Cheers to Akwaaba for using VolunteerSpot for their volunteering needs.
Please tell us about your organization and your volunteer needs.
Akwaaba is a welcoming space held by volunteers for refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants. We stay true to the word’s meaning of “Welcome,” and connect community members in East London. We aim to eliminate isolation and offer emotional support to those in need. Approximately 15 volunteers and over 40 visitors help prepare meals, share experiences and participate in workshops each Sunday.
Explain how you use VolunteerSpot to coordinate these volunteers.
Our volunteers sign up for various roles required on the day (kitchen helpers, wash-up volunteers, welcome volunteers, children's supervisors, English teachers, bike mechanics, clothes distribution volunteers) up to 4 weeks in advance.
Why did you decide to use VolunteerSpot?
Since Akwaaba is a non-hierarchical organisation, we liked how volunteers can use VolunteerSpot to decide when and in what capacity they can offer their time on their own terms. We encourage regular commitment, but VolunteerSpot is flexible so if people need to take time off, they can do so. It is straightforward to set up so we do not need to have a 'volunteer coordinator' and it is easy to adjust the rotation in response to the changing needs of our visitors.
What’s one piece of advice you have for volunteers or their leaders out there?
If you can't find an organisation in your area to volunteer for, set something up! Tools like VolunteerSpot make it really easy to bring people together and in my experience there is a lot of enthusiasm out there!
What else would you like our readers to know about your organization or volunteering?
We're looking for a treasurer! If you are based in London, England, and are motivated to help refugees and asylum seekers in your area, contact [email protected]. We also accept donations, which we put towards food/activity costs.
We salute Akwaaba and all the other organizations making a difference in their communities. Check out how VolunteerSpot’s Volunteer Software can save you time and stress and boost parent involvement in your school. Take a tour today!
