Make Your Mark Volunteer Organisers Network

Today marks the start of Challenge Poverty Week, an annual event which is delivered and co-ordinated by The Poverty Alliance.

Learn more about it here:
www.povertyalliance.org/cpw/

🗣️ Conference Speaker Spotlight: Ash Hamoud

Want to foster equitable collaboration with #volunteers to create richer, more inclusive cultural engagement? Join Ash as she explores how co-delivery & shared authority can help you out

🎫 25-26 Nov, £30, online buff.ly/OV174Hb

#HeritageVolunteering25

Graphic that says "Scotland's Community Heritage Conversations. Routes to Resilience. 19 November 2025. The Engine Shed." Along the bottom of the graphic are various partner logos: Historic Environment Scotland, Archaeology Scotland, Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, Heritage Network, Scottish Community Tourism, Scottish Civic Trust, Scottish Council on Archives, Scottish Community Heritage Alliance.

How do we keep Scotland’s community heritage strong in challenging times?

Attend Scotland’s Community Heritage Conversations 2025 on 19 November to explore how to build sustainable futures for Scotland’s community heritage.

Learn more & book now: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scotlands-...

Graphic that says "talking about heritage: engaging volunteers in the conversation" above the Volunteer Organisers Network logo. Around the border of the graphic are various pictograms representing elements of built, cultural and natural heritage.

🗣️ Upcoming event: Talking about heritage

Talking About Heritage is a national conversation inviting people across Scotland to share their perspectives on heritage.

Attend our next event to learn how you can support volunteers to engage in this important work: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/talking-ab...

A group of people with varying skin tones sit at the front of an auditorium facing a crowd. They people at the front are part of a discussion panel, and are engaged in conversation with each other.

📨 Want to stay on top of inclusive volunteering in Scotland’s heritage sector?

The latest Make Your Mark e-newsletter includes:
✅ Save the date for our 2026 conference
✅ Resources on high-quality volunteering & anti-racism
✅ Call for archive volunteer opportunities

mailchi.mp/fda19659cdf6...

A group of people planting trees.

Apply now for Action Earth Grants!

These £250 grants from @volunteeringuk.bsky.social support volunteers to run environmental activities that improve biodiversity in Scotland’s green spaces in built-up areas & population centres.

Learn more & apply now: volunteeringmatters.org.uk/project/acti...

Scottish Household Survey 2024: Formal volunteer participation rate increases to 25%

After hitting its lowest ever level in 2023, formal volunteering is showing early signs of recovery. Read more...
➡️News: volunteerscotland.net/news/scottis...
➡️Blog: www.volunteerscotland.net/news/researc...

Graphic that says "Volunteer advertising workshop" above the Make Your Mark in Volunteering logo. Around the outside of the graphic are various pictograms representing built, cultural and natural heritage.

Is your heritage organisation looking for volunteers?

Join our Volunteer Advertising Workshop on 23 September to:
✅ Learn how to use our volunteer portal
✅ Get tips for inclusive role descriptions
✅ Take part in interactive exercises

Book your free spot: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/volunteer-...

Graphic that says "Heritage Volunteering Group. Transforming communities: changing lives and places through volunteering. Online conference, November 25-26, 9.30 - 13.30. #HeritageVolunteering '25. Proudly sponsored by Investing in Volunteers, www.investinginvounteers.co.uk".

Volunteering has the power to change lives & strengthen communities.

Join the Heritage Volunteering Group Conference on 25 & 26 November for inspiring keynotes, workshops and ideas to help you lead and support volunteers more effectively.

Book now: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heritage-v...

Answer Your Volunteer Inquiries Already! - Karen Knight Volunteer Management Consulting I need to rant. Why is it that answering volunteer inquiries is so often put way down on the priority list? There's just no excuse for it!

🤔 This #ThoughtfulThursday we want you to be honest. How long does it take for you to reply to #volunteer enquiries...

karenknight.ca/answer_your_...

