Volunteer Hub

Help school students to create a positive change for people and planet

Organisation Details

GenEarth

Sub theme: Children, Education, Youth Work and Young People
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: At GenEarth we aim to inform, inspire, and empower young people to address the climate crisis by giving them a voice and the opportunity to take individual action. We focus on adaptability and responsiveness to the ever-changing political, social, and environmental landscape. We bring together the private sector, charities, universities and schools to support young people. Key to this is our incredible network of volunteers who are passionate and knowledgeable about climate and conservation, who can develop themselves and the young people we work with. We are a non-profit social enterprise and we offer all our programmes for free to state and special schools and to date we’ve directly engaged over 18,000 young people since launching in 2020.

About the Young Green Briton Challenge: Our flagship programme, engages and inspires students aged 11-16 to tackle local climate and sustainability challenges. This programme offers young people a unique opportunity to develop innovative solutions, critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of environmental issues, whilst working with experts to guide them through the process.

This year we launched our North West regional hub, engaging multiple secondary schools across Manchester and Liverpool. We are looking for local volunteers with a passion for sustainability who are passionate about supporting the planet – we are particularly keen to engage students from Manchester University due your incredible commitments to zero carbon future.

Students, particularly those studying in fields related to environmental science would bring valuable knowledge and enthusiasm to our volunteer programme. Their understanding of biodiversity, conservation strategies, and current environmental challenges would make them ideal mentors for school children, helping to foster a deeper appreciation for nature and sustainability in the younger generation.

By volunteering, students would have the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting, while also developing leadership skills and making a positive impact in the local community. This experience would not only benefit the school children but also contribute to the students' personal and professional growth.

We believe that this collaboration would create a mutually beneficial relationship, allowing Manchester University students to share their passion for sustainability while inspiring the next generation of environmental advocates.
Description of role: Volunteer with the Young Green Briton Challenge

An exciting school initiative that engages and inspires students aged 11-16 to tackle local climate and sustainability challenges. This programme offers young people a unique opportunity to develop innovative solutions, critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of environmental issues, whilst working with experts to guide them through the process.

We are looking for local volunteers with a passion for sustainability who are passionate about supporting the planet.

Students from Manchester University, particularly those studying in fields related to environmental science, ecology, and conservation, would bring valuable knowledge and enthusiasm to our volunteer programme. Bringing an understanding of biodiversity, conservation strategies, and current environmental challenges would make students ideal mentors for school children, helping to foster a deeper appreciation for nature and sustainability in the younger generation.

By volunteering, students would have the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting, while also developing leadership skills and making a positive impact in the local community. This experience would not only benefit the school children but also contribute to the students' personal and professional growth.

We are offering two key roles:

1. YGBC Design Sprint Facilitators support our 1-day Design Sprint Workshops, working with students to use their creativity and teamwork skills to design new climate solutions. They enjoy thinking outside the box, have excellent teamwork and communication skills, are passionate about environmental causes and climate change solutions, and bring a positive and enthusiastic attitude when working with young people.

Time Commitment: ½ - 1 day during school hours (8:30am - 3:30pm); Now - February 2025; In-person only

2. YGBC Challenge Mentors meet regularly with 1-2 student teams to help them implement their climate solutions in a feasible and impactful way. They support students to work as a team to maintain progress, unblock challenges, measure the impact of their solution, and offer guidance when needed. Mentors know how to get new ideas off the ground, have industry experience or with nature-based solutions, and are great at listening and asking questions when working with young people.

Time Commitment: 1-4 hours per month during school hours (8:30am - 4:30pm); March - July 2025; In-person or virtual
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Project Management, Public Speaking, Team Working
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Monday AM, Monday PM, Tuesday AM, Tuesday PM, Wednesday AM, Wednesday PM, Thursday AM, Thursday PM, Friday AM, Friday PM
DBS required: On
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 3
Location:
M12 4BA