05 December is International Volunteer Day. Queer World marks the day by recognising and promoting the invaluable work volunteers do to create safe spaces for the target group.
Skeiv Verden is a voluntary organisation by and for queer people with a minority background, and volunteerism in the organisation has been strengthened in recent years. Volunteers have been given a greater role in shaping and strengthening today's organisation by helping to create safe meeting places, reaching out to those in need of assistance and offering intersectional skills training for partners and helpers.
Queer World volunteers come to us to make a difference in the world and for the target group, many to give back to the organisation after having used it in the past. They ask for nothing more than the opportunity and resources to contribute. That's why it's even more important to say thank you, to let them know that at Queer World we appreciate the efforts they make every day, and not least - to let others know that our volunteers make the queer world possible.
Organisational advisor for volunteering Laura Franco has been working on collecting thank you messages and greetings from employees and the target group who wanted to thank our volunteers in connection with the day. "Queer World volunteers come to us to make a difference in the world and for the target group, many to give back to the organisation after they have used it in the past. They ask for nothing more than the opportunity and resources to contribute. That's why it's even more important to say thank you, to let them know that at Queer World we appreciate the efforts they make every day, and not least - to let others know that our volunteers make the queer world possible," says Laura.
The messages and greetings can be seen and read on Queer World's social media. "It's always a challenge to ask those who use the organisation to go out to SoMe, many are still in the closet or prefer to be private, not everyone can "tag" Skeiv Verden on Facebook or Instagram to thank volunteers that way. The ability to send contributions anonymously and before the day is key to including everyone in the organisation. Many have been creative - didn't know the face, or took a photo of something that is a memory they have from the time they visited us. They also had the opportunity to contribute by just sending a text and in the language they feel most comfortable with," adds Laura.
Throughout the day, we'll be sharing greetings to our amazing volunteers from anyone who wants to send warm thoughts in their direction! You can join in too - just tag @skeivverden and #volunteer Day at instagramand we'll include your contributions throughout the day.
Follow our organisational volunteering advisor Laura's advice and write your message in your love language - be it Norwegian, English, Arabic or visual!
