UKLA Chair blog #8
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our sport. I remember my dad taking over, almost 50 years ago, as the junior affairs office of our club and the work seemed all-consuming. Today, clubs and class associations still need volunteers to keep things going but it has become increasingly difficult. Everyone is so much busier and of course we are more used to a service culture where everything can be bought. But the natural consequence of that, is higher prices for things that used to be done by volunteers and ultimately the exclusion of those who can’t afford to participate. And that’s before we talk about the mental wellbeing that can be derived from giving something back!
Today Ellie does a great job supporting UKLA and its close to a 1,000 members, but lots of the work is done by volunteers, both on the UKLA committee in supporting roles, and of course at our events and training. They all do a great job and it is much appreciated. To keep the class growing and moving forward we have developed a plan around volunteers.
First, we have identified where we need extra help and you will see some of those roles below. Often, they require a just couple of hours a month and are usually desk based. Thank you to those you have offered help already, bear with us as sometimes it takes a little time to get roles up and running. Please email me or Ellie (resources@ilca.uk) if you can help.
We also want to make volunteering at our events easy, transparent and flexible and we have a group (including Brett and Ellie) working on this.
Finally, we want to acknowledge and reward our volunteers better. So, as a starter, at the last UKLA regatta of the season at the Inlands in Grafham, we will have a drinks reception after racing on Saturday for anyone that has volunteered during the year.
Event Admin
This involves providing some extra support in the lead up to our events using Sailing Club Manager (we use this to manage entries etc). We will get you up to speed on the software and then there is some flexibility around when activities can be done.
Support for Sailing Secretary
Keith would like help sourcing and contacting venues for our events.
Sponsorship management
UKLA has 6 sponsors, and the role involves liaising with them to ensure we meet their requirements at our events. It is not about finding sponsors. A couple of hours a month and both would suit someone with a business or media background.
UKLA Technical Manager / webmaster
Helps make website changes and use photoshop etc. Several hours a month. Technical skills needed.
Results Archive
Updates our website with results of historic UKLA events and UKLA as they happened. Several hours per month. Skills using software applications.
Media – UKLA events
This involves organising and managing the photography, video interviews and write-ups of our main events. It is a co-ordination role.
Media – Features writer
UKLA would like to publish 3 or 4 feature articles a year that promote the ILCA to a wider sailing and non-sailing audience. This role may suit someone who wants to develop a career in writing (or always wanted to!)
All the best
Mark
Check our UKLA website and calendar of events