Volunteering: unpaid but priceless
In the final of our series showcasing 2020 prize and award winners, we focus on volunteering and how it has enriched the lives and careers of those who do it.
Did you know that over 2,000 members of the Royal Society of Chemistry also volunteer with us?
Members who give their time freely make an important contribution to the chemical sciences and society, in lots of different ways. Volunteering at events, helping on our boards and committees, supporting our campaigns, even visiting members in need as a volunteer visitor for our Chemists’ Community Fund.
While volunteering is unpaid, it certainly isn’t undervalued (for so many reasons that aren’t feasible to mention in one article).
Through our prestigious Prizes and Awards we celebrate the dedication and commitment of our volunteers. We called upon some of this year’s winners to share their experience of volunteering and the impact it’s had on their lives and careers.
Short-term volunteering for long-term gain
People at any stage of their career – from student to retired – can get more involved in chemistry and the chemistry community by becoming a volunteer.
Not all volunteering requires a long-term commitment. Some members want to get involved but are time-poor. Supporting the campaigns we run across our social media channels is a quick way in which you can make an important contribution to our work.
You can also take advantage of one-off and short-term opportunities, like contributing content to Chemistry World, or getting involved in outreach activities at a local school.
Our Local Sections (member-run groups of the Royal Society of Chemistry) are always looking for new volunteers. And they run social events so they’re a great way to meet new people.
The skills, knowledge and connections you make through volunteering have the potential to stay with you for a lifetime.
Broaden your mind, and your network
People’s motivation for volunteering varies. For some, it is a purely philanthropic activity. For others, it’s a combination of altruism and self-directed motivation (to learn new skills or broaden their knowledge for example). However, they all have one motivation in common: a desire to connect with others.
John Hepworth, emeritus professor at the University of Central Lancashire, volunteered for many years throughout his academic career. In fact, his service to the Lancaster and District Local Section, as well as many other Royal Society of Chemistry governance committees, earned him the 2020 Award for Exceptional Service.
Although retired, John is still involved with his Local Section. "Volunteering has enabled me to meet and work with a larger and more disparate group of people than would otherwise have been the case," he says. "In addition to making new friends, this has given me a much broader view of chemistry and what it means to others."
Enduring rewards
Making new friendships as well as 'giving back' to the community has had a long-lasting impact for Amanda Hardy, winner of this year’s Inspirational Member Award.
Having volunteered with various Royal Society of Chemistry committees since the age of 18, Amanda has engaged with people of all ages and shared her passion for science. In her role as senior outreach officer at the Royal Society of Biology, Amanda creates visually appealing hands-on learning experiences at science festivals and community events.
"I have had the opportunity to meet so many interesting chemists, of all ages, backgrounds and specialisms," Amanda says of her volunteering with the Royal Society of Chemistry. "It has been a great opportunity to learn more about the breadth and depth of chemistry as a discipline and to make many good friends at various career stages, and to keep in contact through RSC. Through the RSC I have met some fantastic chemists, many of whom have become friends."
Amanda’s involvement with her Local Section has encompassed a variety of experiences, including that of committee treasurer and events planner. She cares deeply about reaching out to all sections of the community.
"It is important to me that committee opportunities are made open to all who want to join, with new committee members being welcomed into the team, as I once was as a youngster.
"My committee’s events and activities are created to include something for everyone through the year, with events for families, and for chemists in universities, other settings, or study, or retirement."
John Dean, Professor of Analytical and Environmental Sciences at Northumbria University, has been involved with the Royal Society of Chemistry for over 30 years. One of his voluntary roles is co-ordinating the annual Schools' Analyst Competition for which he received the 2020 Inspirational Member Award. Last year, over 300 schools took part in the competition which is designed to enrich young students' chemistry learning.
"I started as a volunteer for the Royal Society of Chemistry in 1986, as a newly qualified PhD, having been a member since my undergraduate days," says John.
"Along this journey with the RSC I have met many new people, at RSC organised conferences and symposia, on regional and national committees and network events. What you remember is the warmth of the welcome from fellow chemists and the lifelong friendships you develop."
Like teachers and mentors that we’ve covered elsewhere in this series, volunteers give of themselves in order to help others.
Volunteering is unpaid, but its value to the chemical sciences community is priceless.
Get involved…
- Join our networks and connect with members; locally, via scientific interest, and online.
- Volunteer with us – explore the different ways you can get involved.
- Contact us with any questions about volunteering – volunteer@rsc.org
And find out more about…
- the inspiring individuals in our 2020 Prizes and Awards winner gallery
- emerging trends and priorities in scientific research set out Science Horizons
- how we’re re-thinking recognition to make our science prizes fit for the modern world.
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