The project hopes to demonstrate the important work the Third Sector does.
Scotland’s national membership organisation for the voluntary sector has launched a new campaign to underline how essential the Third Sector is to society.
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) unveiled #EssentialSector on Wednesday, offering opportunities for support to charities and groups across Scotland.
The campaign will feature short video clips of real people, telling their stories in their own words, with the hope of showing hard-hitting stories representing the diversity and impact of the sector.
As well as SCVO, ACOSVO, the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, Social Enterprise Scotland, TSI Scotland Network and Volunteer Scotland are involved in the project.
Applications are now open to become one of eight organisations showcased during the launch of the #EssentialSector campaign later this year.
While only eight organisations will be selected to make videos for the campaign launch, everyone who applies will be sent a campaign toolkit with support and ideas for sharing their story.
Anna Fowlie, SCVO chief executive, said: “Scotland’s voluntary sector is a rich tapestry of charities, community groups and social enterprises. You’ll find us in every corner of the country, in every part of our society and economy; from Lerwick to Stranraer, from grassroots football to international aid.
“But that tapestry is fragile, with many pressures in terms of financial sustainability, increasing demand and lack of recognition. The sector employs 135,000 people, generates over £8bn a year and harnesses the talents of over a million volunteers.
"We are launching this campaign to highlight just how essential voluntary organisations are to the lives of people across Scotland, providing lifeline support and making our communities better places to live.
“Join us in showcasing your contribution and together we can make sure that rich tapestry flourishes and gets the recognition it deserves.”
Applications to be one of the organisations showcased during the launch of #EssentialSector will close at 12pm on 5 May 2023.
