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“Be authentic”: advice from volunteers to volunteers

Volunteers’ Week 2023

As we come to the end of Volunteers’ Week 2023, in which we’ve been celebrating our wonderful volunteers both in-person and online, we’re closing things off with their best advice for future volunteers. 
Be yourself. Your own background and career trajectory is completely unique, so play to your strengths and let your experiences do the talking.
The advice I would give people is to just do it. I think there are lots of people who genuinely want to volunteer and make a difference but fall short of acting. It is an incredible rewarding experience and I would recommend it to everyone. The young people who participate in these programmes are smart, inquisitive and will ask you questions that force you to think from a different perspective and can be very helpful in self-reflection.
saying thankyou
The EY Foundation created a space of belonging so that every individual can have self-determination and fulfilment in their lives - continue to drive this and advocate for the out-of-the-box thinkers!

Prepare, prepare, prepare! Be authentic and enjoy the moment as it is fun.

You may find that your experience differs depending on the age of the young people that you are working with. Be adaptable and remind yourself of where you were mentally and emotionally when you were their age. Enjoy the experience!

If you’re interested in volunteering for EY Foundation, we have a range of opportunities available to suit every diary and skillset. You can find out more here or by emailing volunteering@eyfoundation.ey.com.

Your support is invaluable and will help to ensure more equitable access to the workplace.