VOLUNTEERING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Are you interested in the environment? Do you want to make a difference in the world you live in? Have you ever wondered what you can do? If the answer is ‘yes’ REN can help you get involved…

Some steps to becoming a volunteer

• Decide what it is you are interested in. Do you want to work in you local area? Would you like to learn a specific skill? Would you prefer to lobby for a Fair trade vending machine at a school or go outside and build a fence?
• Choose an organisation or group. Once you have decided on what you would like to do have a look around to see what is on offer as organisations and groups will provide different opportunities to get involved. Have a look at REN's database or look for posters in your community.
• Contact the group. Ask about their volunteering opportunities and what training and support they can offer you. Try to be realistic about the amount of time and commitment you can offer them, and if everything is satisfactory you should be ready to get involved.
• Have fun meeting people and doing new things! This is the important part.

Schools and youth clubs

There are plenty of opportunities to promote green issues at schools and youth clubs and to lead the way in caring for the local environment and green spaces. Local organisations can help with waste management and renewable energy within buildings, a group can take over a plot of land and grow vegetables or create a wildlife garden, or a community art project can brighten up a disused area. With a little imagination and creativity the possibilities are endless!

An environmental club can be a great catalyst for creating ideas and then getting these ideas off the ground and putting them into practise.

Do you have an idea for a project? Once you have an idea REN can help you link up with other organisations or look for funding or develop your project with you.

If you are interested in the environment and its conservation, and would like to help improve your local area for wildlide such as plants, birds, and insects, please contact us for more details. Take a look at the Activities for young people and families to find specific events that encourage young people to take part.Groups interested in getting young people involved can find information and resources on environmental education and working with young people on the Links and Resources page. Have go on this Easter game from the Woodlands Trust