Post by Kemi Olafare

Happy Volunteers Week Reading Board papers after work. Writing Trustee papers after work. Applying for funding on evenings and weekends. Justifying that overheads aren't going into mysterious black holes or overpriced salaries. Picking up other people's litter to keep local communities clean and safe. Mentoring and motivating people when things get bleak. Incredulity from those who are convinced you should be using your time for a profitable side hustle. Criticism and abuse for daring to speak up against discrimination and for the marginalised. I mean, who would be a volunteer? Well it turns out, millions of us. This week has been bleak given difficult stories in the news. This week also marked 10 years since the death of the greatest, Muhammad Ali. I'm reminded of his words: "service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth." I'll end volunteers week by saying thank you to everyone who pays this rent. Alice (Stein) Clementi Aiysha 🍉 Liz Pepler MIAB Penny Wilson Sami Haque Willorna B. Nicolina Andall Victoria McLean Richard Williams Charterpath Alison Reeves Peckham Soup Kitchen Anood Al-Samerai Alex Marsh Claris D'cruz Katherine de Kretser