LSE Volunteers Celebrating and at LSE in 2019

A year in review

The LSE Volunteer Centre is at the forefront of LSE’s engagement with the sector and is the hub of volunteering on campus. Each year we help thousands of students donate tens of thousands of hours to good causes locally, nationally and internationally. Our mission is to inspire and empower LSE students to volunteer for causes they’re passionate about. We’re proud of the difference that volunteering makes to the communities we live, study and work in and how it can transform students’ time at LSE. 70 per cent of students who volunteer say it improved their LSE experience and they also feed back that it enhances their knowledge of their degree subject, improves their well-being and Introduction they feel more part of LSE.

LSE students are among the most dedicated volunteers in the UK In the last year we have seen a huge amount of interest from students LSE Volunteer Pledge in volunteering with over 750 attending our two volunteer fairs and Volunteering is an important with almost 40 per cent of students giving thousands of hours almost 400 taking part in our one-off volunteering programme. part of being part of a The London School of Economics of their time and raising thousands of pounds. With their skills, and Political Science pledges to Student Volunteering Week was another fantastic success with film community. Whether on the LSE dedication and hard work, they have a significant impact on the encourage volunteering amongst screenings, micro-volunteering and our campaign to highlight the campus, in a local neighbourhood its students. The LSE Volunteer lives of many people, including their own. Student volunteers different ways in which volunteering can improve the LSE experience. We were blown away by the response of LSE students. or on an international scale, we can Centre and Student Union will at LSE foster a sense of community on campus and make an all bring about change by investing continue to work in partnership to important contribution to the work of charities all over the world. Interest from charities recruiting LSE students as volunteers has further develop volunteering as continued to grow and we’ve promoted over 1000 opportunities from our time in causes we care about. an integral part of student life. We’re delighted to share with you their inspiring stories and hope over 350 charities this year. All of them have offered exciting opportunities The impact of volunteering on that allow LSE students to make a difference. As always we have had Volunteering offers benefits you enjoy reading about the impact of student volunteers from fantastic feedback from the organisations we work with about their students can be truly life-changing by to our students and the LSE. The students and charities featured represent a handful of relationship with the Volunteer Centre and the quality of work completed improving their well-being, confidence local community in line with by LSE students, something the School is very proud of. the School’s values and the fantastic individuals, groups and charities we work with. Join and skills, all whilst improving the commitments. By volunteering us to help celebrate volunteering and fundraising at LSE. We are also particularly proud to partner with colleagues across LSE lives of others. Volunteering fosters a students can engage with such as the LSE Residence’s Team, the LSE Faith Centre, Sustainability, LSESU and various LSE researchers. cooperative and collaborative spirit the wider world, support the on and off campus, and is valuable, environment and gain new skills We are excited to build on this year’s successes and to inspire even to compete in a rapidly changing more students to become part of the LSE volunteering community. necessary and rewarding for all that job market. are #partofLSE. David Coles Alex Selway David Coles LSE Director, Dame Minouche Shafik LSE Volunteer Centre Manager RAG President 2018-19 LSE Volunteer Centre Manager

2 3 Maddy Potter-Wood Jasmine Pearce BA in Social Anthropology 2020 LLB in Laws 2020 Events Manager at LSESU Star Society Legal volunteer at the Helen Bamber

