We are very pleased to present our volunteer, Nina, who has contributed this post as part of her experience of the marketing team for the 100% Project. Thank you, Nina!
Hi, I am Nina! I am one of the 100% Project participants and I have enjoyed volunteering at WTM over the past few months.
The 100% Project is a WTM work experience initiative, providing a program of opportunities within 100 volunteer hours. Across 5 departments of WTM, it aims to gives participants a great taste of how an organization runs day-to-day.
Championing WTM’s vision and mission of ‘providing accessible pathways to experience creativity’, and promoting a culture of inclusivity, the project aims to increase accessibility into the arts industry. It gives participants great insight and first-hand experience into operations across various departments including: Customer Experience, Marketing, Event Programming, Museum and Heritage, Technical and Facilities, and HR and Finance.
What’s the project for?
You might think of a work experience scheme as something that only appeals to young people, school-leavers or older people looking to fill their time; however, the 100% Project is open to anyone aged 18 and over and welcomes applicants returning to the workforce or looking for a change of career.
For me, feeling like I was on the wrong side of 40, and with a demanding job and young family, I hadn’t considered volunteering before. When I found myself on a mid-career break – where I wanted to seize the opportunity to recharge, reassess and reflect on my career and life goals and values – I unexpectedly found myself with some welcome time on my hands.
That’s when I saw the call out for 100% volunteers, and grabbed the chance to upskill myself in all that’s involved in working in an arts organization, as this had always been an area of personal interest.
Volunteering during this time of reflection and change has given me the opportunity to develop new skills, as well as meet and feel part of a very talented team of people. It has helped me recognize my existing skills and knowledge, and has improved my confidence and self-esteem by giving me the chance to positively contribute my own expertise and skills.
Sounds like your cup of tea?
If you think volunteering might be for you, find out more about the 100% Project HERE.
WTM are currently looking for volunteers to assist with their upcoming events, such as the very popular Sleeping Beauty: The Pantomime, as well as with their films & live screenings at the Connaught Cinema and Museum front desk & shop. WTM and are holding a volunteer recruitment event on Monday 13th November.
Anyone wanting to join should fill out the volunteer application form, please click HERE.
Don’t worry, if you haven’t done anything like this before, volunteers receive full training. You also get volunteer benefits, so don’t be shy, give it a try! Like me, you might find you get loads out of it, and also feel just as good about what you are putting in.