National Volunteer Week - No 3 Joelle Watkins
Joelle joined the Foundation Board back in 2020, she is a Londoner with a passion for sport and helping others.
Joelle’s pathway in volunteering is different to the majority of our Volleyball Family but the value and benefit to others has always been her driving force.
Joelle is a huge believer in the power of team sports as a conduit to a better, healthier life, socially and even professionally. She has seen friends and also experienced first-hand opportunities to travel, formed lasting friendships, gained employment and yes, even married a teammate.
The opportunity to devote some of her time and experience to trying to effect change through sport is irresistible. Plus, she’s claiming some affinity to volleyball having played recreationally as an adult and also had the opportunity to watch indoor and beach at the 2012 Olympics, a real highlight of the Games.
We asked Joelle - What was your first volunteer experience?
It was in an Oxfam store for several years, giving me good retail experience, a sense of why people volunteer and also why people need to use such services. I’ll never forget a homeless customer challenging an item of clothing they needed charged according to a strict pricing policy, clearly out of their means.
Who was it that encouraged you to become a volunteer?
No one in particular, just a sense of wanting to be involved in something hopefully meaningful for others.
What roles have you undertaken as a volunteer?
Following the Oxfam role, I volunteered for years at a fringe theatre across a range of roles such as ticket desk, usher and audition call backs, followed by my local Samaritans branch (current, as a listener, mentor and shift leader), as well as with the Volleyball England Foundation as a trustee (current).
What has been your most enjoyable volunteering experience?
Samaritans is a cause close to my heart. Aside from the satisfaction and privilege of supporting people in distress during shifts, a highlight has to be being part of the charitable float at the Lord Mayor’s Parade in London for several years.
What have you gained / learnt from being a volunteer?
Personally, listening skills, further developing my emotional intelligence and meeting great new friends and contacts. Professionally, translating work experiences to benefit a great cause I’m aligned with.
Is there one volunteering experience you have on your bucket list?
Definitely something involving my dog such as Pets as Therapy, that would be the best of both worlds.
Thank you Joelle.