Being Events Manager of the Refugee Week Committee 2019 has When I first started studying at the LSE, I remember feeling been an experience like no other. Since November, myself and hugely overwhelmed. Day two of Welcome Week and I was nine others, along with the Student Action for Refugees (STAR) core committee, worked to organise a week’s worth of events that asked which firms I would be applying to for a spring week. educated the LSE student body about the experiences faced by “What the hell is a spring week?”, I remember wondering. refugees in the UK. For a year, I found myself swept up in the tide, struggling to establish my own identity and career path. Organising the events took a huge amount of research and hard work from our team. It’s also taught me practical skills which I This year, I made the conscious effort to establish an know will be valued by any employer: leadership and organisation, identity outside of LSE. So, now, for two afternoons a week, delegation, compromise, teamwork and negotiation. I volunteer at the Helen Bamber Foundation. Within the We’ve been so lucky to have had the support of so many LSE foundation, I’ve chosen to work in the Legal department; academics who have shown their support for STAR and we’ve helping victims of trafficking, torture, and extreme violence had opportunities to meet with many professionals who are access asylum in the UK. working tirelessly to change attitudes towards refugees and Sometimes the work can feel tiring, especially when I’m amazing experiences – the highlight being our annual asylum seekers. spending week after week sorting through endless piles of charity dinner where I was able to meet celebrities such It’s also made me aware of how many incredible students we client data on Excel. But most days, I get a feeling of relief. as Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, and Anish Kapoor. have at LSE who are so committed to creating change. It’s easy Like something I’m doing actually matters for once in my to see LSE as a very much a corporate world; the overwhelming life. Law can be a very theoretical course, and in classes focus on finance, consultancy and accounting can at times be we spend hours debating why this or that law should be This project has disheartening. Being involved in Refugee Week has completely changed. So being actually able to write letters to the Home changed my perception of LSE’s student body; I’ve felt so inspired Office (if even just to submit forms) feels very satisfying. completely transformed by the members of societies like STAR and Amnesty and being my experience of LSE, meeting so able to create conversation with people who may not necessarily It helps that my team is so supportive, too. During my Sometimes the work can many inspiring and passionate be interested in migration issues has felt extremely rewarding. January exams, I was able to take time off to study; and feel tiring, but most days, people, and creating events This project has completely transformed my experience of LSE, in the office, there’s always so much food! Because of the I get a feeling of relief. Something which generate conversation. meeting so many inspiring and passionate people, and creating nature of our work, there is a real sense of community with I’m doing actually matters. events which generate conversation and hopefully will stimulate Christmas parties and weekly “wins” (celebrating individual Maddy Potter-Wood some change. successes each week). On top of that, I’ve had some Jasmine Pearce

4 5 Arya Gerard Master of Laws 2019 Host at FoodCycle Student Volunteering Ambassador

I believe that no one should go hungry. It was that belief that spurred me to dabble in food waste based volunteering in Birmingham last year. Having thoroughly enjoyed my experience there, I wanted to volunteer with FoodCycle as a friend had told me about the amazing work that they did. I was lucky enough to discover that LSE has its very own FoodCycle society and pounced upon the opportunity to do so. I was volunteering with the hosting team and was responsible for welcoming guests, serving them their meals and cleaning up after. There was even the opportunity to dine and interact with the guests, something which I thought made this volunteering opportunity unique. FoodCycle’s project with LSE works with The Food Chain to provide a three course meal every Sunday for people living with HIV. The freedom of having a safe space and meeting some of their friends over a warm meal and a My experience volunteering with FoodCycle would not nice cup of tea was something some of the guests really have been as enjoyable as it was if not for the wonderful looked forward to every week which we got to be a part of. people I was working with on the hosting team. The dish Volunteering gives you washer had suddenly frozen on us and we were all trying to FoodCycle works only with surplus food collected from so much in return: get it working. Having that little struggle brought us closer supermarkets. The dishes made by the cooking team together as we each fervently tried to fix the chunk of metal. new friends, experiences, skills, were not only a feast for the eyes, but also for the palate. I guess you could say that malfunctioning dishwasher The grape tart was a huge hit with the guests, who were that warm glow you get when brought me three new friends and strengthened my can-do My experience of volunteering heading back for seconds. you know you did something attitude. Volunteering gives you so much in return: new with FoodCycle would not have good, just for giving up a little I thought it was incredible that the cooking team were able friends, experiences, skills, that warm glow you get when been as enjoyable as it was if not for the you know you did something good, just for giving up a little of your time. to come up with a menu based on the produce that they wonderful people I was working with on got; seems to me like a real-life Masterchef situation that I of your time. I know I would rather be feeding someone Arya Gerard would definitely like to be a part of when I volunteer next. than scrolling through Instagram aimlessly. the hosting team.

6 7 Volunteering changed my LSE experience because...

