Boost for the nation
Latest figures from Volunteering Scotland show that 49% of young people volunteer in Scotland, as opposed to 26% of adults – some 14 million hours each year.
It comes as As #IWillScotland Young Ambassadors gear up to celebrate this week’s Power of Youth Festival.
The week is an opportunity to showcase the important contribution young people are making to society.
The #IWill movement in Scotland, supported by YouthLink Scotland, aims to encourage and empower more young people to take action, make a difference and influence change within their communities, through activities like volunteering, campaigning and activism.
Jenni Snell, #IWill National Development Officer at YouthLink Scotland had a message for both business and adults across the country.
“We are calling on organisations from across to Scotland to come forward and support the young people of today make a difference for the world of tomorrow! Across the UK over 1,000 organisations have already pledged to create volunteering opportunities for young people to take action and make a difference in their communities and society.
“Young people care deeply about the environment and also have very serious concerns about the kind of society and world they will inherit. Our movement encourages a spirit of activism, for young people to take the lead in making change so we are asking everyone, whether you are a parent, a business or a local council to play your part in supporting our new generation to get their voice heard.”
The festival will tackle some of the negative stereotypes of young people portrayed in the media during Covid-19. IWill Scotland will highlight the work in hospitals during the pandemic of NHS Lothian young volunteers and will put a focus on supporting the many young people who campaign for climate action.
#IWill Scotland aims to make participation in volunteering and social action the norm for all young people.
