Volunteering

There are many reasons why people volunteer and these reasons will vary from person to person. However it is important to note that volunteering is not only satisfying; it also makes a lot of sense. Helping other individuals through volunteering of various forms teaches us a variety of skills, such as 'soft skills', that to many employers are invaluable.

DUGS wants to help you through university and boost your employment prospects. Joining DUGS can give you access to exclusive infomation and events so that you can get ahead as well as the chance to land up to £1000 in travel grants for as little as £15 in membership fees.

Some of the benefits of volunteering have been outlined below:

Benefits of Volunteering

Personal
  • Opens up a wide network of contacts and experiences.
  • Acts as a tool for personal development.
  • Opens up a wide range of opportunities.
  • Can influence career choices.
  • Enhances employability.
- 73% of employers would recruit a candidate with volunteering experience over one without.
- 94% of employers believe that volunteering can add to skills.
- 94% of employees who volunteered to learn new skills had benefited       either by getting their first job, improving their salary, or being promoted.
To others
  • Builds a caring, mutually supportive society.
- Rt Hon Tony Blair - "Volunteering is essential to creaing an inclusive and mutually supportive society.”
  • Can make a real difference to people's lives.
  • Economic impact.
- Volunteering contributes £4.8 billion to UK GNP and is the UK's fastest growing job sector.

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James Caan - "When I see two graduates whose CVs read the same, I look for activities like volunteering which gives the CV a unique selling point. As an employer, listening to a graduate talk about volunteering means you can start to see their personality and helps you to visualise them in your company"

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Helen Feltham - "When recruiting graduates for Marks and Spencer we look for the skills to help make them and our company successful. Volunteering can be a great way to develop those skills”
Where can I volunteer?
Everywhere and anywhere you want! Volunteers are needed all over the world and there are thousands of opportunities to choose from. DUCK offers a range of expeditions, which have voluntary aspects, to locations such as Mount Kilimanjaro, Romania, Sri Lanka and Jordon. You can also volunteer in your back yard. There are many volunteering opportunities linked to the university in Durham and available in your home town.

What is DUGS involvement?
DUGS is here to make sure you have all the information you need about volunteering worldwide to boost your employability. We aim to hold exclusive events for DUGS members where you can learn about the opportunities available to you as students to boost your CV to get you the head start you need in the ever challenging job market.

DUGS Travel Grant?
DUGS also releases a number of travel grants throughout the year, exclusively for its members. These in the past have been for much as £1000 and many successful applicants have used this money, from DUGS, to subsidise their fantastic expeditions to all four corners of the Earth. 
What do they pay for the grant? £15 membership fees. It's an opportunity not to be missed!
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