Esther Jourdan Jiho Oh Katya Shilina BSc Social Policy, 2019 BSc Economics, 2019 BSc Mathematics and “... I have not only gained “... it has helped me to better Economics, 2019 invaluable experience but I also understand people and to shape “... it has helped me to decide on my met some amazing people.” my core values in life.” future career path. Contributing to a cause close to my heart and making someone’s day a little bit brighter are now my ultimate Jennifer Fernandez-Owsianka Annie Thomlinson life goals. It has also allowed my to relax and shakes LLB Law, 2020 BA Social Anthropology, 2020 off the stress from studying. It has become my kind of “... it reminded me of the “... it has had a hugely positive meditation and I encourage everyone to try volunteering values I stand for.” impact on my mental health. for at least an hour a week.” The ability to switch off for an hour or two surrounded by people Maelys Hohagen from all sorts of backgrounds and walks of life is BSc Management, 2021 Mei-En Choe the best way to relax. It doesn’t matter how bad my “... I got to meet very different BSc International Relations, 2021 day is going, volunteering is always going to put a students from every course. I learnt, “...it reminded me to look beyond smile on my face.” not only from my volunteering myself and serve a greater need.” experiences, but from them as well.” Emily Bayfield BSc Government and History, 2020 Arya Gerard “... it has helped me to feel involved Krishnan Puri Sudhir Master of Law, 2019 in the wider London community as “... its helped me to manage my time MSc in Development Studies, 2019 well as helping me to gain an idea of better and to meet some of “... it allowed me to meet new what I want do in my future career. the best people on campus. I’ve people from all backgrounds, by Natasha Sharapova Spending a few hours a week volunteering has been also been able to engage with developing transferable skills and, LLB Law, 2019 an amazing way to take a productive break from my volunteering projects relevant to my course that most importantly, lending me a “... I felt more included in studies and feel like I am making a difference at the has given me a better understanding for some of sense of accomplishment and happiness whenever the wider community and it same time.” the content covered in seminars. Volunteering is a I’m able to help someone in need.” made me happier.” cornerstone to holistic development.”

8 9 Stella Sarmias That’s why we decided to take action. With the help of the BSc in Management 2020 Wonder team, including Director of Policy and Campaigns Olivia Darby, we launched our own campaigns. Sean’s is Sean Chou to get councils’ attention and ask them questions about BA in Social Anthropology 2020 how we can prevent modern slavery in our local areas, Campaigners against modern slavery and how councils could have safeguarding measures The Wonder Foundation in place to prevent modern slavery in the supply chains Last summer we got involved in a project with an of services outsourced to private contractors. Stella’s amazing charity, The Wonder Foundation, called SEE- campaign is for better long-term support for survivors, ME. The aim of the project was to raise awareness and including the right to English language learning to help develop campaigns against Modern Slavery in the UK, these vulnerable individuals meaningfully recover and Europe and beyond. When we think of slavery it is easy establish independent lives for themselves. to think of it as a thing of the past, or at least something The highlight of our campaigns was when we presented incredibly far away from us that does not impact our daily them at the Houses of Parliament in front of MPs who lives. This project revealed to me that this could not be are working at the forefront of the policy surrounding further from the truth. In fact, the home office estimates modern slavery. that there are at least 13,000 modern slaves living in the UK. Globally, it is estimated that there are over 40 million We believe that the introduction of the Modern victims of modern slavery. Slavery Act in 2015 was a huge step forward in tackling modern slavery, but the government must not stop here. We must address the fact that the system is flawed, and it is failing to provide sufficient support for victims of modern slavery. The Home Office estimates that Looking back, getting involved with the SEE-ME We know it starts with the small things such as having Looking back, getting involved with there are at least 13,000 modern programme has changed who we are and the right conversations and leads on to building the SEE-ME programme has changed enthusiasm which goes into creating constructive change slaves living in the UK. Globally, it is helped us to grow as people. We went from being who we are and helped us to grow as people. unaware to speaking out against this brutal crime that benefits everyone. Fannie Lou Hamer, an influential estimated that there are over 40 million We went from being unaware to speaking out in parliament. It has helped us see the world more figure in the civil rights movement said: “Nobody’s free against this brutal crime in parliament. victims of modern slavery. That is why positively, where we can make a difference through until everybody’s free” and this is why we should all care we decided to take action. engagement and participation. about modern slavery. Stella Sarmias and Sean Chou

10 11 Lucy Elgood The support of a friendly, Project Manager, Capital City Academy thoughtful and compassionate Salusbury World LSE student volunteer has made an Salusbury World work with refugee and migrant families enormous difference to the confidence, helping children, young people and parents to realise their self-esteem and wellbeing of so many rights and potential. We’re the only school-based refugee of these children. charity in the UK so we are uniquely placed to work with whole families. Our work is effective because our services are joined up to provide integrated educational, social and practical support.

