York Millennium Volunteer's first anniversary - the final countdown
Posted on 10 May 2001
The footlights beckon for host Fiona Hunter of Betty's and Taylor's and-well known TV personality Richard Whiteley, who will take the platform together on Monday 14 May at the National Railway Museum in front of an audience of around 200.
During the evening, Millennium Volunteers, aged 16 to 24, will share their stories in conversation with Richard Whiteley and in our exhibition area. They have many tales to tell: working with the homeless, helping in homework clubs, coaching gymnastics, developing charity web-sites and digging school gardens. Along the way, they have not only discovered new places and faces, but new strengths and skills as well.
York MV, a city-wide initiative led by the University of York, has inspired and encouraged these young people to share their time and talents with local community groups. The volunteers are encouraged to plan and review their voluntary activities, ensuring that they learn from their experiences. Every hour that they give brings them closer to a national award in recognition of their achievements.
In addition to offering a formal vote of thanks to the volunteers for their important contribution to the life of the city, the event aims to inspire guests from education, youth services, the voluntary sector, business, and the council to become involved in the future of York MV.
Richard Whiteley' s perfect puns and chaotic characters will lend an air of celebration to proceedings, but who will have the last word?
Notes to editors:
- Guests will be welcomed at 6.30pm before Fiona Hunter opens proceedings at 7pm. Formal presentations will be followed by an exhibition by the volunteers at 7.25pm. Richard Whiteley will be running Countdown for volunteers and staff from 7.50pm before Fiona Hunter closes at 8.30pm, inviting guests to sit down for dinner and jazz.
- Reporters and photographers are welcome to attend the event. There will be opportunities to talk with staff and volunteers during the exhibition between 7.25pm and 7.50pm.
- Millennium Volunteers is a national initiative managed by the Department for Education and Employment. York MV is a partnership between Askham Bryan College, City of York Council, College of Ripon and York St John, the University of York, York College, York Council for Voluntary Service and York and North Yorkshire Careers Guidance. The University of York is the lead partner.
- A York Millennium Volunteer has much to gain as well as much to give. Working in an unfamiliar environment tests young people's flexibility and allows them to gain new skills and experience. A York MV project might be linked to a young person's area of study, a hobby or a career aspiration. It could be a one-off project or an on-going commitment, working alone or in a team.
- Through a process of planning and review, York MV encourages each young person to see their volunteering as a valuable means of personal development. If they give 100 or 200 hours to the community during one year, York MV will reward them with a National MV award in recognition of their achievement.