20th April marks Volunteer Recognition Day and of course here at UKFCP we cannot thank the volunteers who help our organisation enough. In this blog post we'll be highlighting some of UKFCP's fantastic volunteers from different departments.
Penelope Kopala
Penelope is our HR Team Leader who has been with us since September 2020.
Can you tell us why you wanted to volunteer for UKFCP?
I wanted to support Asian communities in the UK, particularly those who have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
What are the main duties and responsibilities in your role?
I lead a team of ten across four functions: Recruitment & Resourcing, Learning & Development, Engagement & Well-being, and Career Support. I work closely with our HR Deputy Team Leader Tjasa, other Team Leaders, and the senior leadership team to ensure we attract and retain volunteers.
What skills have you developed and what tasks did you take to explore those skills?
There are so many skills that I have developed. Some of them are my leadership skills, my ability to manage a team, and my technical HR skills. My project management skills improved as we continuously have to juggle multiple projects. This position has allowed me to develop as a professional and as a person.
What do you find interesting and rewarding about volunteering?
Having a positive impact on someone's life through volunteering is very rewarding! Working with all these talented people keeps me motivated. Furthermore, volunteering with people from different backgrounds is very interesting and has expanded my understanding of other cultures. So, I'd highly recommend everyone to consider volunteering with UKFCP.
Are there any other causes you are passionate about helping or volunteering for?
I'm very passionate about education and I'd love to volunteer and help an organisation that supports and promotes global education.
Xue Yang Shi
Sukie Xue Yang has been our Outreach Leader from March to August 2020.
Can you tell us why you wanted to volunteer for UKFCP?
Because it is a great platform to make a difference and to help those who are suffering under the Covid-19 outbreak.
What are the main duties and responsibilities in your role?
Creating the centre's mechanism to provide mental support, making connections to relevant authorities and people.
What skills have you developed and what tasks did you take part in to develop those skills?
I have learnt a lot during my time as a volunteer for UKFCP. I have improved my communication skills, learnt how to connect with and seek cooperation with authorities and organisations, and also through teamwork I made friends with many amazing people who share the same value.
What do you find interesting and rewarding about volunteering?
The most significant point would be helping the vulnerable groups to have a voice, and this feeling got stronger when some friends of mine told me about the fact that they hadn’t had the chance to speak out because of the fear of discrimination.
Moreover, I think UKFCP cherishes the ideas of every member, under this circumstance, the sparks (such as the Psychological support centre and virtual board which let people have their voice) that occur to me get the chance to be shared and discussed. Generating new means to help improve UKFCP is also a process of self-learning, which is fascinating.
Are there any other causes you are passionate about helping or volunteering for?
I am not currently volunteering in other fields, however, I deem that there are a few areas that are worth paying attention to: the cultural identity of the ethnic minorities in the UK, especially the vulnerable groups, as well as the dynamic state of their well-being during the pandemic period.
Changyue Liang
Changyue has been member of the Social Media Team since March 2021.
Can you tell us why you wanted to volunteer for UKFCP?
I wanted to volunteer for UKFCP because I have always wanted to do my bit for my community, regardless of how much or how little I can help. Especially with the increased Sinophobia we are currently seeing in the media.
What are the main duties and responsibilities in your role?
I currently help with putting together social media posts to spread awareness when needed. I also promote the organisation and help spread the word by liking and sharing posts, so it reaches more people.
What skills have you developed and what tasks did you take part in to develop those skills?
As I have only been volunteering for a short time, I have not yet really developed any new skills, but in the future, I hope to learn how to put together interesting and informative social media posts.