LSE student volunteers have participated in Salusbury World’s Educational Mentoring project, helped with our Homework Club and supported our Holiday Clubs.

The children who participate in our projects are recent arrivals to the UK who are adjusting to new homes, new schools, new friends and a new language. We want to help them to feel at home in London and to achieve their potential; in school subjects like Maths and English, but also as confident young people. We want them to make firm friendships and to enjoy life.

The LSE Volunteer Centre has helped us reach more student volunteersand the support of a friendly, thoughtful and compassionate LSE student volunteer has made an enormous difference to the confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing of so many of these children. We particularly value the reliability of LSE students. Coming along to the sessions week in, week out, provides our young people with much-needed stability and reassurance.

12 Carole Reniero Programme Officer CoachBright

CoachBright is an award-winning organisation As an LSE Alumna from the Class of 2018, it is supporting the next generation to become independent wonderful for me to meet students from my own and resilient so they can lead the lives they want. university who share similar interests in the education Working across schools, universities and organisations, sector and support our mission of promoting social we’re giving students and young professionals the mobility in the UK. tools and behaviours to succeed. A big thank you to all the LSE volunteers who The LSE Volunteer Centre is vital to help organisations have contributed to our cause and helped a young like ours to find students with similar passions and person to develop their potential, confidence and interests. Through their online vacancy board, and independence in school. other on-campus opportunities like the Charity Tuesday stands, the LSE Volunteer Centre has contributed to the success of our organisation by supporting us in finding committed, altruistic university students. We look forward to continuing this partnership and developing it even further in years to come.

We have had some truly committed volunteers this year of whom we are really proud. A few of them even volunteered to host the Charity Tuesday Stand A big thank you to all at LSE when our full-time members of staff were the LSE volunteers who unavailable to attend. have contributed to our cause and helped a young person to develop their potential, confidence and independence in school.

15 Raising and Giving

Alex Selway Georgina Connah BSc in International Relations and History BA History RAG relic (and President 2018-19) Prolific Ragger and Vice President of Challenges 2018-19 RAG has been such a big part of my LSE experience, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. I’ve made close friends and I always wanted to be involved in charity work at university, developed a genuine passion for charity which endured so from my first day in halls seeing RAG handing out the through my time at university, and I hope that I helped RAG Band, I knew I wanted to be part of it! Since then I’ve others to see the fun in fundraising along the way. gone from bucket collecting for WaterAid dressed as a toilet in St Pancras station to driving to Skegness to drop As by far the largest, and one of the most active LSE our RAGlets off for RAG Gets Lost and have loved every societies, RAG engages with thousands of students minute of it! each year through its events, challenges and countless collaborations with societies. We are proud to excel in To me, RAG is a space distinct from the rest of LSE unconventional fundraising: from shaking a bucket in allowing me to get more involved in the community Paddington, to climbing Kilimanjaro, or hitchhiking to through our partner charities. Involvement in the Marseilles, LSESU RAG offers it all. Even more importantly, community allows me to alleviate the feeling of being in everything we do is in aid of great charities chosen annually the “LSE bubble” which can sometimes be overwhelming by LSE’s students! when considering academia, job applications and other society work. We’ve had an amazing year of successful fundraising this Overall managing to raise over £10,000 this year from year thanks to the hard work of our wonderful committee This year in my role as Vice President of Challenges, I internal challenges alone has been one of the highlights and ever-growing network of students and staff who want have been busy organising all our internal and external of the year. I’m so proud to have been part of this brilliant to see RAG succeed. I’m immensely grateful to everyone challenge events throughout the year. In external team and RAG certainly has been the highlight of my who contributed and helped us improve the lives of those challenges, we have introduced a Three Peaks trek and University experience! less fortunate over the course of this year. seen the return of our Kilimanjaro trek, as well as sticking RAG has been such a big part of my LSE experience, with old favourites, the Machu Picchu trek and London RAG is truly something special. Though at times stressful, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. to Paris Cycle, for our other challenges. Although staying it provides a great escape from the hectic nature of life up for 36 hours to track our Jailbreak participants was at LSE. Our activities offer alternative opportunities to tough, watching the participants reach the likes of France, fundraise which attract people who might not otherwise Germany, the Netherlands and the northernmost tip of I hope that I helped get involved. Our community brings together students who RAG provides an escape Scotland was incredibly rewarding. others to see the fun want to make a difference and is a brilliant way to make from the academic bubble in fundraising. friends, have exciting experiences, and support incredible and a sense of community on campus. charities. If that’s not a great way to make the most of your Alex Selway time at university, I’m not sure what is. Georgina Connah

