Campaign Buddy

Volunteer role:

Home based

Country:

England

English region:

West Midlands

Campaign Buddies will support RNIB's volunteer campaign co-ordinators (VCCOS) in their role of identifying local changes needed, campaigning for change, and involving others in campaigning. Volunteer campaign co-ordinators are blind or partially sighted, and some would welcome assistance in aspects of the role such as transport, paperwork, background research, and guiding.

Campaign Buddies will work with campaign co-ordinators who would like support to carry out their role. They may work with one particular VCCOS or work more generally with a number of VCCOS as needed. Campaigns buddies work will be co-ordinated by an RNIB Regional Campaigns Officer who is a member of RNIB staff.

This role does not require a DBS check.

What will I be doing?

Working closely with the RNIB regional campaigns officer and volunteer campaign co-ordinators, campaigns buddies will:

  • Accompany VCCOS to meetings/events
  • Assist with paperwork such as reading inaccessible documents or assisting the VCCOS in writing documents.
  • Assist VCCOS in accessing public transport if necessary
  • If possible, driving VCCOS to and from events (this is not essential)
  • Assist with accessing information technology or resources if needed
  • Carrying out background research to support a VCCOS campaigning activities
  • General support to VCCOS as requested.

What skills can I bring to this role?

  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Interest in campaigning
  • Ability to support others to achieve their goals
  • Awareness of the needs of blind and partially sighted people
  • Ability to consider issues from different points of view
  • Ability to use internet to research topics
  • Effective listening skills

What qualities do I need?

  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Computer literate

When will I be needed?

Flexible to suit the volunteer.

Location

This role is home based.

What will I gain from the role?

  • Development of skills in supporting blind and partially sighted people.
  • Opportunity to play a part in RNIB's campaigns and attend campaigning events
  • Opportunity to gain insight into campaigning, working with decision makers and involving people in decision making at a local and regional level.

What support will I be given?

  • Induction
  • Understanding Sight Loss Pack
  • Expenses - all out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed including expenses to attend training
  • Supervision and support from your volunteer manager/ co-ordinator

How do I apply?

If you would like to apply for a role electronically, please download and complete the

. If you would like the application form in a different format (such as standard print, large print, Braille or audio) or if you have any general enquiries, please contact the Volunteering Team on: 0845 603 0575 or 01733 375450 or email volunteering@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 8 January 2013

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Right now we can only reach one in three of the people who need our help most.

Please make a donation and help us support more blind and partially sighted people.