Volunteering

Volunteering with the Student Union is more than just a line you can add to your CV. Your volunteering hours will be accredited by the Saltire Awards and displayed on your academic record when you graduate, alongside your grades, helping you to stand out from the crowd! There are so many different ways you can volunteer:

• Academic - Executive Member, Class Reps
• Activities - Executive Member, Activities Officers (Halls, Charities and Societies), Society Committee Members, Charities Campaign Volunteers/Committee, Freshers Helpers
• Equality & Diversity - Executive member, Liberations Officers (PG, Ethnic Minority, Women's, LGBT, International, Disabled Students), Liberation Group Committee Members/Volunteers
• Events - Executive member, Events Crew, Event Hosts, Regular Performers at Events
• Scottish Borders Campus - Executive Member, Campaign Volunteers, Society Committee Members, Class Reps
• Welfare - Executive member, Advice Hub volunteers
• Volunteer in Town - if none of the opportunities on campus speak to you, find an external opportunity using Volunteer Edinburgh.

If you want to find out more or get involved, contact Activities Coordinator Polly Glynn or Vice President Community Kieran Robson Renner.

The Volunteer Awards

Every year, our outstanding volunteers are celebrated at a (usually themed) bash in the Student Union. It’s a great opportunity to thank them for their hours of work and to reflect on the highlights of the year.

Nominations for the 2019 Volunteer Awards are NOW OPEN. Click the links below to nominate. Nominations close 25th February, 5pm. For individual volunteer hour awards, please log your hours also by 25th February, 5pm.

The Volunteer Awards up for grabs each year are: 

• New Society of the Year 
• Society of the Year
• Event of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year
• Newcomer of the Year
• Perseverance Award
• Leadership Award
• Academic Enhancement Award
• Certificate of Outstanding Contribution
• Principal's Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Student Community
• Principals Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community

The following awards are available: 

• Bronze Award - 50 hours
• Silver Award - 100 hours
• Gold Award - 200 hours
• Gold+ Award - 300 hours 
• Gold++ Award - 400 hours
• Platinum Award - 500 hours

With each milestone, you will be able to set up a meeting with Kieran. He can then refer you to the Careers Service which will then help you translate your log book into points for you CV in order to exemplify the skills you’ve gained throughout your voluntary work. That way your volunteering will be truly rewarding!

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