I would advocate volunteering to learn new things and give something to the community.
Jennifer Mitchell
I work in Bristol as an Account Manager for a local PR evaluation agency and my background is in broadcast work before moving into PR. I previously volunteered for a drama group as a media relations officer and I gained a lot from volunteering by learning new skills, making contacts and gaining experience which has helped me move on in my career.
A good friend recently went through a difficult time when her mum was diagnosed with MND and on hearing her story I decided I wanted to do something to help others in her situation. I was also looking to gain more PR experience so I was delighted when I saw an advert looking for someone to do publicity work for the local Bristol, Bath, Weston and Winsley group.
Since then I have taken up the role as newsletter editor and I have been dong this for a year now. The role involves putting together the quarterly newsletter with articles and stories from group members, and I am also working to achieve publicity for those who are doing fundraising activities.
I enjoy working for the group as I feel I'm putting my creative skills to good use and hopefully helping others in a small way. The other members are very supportive. I feel that the newsletter has an important role in keeping everyone involved and making them feel part of the group. I have also been very touched by some of the articles that I have put in the newsletter, the most powerful of these was a poem I received from a member who died about how much the group meant to her. It really brought home how important the work of the group is. My role as newsletter editor is also instrumental in communicating this to all the members and helping them stay committed to the great work that they do.
It's also very satisfying seeing all your hard work come together when I receive the final printed version in the post!
I would advocate volunteering to learn new things and give something to the community.
