Volunteer Development 

All British gliding clubs (bar one privately owned club) are run by volunteers. Although some clubs do employ people to fill key roles, the future vibrancy of gliding lies in the hands of volunteers. Studies show that 70% of volunteers are not happy – mainly because they haven’t been asked what they want to do to help! That’s a shame and a waste. In a sport where it takes at least three people to get one airborne, we’re quite good at pitching in to help out with flying, but there are loads of other things that need to be done.

Give people an opportunity to get involved, ask them what they want to do (or simply what they can, given the pace of modern life!) and have fun working together. There are a number of organisations who support volunteering in the UK, all with websites. You may find some of their resources helpful.  

Useful Weblinks
Volunteering England
Volunteer Scotland
Volunteering Wales
Volunteer Development Agency (Northern Ireland)
Wales Council for Voluntary Action (This excellent website has all sorts of useful information and resources. In addition to volunteering, there’s plenty about managing volunteer run organisations too.)