powerful in the voluntary sector. Some individuals working with voluntary groups have high powered day jobs in large mulitnational businesses. The fact that you supported them may count in your favour one day.

4. Its going to look real good on your CV. Even if you only contribute an hour a month, you'll learn things you won't learn in the office.

5. Your current employer may support you (ask your Community Affairs Manager). You might even climb the corporate ladder faster if you demonstrate your commitment.

6. Its a nice network of people to be involved in. It's also a good route into the 'old boy network' especially if you're neither old nor a boy.

7. There is no over commitment. You might be able to make a major contribution to a project by offering your email address as support - you might only have to contribute for 15 minutes a week.

8. You don't have to commit to two hours every Tuesday afternoon. Maybe an hour on a Monday evening or a weekend afternoon once a month. You might even be able to do it entirely by email. If a project doesn't suit you, you don't have to take it.

For more information, check out the Best Practice area. For a 5 minute crash course in Volunteering and Social Issues, download this Powerpoint Presentation.

You are a valuable asset

Time is money and your most valuable asset is your time and your expertise. Giving a few hours of your time can make a huge difference to a voluntary or community group. Its expertise they probably can't afford to pay for but which makes the difference between projects happening and not happening.

You can make the difference. Why not give it a try?

Southern-Impact is aiming to recruit Australian, Kiwi, South African, Canadian and black and minority ethnic IT and marketing people to work for nothing plus benefits in West and Central London. Supported and funded by Omega Alpha Limited and the preponderate network, Southern-Impact offers IT and marketing professionals benefits including networking opportunities, skills-building and having fun in exchange for a few hours (or less) unpaid IT work with a local community or voluntary group in London.

Supported by Omega Alpha Ltd
16 Percival Street, Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 0BE.

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