Volunteering post London 2012…. what are the options now?

Wow, the Olympics were amazing and to see such normal looking people achieve such great things.  What also made it so special was that so many volunteers took part as ‘Games Makers’. It’s heart warming to see that the great British public are so motivated without financial incentives, targets, marketing, deadlines or indeed  the need for celebrity status.  Even Lord Coe recognised the army of Volunteers in the closing ceremony.

One of the problems in the UK is the great British reserve; once that barrier is broken there is no stopping us from showing our true colours, acts of kindness and generosity.

How about  giving volunteers a union jack badge (a daisy shaped button hole)?   Anyone can have one and by wearing it you are saying ‘ask me’, in no time at all you could have hoodies helping old ladies with shopping bags or oaps helping with history homework.

We could have Secret Volunteer nominations,  XFactor style awards, BBC Volunteer Personality of the Year,  gold silver and bronze badges, and we could wear our badges with pride!

Let’s put into action one of the Olympic slogans to ensure the legacy of the games…. “Inspire a Generation”

Posted by:  Sharon from Surrey

The cream tea story from a comment by Keith Paterson below!

“We were in Cavendish and asked the owner of a small antique shop if he did cream teas. Not only did he but insisted it would be nice to have it on the village green across the road.  He made several journeys bringing the tray, then extra hot water, then water for the dog. When I went to pay he tried to insist I take my change from a tenner. Is this an Olympic feel good factor ?!”