Community Engagement Notices

Community Engagement newsletter Volume 1, Issue 1 RUCE Newsletter 2011 CE Handbook

2011 Volunteer Registration form

How do I join the Student Volunteer Programme?

Volunteering is open to all students, whether you are in 1st year, post-graduate or an international student and Rhodes University students are encouraged to actively participate in the Student Volunteer Programme, giving at least an hour of their time, skills and energy to make a positive difference in the Grahamstown community.

In 2011, the Student Volunteer Programme (SVP) will run as follows:

1) Application and Registration

All students interested in volunteering will be required to complete an application form. This form is available further along on this site, at the Student Bureau or can be emailed to you by request – contact N.Tiwise@ru.ac.za . Forms should also be available from your Community Engagement Rep in your Res or Hall.

Your completed application forms must be submitted to the Community Engagement Unit by 17 February 2011.

2) Allocation

Once the application forms have been processed, you will be contacted by the CE Unit and be able to register for a project or programme, depending on your choice, volunteering opportunities available, and of course, your timetable.

Allocation and registration for placements will take place on 16 and 17 February 2011

3) Training

Once the allocation and registration process has been completed, you will be required to attend training to prepare you for volunteering placement. As the numbers of students applying to volunteer is large, you will be allocated to small groups.

In 2011, there will be 2 separate training sessions. Training workshops in small groups will be held as follows: Group 1and 2

Attendance is compulsory.

All volunteers will receive a welcome pack and handbook at their training.

IMPORTANT DATES IN 2011:

Volunteer registration: OPEN UNTIL 17 February 2011

Allocation and Registration: 16& 18 February 2011

Volunteer training: Group 1: 19 Feb
Group 2: 26 Feb

Volunteering begins; 21 February 2011 (Returning Volunteers
28 February (New Volunteers)

Community Engagement Awards: 14 October 2011

Please note: there is no volunteering on public holidays or during the Rhodes Vac.

TRANSPORT

The SVP makes use of the Rhodetrip to provide transport to all the volunteer placements that are not within walking distance from campus. (You will be informed if your projects is one of those without transport e.g GHT public library or Amasango). The SVP’s contract with Rhodetrip means that there is an allocated vehicle for the Programme, as well as a dedicated driver who knows the Grahamstown community well. The pick up and drop off point is outside of the CE offices – 5 Prince Alfred Street. Volunteers are requested to be ready and waiting for the bus at least 10 to 15 minutes before their allocated volunteering time.