#6. International Women’s Day: 'This Girl Can'... Volunteer

In celebrating International Women’s Day British Orienteering would like to say thank you to the hundreds of volunteers across the country who play their part in all roles within club committees and leading events. British Orienteering is proud of the diverse nature of the people who volunteer either as part of a committee or at the many events taking place.  

Within committees, women currently make up a third of those in positions. This has increased steadily over the last few years and is very pleasing to see that it’s closing in-line with the national membership split of 40% women and 60% men.  

Volunteering offers so many opportunities on a personal level to develop whilst playing a crucial part in ensuring the enjoyment of people across the country. 

British Orienteering previously caught up with AnnMarie Thetford, Chairperson of South East Lancashire Orienteering Club (SELOC) who described her feelings on taking on the position.

But do you even know that you’re volunteering? The latest Sport England Active Lives Survey revealed that 6.2m adults (14%) volunteered at least twice in 12 months. The most common roles including providing transport, coaching, day assistant, committee role, marshalling and officiating. So you could already be having a positive impact on peoples lives. 

Continuing, Annmarie explained that working together as a club, SELOC want to promote the mental and physical benefits of the sport whilst encouraging more families and other members to become involved at events taking part and volunteering to continue to drive the experience forward.  

On a personal level, with her children now at University, Annmarie described the feeling of achievement taking on such a role within the club.  

International Women's Day (IWD) provides an important moment to showcase commitment to women's equality, launch new initiatives and action, celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness, highlight gender parity gains and more.

The day is celebrated and supported globally by industry, governments, educational institutions, community groups, professional associations, women's networks, charities and non-profit bodies, the media and more.

Collectively every person and all groups can make a difference within their sphere of influence by taking concrete action to help build a more gender equal world. From small powerful grassroots gatherings to large-scale conference and events - International Women's Day is celebrated everywhere. It's a big day for inspiration and change.

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Are you interested in orienteering, but don’t know enough about the sport?
This set of Frequently Asked Questions will help you find out more.

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#ThisGirlCan #IWD #ParkRun #Orienteering

#IWD2020 #EachforEqual #BigThankYou #Volunteers