There are many ways to approach developing a volunteer programme and strategy - and what better way to learn but by example! Read case studies of organisations, large and small, who involve volunteers of all kinds, both strategically and extensively throughout their work.
Find out how organisations such as Special Olympics Ireland, Age Action and the Irish Wheelchair Association among others, attract, retain and manage volunteers to achieve amazing results.
Special Olympics Ireland
Special Olympics Ireland (SOI) provides year-round training and athletic competition for children and adults with an intellectual disability, giving them opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and friendship with their families and the community. There are over 34,000 people with an intellectual disability in Ireland. Today over 11,000 athletes are participating in a multitude of sports through SOI.
Irish Wheelchair Association
IWA works to achieve greater independence, freedom and choice for people living with a disability. IWA has gone on to become an important provider of quality services to people with limited mobility throughout the country.Today, Irish Wheelchair Asscociation is made up of a vibrant network of 20,000 members, 2000 staff and hundreds of volunteers. The IWA is rooted in a tradition of volunteerism. It very much values the role of the volunteer and is committed to its further development.
Home-Start
Home-Start is a global organisation active in 17 countries with a small but growing presence in Ireland. Home-Start is a voluntary organisation offering regular support, friendship and practical help to families with young children, helping to prevent family crisis and breakdown. Home-Start volunteers are the most important element of its family support service.
The Anchorage Project
The Anchorage Project is a community centre in operation since 1996 The Anchorage has embraced volunteerism and involves an average 1000 volunteers a year. A close working relationship with their local volunteer centre helps them source volunteers and maximize their potential by continually tapping into and involving volunteers with business skills as and when required.
Age Action
Age Action is a non profit organisation working to improve the quality of life for older people and their carers. As an organisation, it has embraced volunteerism and instills best practices across the board. A franchise based volunteer infrastructure has allowed the organisation to extend reach whilst providing a properly supported volunteer environment.
Cheeverstown House
Cheeverstown House is based in Dublin and has approximately 400 staff members and 41 active volunteers. It provides a wide range of residential, respite and day services to over 400 children and adults with an intellectual disability, and to their families. Cheeverstown have an established vision and understanding of the role of volunteers play for the organisation.
50,000 registered volunteers