Post | December 2023 | For volunteers | 2 min read

Adam's story

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25-year-old Adam is Chair for the South and East Somerset Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. The MNDA operates with the goal of improving the lives of people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MD) as well as supporting their families and caregivers. Run by experienced volunteers, the South East Somerset Branch provides a lifeline to people affected by MND in the local community.

In this blog, Adam shares why he chose to volunteer, what the role entails, and how it has benefitted him both personally and professionally.

“Inspired by a commitment to community well-being and with some available time on my hands, I began volunteering to actively contribute to local initiatives and make a positive impact on the community.

“My role involves undertaking various responsibilities to ensure the smooth functioning of our committee and branch activities. This includes planning, preparing for, and facilitating committee meetings held every 8 weeks. I play a crucial role in decision-making processes, ensuring timely and appropriate resolutions, such as approving new committee members or authorising grants. Additionally, I provide essential support to volunteers, aiding them in planning and coordinating various activities.

“My volunteer work has not only enriched my CV but has also been personally rewarding. It has provided me with opportunities for personal and professional growth, particularly in the enhancement of my leadership skills. Through this experience, I've had the opportunity to forge connections and make meaningful friendships with a diverse array of individuals.

“Engaging in volunteer activities not only contributes to personal development, but also serves as a powerful method for enhancing employability, particularly for young individuals. The benefits extend far beyond the satisfaction of contributing to a cause; they have a transformative impact on skill development, networking, and overall career readiness.”

Susannah Duffy, Area Coordinator for the MNDA comments:

“Adam stands out as an exceptional volunteer, surpassing all expectations in his role. As the current chair of the local South & East Somerset Branch, he has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to the organisation's mission. What sets Adam apart is not only his eagerness to learn from his peers but also his ability to infuse the group with a dynamic array of fresh ideas and boundless energy. His proactive approach to challenges and his enthusiastic participation makes him a valuable asset to our team.”

If Adam’s story has inspired you to consider volunteering, see the latest opportunities here

To volunteer with the MNDA, click the link below.

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Getting the most out of volunteering

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You’re donating your valuable time, you want to get the most out of it, so it’s important that you enjoy and benefit from your volunteering. To make sure that your volunteer position is a good fit: What causes do you care about? You will get the most out of volunteering if you're doing something towards a cause you care about and know that you're having an impact. Think about what interests or excites you. This could be something you enjoyed doing before, or something completely new. Think about what time or skills you can give. With so many opportunities to choose from, it's a great idea to narrow down the choices by deciding what you're willing to give. Get researching! Ask questions. You want to make sure that the experience is right for your goals, your skills, and the time you want to spend. Sample questions for your volunteer coordinator might address your time commitment, if there’s any training involved, who you will be working with, and what to do if you have questions during your experience. Make sure you know what’s expected. You should be comfortable with the organisation and understand the time and travel commitment. Consider starting small so that you don’t over commit yourself at first. Give yourself some flexibility to change your focus if needed. Don’t be afraid to make a change. Don’t force yourself into a bad fit or feel compelled to stick with a volunteer role you dislike. Talk to the organisation about changing your focus or look for a different organisation that’s a better fit. Enjoy yourself . The best volunteer experiences benefit both the volunteer and the organisation. If you’re not enjoying yourself, ask yourself why. Is it the tasks you’re performing? The people you’re working with? Or are you uncomfortable simply because the situation is new and unfamiliar? Pinpointing what’s bothering you can help you decide what to do next.