16 17 LSESU RAG Charities 2018-19

LSESU RAG is one of the fastest growing RAG societies in the Local Charity of the Year Amelia Jabry Victoria Longhi country, raising over £100,000 Single Homeless Project (SHP) 2nd Year BSc Social Anthropology 1st Year BSc International Social and Single Homeless Project is a charity “RAG has given me the opportunity to dress as a Public Policy last year alone. Three-time award working across all 32 London boroughs tiger, hitchhike in random strangers’ cars, go punting “RAG is putting the fun, but also the community, winning, RAG raises money for a to prevent and help in Cambridge and visit the wonderful town of Skegness in fundraising. Through RAG, I have met likeminded number of amazing causes; this vulnerable and socially-excluded people. – all in aid of charity!” people and engaged in a healthy debate about Every year, SHP transform 8,000 lives by year we’re representing Single charity work more broadly.” providing support and accommodation, Homeless Project, Mind and Teach promoting wellbeing and working to tackle the underlying Rishi Chandarana A Man To Fish. causes of homelessness. 1st Year BSc Mathematics with Economics Inka Pearson “My experiences with RAG throughout my first 2nd Year BSc Philosophy, Politics We facilitate society and club year at LSE opened my eyes to the many fun and and Economics fundraising and aim to increase National Charity of the Year exciting events on offer. RAG has given me the “Through RAG I have had the opportunity to develop students’ exposure to amazing Mind, the mental health charity opportunity to push myself and climb a mountain myself as a person and give back to the community charitable causes. Mind believes no-one should have to all in the name of charity.” alongside my friends the whole time!” face a mental health problem alone. With a host of events throughout the They provide direct support to over year, LSESU RAG puts what students 250,000 people each year, while Jack Boyd Jess Graham also offering suicide intervention skills workshops and want as their priority; providing 3rd Year BSc Government and History 1st Year BSc International Relations and History working alongside journalists to promote more accurate “It was my absolute pleasure to work with RAG “RAG has shown me how much fun can be outings and innovative ways to raise representations of mental health. on Date Night this year. Not only did we get to support had with fundraising. I had an amazing time organising money for charities voted for by our the work of a great charity in SHP, but with their the 24-Hour Rowathon, and I love that students have students. The nominated charities incredible support we were able to put on a great the opportunity to choose the charities that RAG change each year, ensuring that the International Charity of the Year evening for the Athletics Union.” supports and where the money we raise is going.” LSE supports a broad spectrum of Teach A Man To Fish Teach A Man To Fish works with charitable foundations. schools in 110 countries to set up educational and profitable school businesses teaching students entrepreneurial skills and generating much-needed extra income for schools. Their vision is a world free from poverty where all young people are able to reach their full potential in life.

18 19 lse.ac.uk/volunteercentre

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LSE Volunteer Centre

The LSE Volunteer Centre is a centre of knowledge on the transformational impact that volunteering has for LSE students. We inspire and empower the LSE community to volunteer for causes they are passionate about and aim to create active citizens, shaping a better world through volunteering.

The LSE Volunteer Centre