#LoVols #HeritageVolunteering25 #VolMngmnt #VolunteerEngagement #Volunteerism #Volunteering #Volunteer #Museums #Heritage

The Decline of Volunteerism: Why Strategic Engagement and Leadership Buy-In Are Urgent Priorities Introduction Volunteerism, once a cornerstone of community support and civic engagement, is facing a significant decline. From aging volunteer populations to shifting expectations around time and i…

🔐 It's crucial for us, as #LoVols, to act in a strategic capacity if we're to unlock the transformative power of #volunteering

🔗 lorigotliebconsulting.wordpress.com/2025/07/29/t...

#LoVols #HeritageVolunteering25 #VolMngmnt #VolunteerEngagement #Volunteerism #Volunteer #Museums #Heritage

A graphic of various pictograms (people, place icon, speech bubble) connected by lines, symbolising a network, alongside the Volunteer Organisers Network logo.

💬 Are you managing volunteers within Scotland's heritage sector?

Join us online on Wednesday evening for our next Volunteer Network Peer Support Session. It's a great opportunity to share successes, seek advice and learn from others in the sector.

Book now: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/volunteer-...

A person wearing a wide brimmed hat and a long sleeved shirt is tending to a flowerbed.

Do you enjoy being outdoors? Want to meet new people and learn new skills?

Forgan Arts Centre hosts volunteer gardening sessions on the 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month. From planting vegetables to repairing raised beds, there’s plenty to do!

Learn more: volunteer.makeyourmark.scot/volunteers/o...

Graphic that says "Volunteer advertising workshop" above the Make Your Mark in Volunteering logo. Around the outside of the graphic are various pictograms representing built, cultural and natural heritage.

Calling all heritage organisations in Scotland! Do you want to recruit more volunteers?

Join our free online Volunteer Advertising Workshop on 23 September to learn how to use our volunteer advertising service and write inclusive adverts.

Book now: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/volunteer-...

A graphic that says "Elections open. Deadline 29th September" beneath the Scottish Museums Federation logo.

Want to make a difference in Scotland’s museum sector?

The Scottish Museums Federation are looking for volunteer committee members!

Don't miss this chance shape a national network, build new skills & support Scotland’s museum professionals.

Learn more: volunteer.makeyourmark.scot/volunteers/o...

Find new volunteers through Make Your Mark - Scottish Council on Archives 10 July 2025

Looking to grow and diversify your volunteer team?

The Make Your Mark portal helps Scottish heritage organisations connect with people passionate about archives, history, and heritage.

👉 Learn more: www.scottisharchives.org.uk/latest/find-...

Scotland's Community Heritage Conversations 2025: Routes to Resilience Join us at the Scotland's Community Heritage Conversations 2025 hybrid conference to explore resilient futures together.

Resilience is key for Scotland’s heritage sector.

Scotland's Community Heritage Conversations is back on 19 November with a day showcasing community-led approaches to organisational sustainability.

Book now to attend in-person or online: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scotlands-...

This is the last chance to apply to be a speaker at our next conference!

Please submit your proposal to hello@makeyourmark.scot by 14 August at 12 noon.

This is a paid opportunity.

Governance in practice is an in-person session delivered by Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway offering practical guidance and information on a range of good governance topics and updates. Next up is the evening of Thursday 28th August in Dumfries. More here: www.tsdg.org.uk/event/govern...

Graphic that says "Widening participation in archaeology" above the Volunteer Organisers Network logo. Around the border of the graphic, there are pictograms representing aspects of built, cultural and natural heritage, such as wildlife, people, buildings and artefacts.

Archaeology can be a powerful way to develop skills & foster a sense of belonging. But who gets to take part?

At our next event, we'll hear from @archscot.bsky.social about how they've co-created meaningful volunteer experiences with displaced communities: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/widening-p...

A group of people sit around a table, they are all involved in a discussion and look engaged.

Heritage Network is proud to announce the launch of our new initiative, the Heritage Network Expert Panel – and we’re recruiting!

Are you passionate about mentoring, problem-solving, and using your sector experience to help others?

