Did you know that young volunteers within your club can get a recognised award through Ulster GAA and the Dept. of Education?
The strength of our clubs and the strength of the entire GAA is based on the number of people that are prepared to volunteer their time and efforts for the greater benefit of their community.
Ulster GAA is promoting the efforts of young volunteers who help out at their clubs, school teams and county boards through the ‘GoldMark’ Programme.
GoldMark is a dynamic programme aimed at promoting and recognising sports volunteering for 14 to 24 year olds. Run in conjunction with Volunteer Now and the Dept. of Education, GoldMark aims to recognise the volunteering efforts of young people in sport.
The programme involves the participants completing either 50, 100 or 200 hours of quality voluntary activity within their GAA club. This activity is logged by volunteers in their own personal Volunteer Record Book which can be signed off by a club official. Once the volunteer has achieved one of the three levels their logbook can be submitted and a certificate will be issued to recognise their efforts.
The GoldMark scheme has many benefits for young volunteers in our GAA clubs:
• Provides an opportunity to develop learning and discover new skills
• Looks great on their CV
• Helps gain experience relevant to a future career
• Recognises volunteer as an active citizen within their sport
• Offers the opportunity to meet new people, have a laugh and gain confidence
Click on the link below to watch a video of young volunteers experiences of GoldMark:
http://www.volunteernow.co.uk/
Being involved in a sporting organisation gives young people an opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge across a vast range of areas including: team mentoring, , PR and communications, working with children, coaching, teamwork and much more. All the skills developed through volunteering are transferable to the work environment and will help those involved in GoldMark when it comes to applying for jobs, college or university, while at the same time strengthening the Association at grassroots level.
The GAA is an Association for everyone, regardless of age, gender or ability. The GoldMark scheme puts the spotlight on the hundreds of young people who volunteer in their clubs. It’s about showing value to our young members highlighting that the work they undertake as volunteers is making a significant impact to their club and local community.
Any club interested in getting involved in this programme should contact Ulster GAA GoldMark Co-ordinator Fionntán O’Dowd on 02837517180 or email fionntan.odowd.ulster@gaa.ie
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