Volunteering
The operations of the Award in Barbados are dependent on the support of volunteers at all
levels. Sharing your knowledge, skills and abilities with Participants will make a difference in their lives. Whether you volunteer as an Award Leader, Assessor, or administrator, your time with us will be rewarding for them, as well as yourselves.
Award Leaders
The role of the Award Leader is essential to the programme's continuity and this is one area that can be considered. Award leaders guide young people as they complete the sections and enjoy the satisfaction of seeing them improve themselves.
Details on the Award Leader role can be found here.
Award Leaders work with Participants in an Award Unit and, alongside the Award Coordinator, are responsible for the Unit's leadership, management and development.
Several Units exist across the island to facilitate the young people in their communities. We welcome the introduction of additional Award Units that abide by our operating standards.
If you are interested in running a unit, please fill out the form on our Contact page with the subject 'Interested Award Leader'. Please include your CV and cover letter.
WHY BECOME A VOLUNTEER?
Top 10 reasons to become a volunteer with The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Barbados:
#10: It's good for you.
Volunteering provides physical and mental rewards. It:
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Reduces stress: Experts report that when you focus on someone other than yourself, it interrupts usual tension-producing patterns.
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Makes you healthier: Moods and emotions, like optimism, joy, and control over one's fate, strengthen the immune system.
#9: It saves resources.
Volunteering provides valuable community services so more money can be spent on local improvements.
#8: Volunteers gain professional experience.
You can test out a career or develop professional skills.
#7: It brings people together.
As a volunteer you assist in:
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Uniting people from diverse backgrounds to work toward a common goal
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Building camaraderie and teamwork
#6: It promotes personal growth and self esteem.
Understanding community needs helps foster empathy and self-efficacy.
#5: Volunteering strengthens your community.
As a volunteer you will be helping the young people of Barbados.
#4: You learn a lot.
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Self: Volunteers discover hidden talents that may change their view on their self worth.
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Government: Through working with local non-profit agencies, volunteers learn about the functions and operation of our government.
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Community: Volunteers gain knowledge of local resources available to solve community needs.
#3: You get a chance to give back.
People like to support community resources that they use themselves or that benefit people they care about.
#2: Volunteering encourages civic responsibility.
Community service and volunteerism are an investment in our community and the people who live in it.
#1: You make a difference.
Every person counts!