Learn more and apply: buff.ly/1njAlXP

A navy blue banner has dates of 3 training sessions and says prepare for the employment rights bill. A bright blue button says package discount and free planning resource

Book Now text sits above three thumbnails for the training sessions. Underneath says 3 sessions only £150 + discounts for subscribers

Picture of the GCVS people and safety team over a dark green background. Text says - meet the team. Define the next steps for your organisation.

Worried about the implications of the new #EmploymentRights Bill for your charity or non-profit?

Our 3-part series from Aug-Nov will break down the changes and help you prepare. Book soon to save with our package discount. Plus, receive our free planning resource.

👉https://bit.ly/4ed8pL7

Graphic that says "call out for speakers: inclusive volunteering conference" above the Make Your Mark in Volunteering logo.

We want to hear from you at our next conference!

Volunteers, community organisers, heritage workers, activists, academics - your voice belongs in the conversation about inclusive volunteering.

Submit your idea for a talk, workshop or creative response by 14 Aug: makeyourmark.scot/for-organisa...

SCVO 2025 Voluntary Sector Workforce Survey. Input now: s.alchemer.eu/s3/2025-Volu...

The Workforce Survey covers a whole host of areas including job satisfaction, pay, career progression, diversity, and wellbeing:

Reducing Volunteer Turnover - Karen Knight Volunteer Management Consulting Reducing volunteer turnover can be hard, especially if you don't know why they leave. Here are some ideas for finding and fixing the issues.

💡 This #101Wednesday Karen Knight has some top tips on reducing #volunteer turnover

👌 karenknight.ca/reducing_vol...

💻 Join us for regular content like this heritagevolunteeringgroup.org.uk/join-us/

#LoVols #HeritageVolunteering25 #VolMngmnt #VolunteerEngagement #Volunteering #Museums #Heritage

Graphic that says "AVM Conference. 15 - 16 October 2025. Online via Zoom.

Tickets are now on sale for the Association of Volunteer Managers' Annual Conference, which is being held online on 15 & 16 October! 🎉

Explore the evolving role of volunteer managers with keynotes, interactive workshops & expert panels.

Learn more & book now: volunteermanagers.org.uk/conference/

A group of women with medium skin tones, some wearing hijabs, sit around a table making insect hotels.

A group of people with varying skin tones sit at the front of an auditorium and speak to a crowd.

A person wearing gloves handles archival material.

A young person sits at a desk digitising archival records by typing information into a computer database.

📨 The latest Make Your Mark e-newsletter is out now!

In this month's issue:

🎤 Call for 2026 conference speakers
🏛️ Inclusive museum storytelling
🌈 Supporting trans volunteers
💻 Digital in volunteering
📚 Archive volunteering
⛏️ Community-led archaeology

Get inspired: mailchi.mp/be6d2b3caea4...

Graphic that says "call for speakers: inclusive volunteering conference" above the Make Your Mark in Volunteering logo.

🤝 Volunteering should be a gateway, not a gatekeeper.

Our next conference on 4 February is a space to rethink inclusion in volunteering, from who gets recruited to who feels they belong.

Got insight, experience or big questions? We're looking for speakers: makeyourmark.scot/for-organisa...

Graphic that says "volunteer advertising workshop" above the Make Your Mark logo. Along the outside border of the graphic, there are various pictograms representing built, cultural and natural heritage.

Running a heritage project in Scotland? Need volunteers?

Join our free online Volunteer Advertising Workshop on 23 September to learn how to post effective, inclusive opportunities via our dedicated volunteer portal.

Book now: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/volunteer-...

A graphic that says “Call for speakers: Inclusive volunteering conference” above the Make Your Mark in Volunteering logo, which consists of three pictograms representing heritage, people and place.

📢 Calling all volunteer managers, community organisers & inclusion champions!

We’re looking for speakers for the Make Your Mark Volunteer Managers Conference 2026.

✅ Theme: Inclusive volunteering in an unequal world
💷 Paid opportunity
📅 Deadline: 14 Aug

Details: makeyourmark.scot/for-organisa...