I was struck last weekend as the Olympics finished how powerful a force volunteers can be.
Evidently there were 240,000 applications – in the end 70,000 were ‘employed’. By all accounts they did a fantastic job – and were universally praised.
These are people who gave up their time for free. This was not just the time at the events, but also in attending training sessions. It looks like the cost was in giving them a uniform.
I blogged about the Castle Announcement last week. We’re still waiting for that. But one of the themes I picked up on and we saw to great effect in America was the use of volunteers. We saw at the Plimouth Plantation and at Getty museum in Los Angeles how world class attractions were using an army of volunteer helpers. These were either people who were enthusiasts or former teachers. They were all knowledgeable, cheerful and incredibly helpful.
Despite what people think it’s not always about the money. Sometimes the love of the job / project shines through…
We really ought to tap into this new seam of enthusiasm. It’s always been there, but seems to be at an all time high right now?
Nottingham Castle lends itself to this sort of initiative… So what’s stopping us? Oh, yes, we don’t have anything there to show off.
Tim: Some of the best times of my life, and of others too, I’m sure, have involved events and operations that rely on volunteers to make them happen.
Those of us involved at the Euro Team Champs in 2003 at NSRC – remember the week fondly. Many said it was one of the best weeks of their lives. The opportunity to be part of a massive team, welcoming people from all over Europe and putting on a great show. We did it well then – just as the Olympic folks have just done.
Then there’s Attenborough Nature Centre. Over 120 volunteers regularly help out on reception and in delivering the education programme. Passionate, loyal, lovely people. Attenborough could not function without the vols help – but they also bring something else special that gives the place it’s unique atmosphere.
Let me know if there’s anyway I can help with the Castle development ….
Thanks Phil, I agree that volunteering can be rewarding in many ways. I remember the squash championships well!
As for the castle I’m no longer involved! A group of great and good took over in 2009 … Expect an announcement soon I hear! I’m not bitter, just disappointed that, once again, we can’t seem to capitalise on our greatest asset…