2018
Making a difference: UCC volunteers beat the stats
New research launched in UCC shows that 46% of UCC students volunteered with local community organisations, clubs and campus groups in the last six months.
Ian Power, a UCC Graduate and Executive Director of Spunout.ie, Ireland’s leading youth information website, said that during his time in UCC:
“[…] This learning experience has followed me into my life today, and I greatly appreciate the opportunities UCC gave me to get involved and contribute to the world around me.”
Over 2,000 students were surveyed from March to June 2018. Only 9% of respondents said that they had never volunteered with a huge 85% saying they aimed to volunteer after college.
The research also shows that 32% of UCC’s student volunteers contribute over 10 hours a month to volunteering.
“There is no greater satisfaction than realising you have made a difference...”
A PIECE OF YOU
UCC student Vera Stojanovic, the founder and coordinator of BetterTogether, a not-for-profit organisation working to empower women seeking asylum in Cork City and County, said that:
“There is no greater satisfaction than realising you have made a difference, no matter how small, to the life of someone else. Giving your time to help others is giving a piece of yourself [..].”
Research launched in @UCC shows that 46% of UCC students volunteered with local community orgs, clubs and campus groups in the last 6 months. It is one of the most comprehensive surveys of its kind in Ireland to date https://t.co/leNyYggsTb … @campus_engage @UCCAppSoc @osheaucc pic.twitter.com/XxZPlHYIxA
— studentvolunteer.ie (@StudentVol_IE) November 27, 2018
“This report represents hope.” We’ll done to Prof Fred Powell and everyone involved in student volunteering in @UCC. pic.twitter.com/SHQo2HHN2x
— Paul McSweeney (@McSweeneyProf) November 26, 2018
Yvonne McKenna, CEO of the national President’s Gaisce Award, said the report:
“[…] provides useful insights in relation to the levers and barriers to young people volunteering.. it is a central element of the Gaisce programme, precisely in recognition of the impact community action has both on wider society and individuals.”
She also suggested that academic institutions, policy makers and a broad variety of organisations support young people to be active in their community by engaging students as volunteers.
Reading this report on student volunteering by the Civic and Community Engagement Committee of @UCC with great interest. Student altruism is a key motivating factor and mobilizing force in Cork - and reflects the London #highered experience. @campus_engage @osheaucc https://t.co/10WHmUNYIp
— Jim Collins (@_JimCollins) November 26, 2018
Prof Fred Powell @UCC Civic and Community Engagement Committee launched an important new report today. Making a Difference: A Research Report on Student Volunteering in University College Cork. https://t.co/gXZsSNrZL2 @campus_engage @osheaucc @UCCAppSoc pic.twitter.com/zipKxjuIPl
— AppliedSocialStudies (@UCCAppSoc) November 26, 2018
The research report is an initiative of the University College Cork Civic and Community Engagement Committee. The full report ‘Making A Difference’ can be accessed at: https://www.ucc.ie/en/engagement/researchreportonstudentvolunteering/
Want to volunteer? Studentvolunteer.ie an easy to use one-stop-shop portal connecting higher education students with civil society organisation volunteering opportunities.