This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Programme for young volunteers
11/05/2004
A flagship volunteering programme was announced today, to give young Scots a unique opportunity to contribute to their community and their country, while learning new skills.
First Minister Jack McConnell was joined by former Businesswoman of the Year, Julia Ogilvy, to announce the creation of 'Project Scotland' - a national full time volunteering programme that goes live in Spring 2005.
'Project Scotland' is a unique partnership between the Scottish Government, the private and voluntary sectors. It has already won the support from companies such as Scottish Power, HBOS, Standard Life and Lloyds TSB Scotland.
Market research showed that young Scots, regardless of their backgrounds, were very keen to contribute to their community, while at the same time developing new skills.
The research was used to frame the programme, the main elements of which are:
• A modular approach - up to 3 modules of 3-4 months during a calendar year.
• Volunteers will receive a living allowance.
• A grant could be available to volunteers at the end of their placement to help open doors to education, training or business start-up.
• The creation of a new delivery agency, independent of government, to run the scheme and source private sector investment.
The First Minister said:
"Project Scotland has been designed by young people. It gives them what they asked for in the way they want it.
"It's about the long term. We want to move from a culture of dependence to a culture of responsibility.
"Everywhere I go in Scotland I make a point of meeting Scottish youngsters. And they are amazing. They are increasingly bright, articulate and have ambitions far beyond anything I had at that age.
"But now we know they care too. They have deep rooted values, they have pride in their country and they want to make a difference to their community.
"And their main motivation is to earn the respect of others, and to genuinely 'put a smile on the face of others'.
"Project Scotland gives young Scots the chance of a lifetime. It is the chance for them to do something exceptional for themselves, their community and their country. It is an opportunity for them to show to the world the kind of Scotland that our country will become.
"I have been enormously impressed by, and am extremely grateful to Julia Ogilvy and her group. They have taken the spark of an idea and have turned it into something that will be truly special for Scotland."
Julia Ogilvy, Founder and Chairperson of Project Scotland said:
"Project Scotland is a real partnership between government, business and the volunteering sector, all united in their passion to transform the lives of young people and create a volunteering culture among young people in Scotland. The business community has already embraced the scheme with open arms and we will build on this early enthusiasm so that this unique partnership is supported across all sectors.
"As someone who has a close interest both personally and professionally, in realising the potential of young people, I look forward to ensuring that Project Scotland makes a difference, benefiting and impacting on the lives of both participants and their communities."
Ian Russell, Chief Executive of ScottishPower, said:
"ScottishPower signed up as a founding corporate partner of Project Scotland for two reasons: the chance to help young Scots attain their fullest potential, and the opportunity to invest in people now in order to improve our nation's future competitiveness. We wish the team every success and look forward to a long and active partnership on volunteering."
Mel Ward, President (Elect) NUS Scotland, said:
"An increasing number of young Scots benefit from a gap year, but there are still a large number of young people who are excluded from this type of experience.
"This project will give them the chance to learn new skills, enjoy new experiences and it is a chance for young Scots to make the most of their own lives, while giving something back to their community and their country. I think it is very exciting."
George Thomson, Chief Executive, Volunteer Development Scotland said:
"Project Scotland is a welcome wake-up call for us all to appreciate the generosity of our young people towards others and the need to design volunteer opportunities that give their desire to make a positive difference full expression and effect."
The First Minister first mentioned the creation of a national youth volunteering programme in June last year, during Volunteers Week to meet the Partnership commitment to 'encourage the more active involvement of young people in the lives of their communities and wider society through the introduction of a scheme, alongside the existing Millennium Volunteers scheme, which recognises youth volunteering.' The working title of the programme was 'Scotscorps.'
The First Minister asked Julia Ogilvy, former Businesswoman of the Year, to set up a working group to explore the possibilities of the programme. Copies of the working group's report are available by calling the number below or from www.scotland.gov.uk/viu.
As part of the compiling of the report, extensive market research was carried out as to the nature of volunteering and young people's attitudes towards it. A summary of the research is available by calling the number below.
The working group drew on the experience of volunteering programmes at home and abroad, in particular AmeriCorps. It was established by President Bill Clinton, and since 1994, more than 250,000 men and women have served in AmeriCorps. ( www.americorps.org).
Project Scotland aims to increase the range of young people in Scotland who are aware of volunteering and the benefits it brings to volunteers themselves, their communities and to the organisations involving volunteers. The programme also aims to improve awareness amongst young people of how to access volunteering. By 2009, Project Scotland aims to involve around 1000 young people per annum in volunteering.
Some of the key features of Project Scotland are:
• an initial focus on 16-25 year olds from all social backgrounds, but with a concerted effort to attract those who would not traditionally volunteer;
• the provision of a recognised brand and portal for a range of quality assured full-time volunteering opportunities;
• the provision of volunteering opportunities from new and existing sources, with an emphasis on flexibility, choice and opportunities for teamwork; and
• an emphasis on creating a brand that has real currency with prospective employers and with further and higher education establishments.
The Executive will provide Project Scotland with £1.9m in 2004/05 and £3.5m for each of the following two years. By 2008 it is anticipated that 50 per cent of the costs will come from other sources - mainly the corporate sector.
The Scottish Executive's Volunteering Strategy is also published today. The Strategy focuses on Project Scotland and young people; dismantling the barriers to volunteering and closing the opportunity gap; improving the volunteering experience; and monitoring, evaluation and ongoing policy development. Copies of the report are available from the number below or from www.scotland.gov.uk/viu.