Organisation: Grassroots
Salary: Voluntary role
Time commitment: Variable: There are opportunities for regular volunteering posts to support our set up and ongoing development, as well as short-term project work. The time you devote could be a few hours a month or more, depending on what suits you.
Location: National / home-based (meetings take place virtually via Zoom)
Are you passionate about tackling the climate crisis? Do you believe in the power of community action to instigate change? Do you want to help set up a national charity that supports and empowers communities and civil society in trying to build a more positive, sustainable and inclusive future?
We are looking for volunteers to join us at the start of Grassroots’ journey, to help bring to life this exciting venture. We’re especially looking for people with skills in fundraising, communications and voluntary sector development.
About us:
Grassroots (www.fromthegrassroots.org.uk) is in its infancy, having recently been formed by experienced third sector professionals with 40 years’ combined experience. Our vision is a world where communities are empowered to connect with and care for each other and our environment, at grassroots level, and the future is bright for all. Our mission is to empower communities to build a positive, inclusive future together from the grassroots, to care for and enhance our environment, and to celebrate life’s richness and diversity.
We believe Grassroots can play a vital role in empowering, supporting and connecting communities – and especially our rich civil society network – wanting, or already acting, to make positive changes at grassroots levels to:
· tackle the environmental crisis
· protect and enhance nature, local places, and our health
· build a positive, fair, inclusive future for all
· celebrate life’s richness and diversity
A copy of our founding strategy can be issued to interested applicants upon request by emailing fromthegrassroots@yahoo.com.
About this role:
We are looking for volunteers to join us in setting up Grassroots. There are a range of opportunities available depending on your skills and interests. We are especially keen to hear from people who have skills to help us with:
- developing fundraising, such as grant applications and corporate support;
- developing and managing our social media accounts;
- relationship development and marketing to grow our connections and supporters;
- research and writing, helping to develop online content and resources;
- charity administration, help us set up and register the organisation;
- strategic direction, using your expert knowledge of environmental and community action issues.
Our existing trustees and volunteers meet every two-three weeks for an hour on Zoom to discuss progress and next steps, so you would need to commit to attending these as much as you can, and undertaking tasks in between on a flexible basis according to your availability.
About you:
We are particularly interested in applicants with experience of the community, voluntary and not-for-profit sectors, through either employment and/or voluntary roles, as well as applicants specifically looking to develop knowledge in these areas. An understanding of and interest in community engagement, action and sustainability is a must.
Skills and competencies will vary depending on the work you are interested in, however applicants with the following would be particularly desirable:
Experience of the third sector;
Experience and understanding of communications, engagement, partnerships and IT;
Knowledge of sustainability issues, including an understanding of the importance of community action in contributing to and instigating positive change;
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work confidently with stakeholders and engage in positive discussion and be a great team player;
A commitment to working in a transparent, ethical and inclusive manner, including an ability to draw on the input, ideas and advice of others.
We particularly welcome applications from young people aged 18-25 given the importance of the youth climate action movement (levels of expected experience will be adjusted accordingly). We would also welcome applications from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic and LGBTQ candidates to help us build diverse representation.
To apply:
Email fromthegrassroots@yahoo.com with your CV and a covering letter (no more than one side of A4) summarising your interest in volunteering for Grassroots, specific areas of work you are interested in and your relevant skills. Please also state if you are interested in long-term voluntary opportunities or short-term project work. We will then arrange to meet you and ask a few questions on zoom.
There is no application deadline but we urge interested volunteers to apply ASAP in order to secure roles most suited to their needs.
Alternatively, email fromthegrassroots@yahoo.com to arrange an informal phone conversation.
Grassroots is completely committed to equal opportunities and takes a fully open and inclusive approach to recruiting volunteers.