Few good things have happened as a result of COVID-19, but one silver lining has been the increased recognition of volunteering and the absolute necessity of people giving their time in all sorts of ways so that communities can survive and thrive.

This Volunteers’ Week I like to say thank you to each and every one of you for everything you have done to support your group and the wider RDA community through this incredibly tough year.

Sadly, I have to report the death of Pat Messam, County Physio in Norfolk for many years and Joint Regional Physio for East Region. Norfolk County Coach Lorna Mitchell says: “Pat, though a quiet gentle person, had great strength of character and resilience who made a difference to so many of us in Norfolk.”

An interview with Rachel Medill

Ahead of the EGM to vote in the new Chair of RDA UK, we asked Interim Chair and Regional Chair for South Region Frances Lochrane to record a chat with nominee Rachel Medill, to help you put a face to the name and find out more about her. The conversation is available to watch here: https://youtu.be/hVqN5jGF-m4

Fundraising Workshops

Our fundraising team will be delivering a series of training sessions for novice fundraisers over the next few weeks, via Zoom. There are 15 places available on each workshop on a first come first serve basis (one person per group please). Further workshops are planned, including for those with more experience of fundraising.

1. An Introduction to Corporate Fundraising: a practical learning session designed to benefit people who are completely new to fundraising. The workshop provides insight into corporate fundraising and increasing your knowledge in this area. Led by highly experienced corporate fundraisers, the session will introduce a practical approach and cover a wide range of topics including:

• The different fundraising methods corporates could use to support your organisation.
• Gaining an understanding of what corporates expect in return for their support.

Details:

• Wednesday 9 June, 10:30am – 1:00pm
• Register your interest by Monday 7 June to: cpryme@rda.org.uk

1. An Introduction to fundraising: if you are new to fundraising and want to develop your understanding and knowledge of fundraising this is the workshop for you.  We will cover topics including:

• Useful tools and resources to find funding opportunities.
• A practical introduction covering basic principles and best practices. 
• Understanding how to manage your relationships and why your relationship(s) with your donors and supporters is critical to your success.

Details:

• Wednesday 17 June, 10:30am – 1:00pm
• Register your interest by 15 June to: cyapp@rda.org.uk

3. An Introduction to Grant Making: whether you are new to grant fundraising, looking to build on your fundraising experience, or you are supporting others to make grant funding applications, this programme will help you build your knowledge and skills to do so.  This workshop is aimed at attendees at various levels of experience. We will cover topics including:

• How to find funding opportunities and how to decide which funds are right for you.
• Investigate reasons applications are rejected, and top tips for increasing your success rates.
• Understand how applications are assessed and start to look at your applications from the perspective of the funder.

Details:

• Wednesday 22^nd June, 10:30am – 1:00pm
• Register your interest by Monday 20 June to: rthompson@rda.org.uk

30-minute webinar

Tonight, 7pm Volunteers’ Week Special

Lindsay Correa, National Volunteering Lead and Faye McKenning, Projects Co-ordinator: Volunteer Development will be talking about all things volunteering, and Lindsay’s volunteering journey. If you have any questions please send them to fmckenning@rda.org.uk

Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nfsR3IA1SFaxjvsLsoYy8w

Next week: 10 June, Coaching Week

To mark Coaching Week, we hear from Abingdon Coach and regular blogger India Collins-Davies about what coaching within RDA means to her, what she missed during lockdown and what is enriching her life once again now the group is back open and filming their virtual qualifier videos. She’ll also use the opportunity to reach out to young coaches and volunteers who are thinking about joining the coaching pathway.

Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7lxOcr11QeOu-Td7VYw6Nw

You can catch India’s blog here: https://www.rdacoachindia.co.uk/

RDA Banners mystery!

We seem to be missing a couple of RDA event banners (like you might put above a stand or on a fence). They are big and white and have just our logo and website on them. Is there any chance you know where they are? Have they been forgotten about during lockdown? We’d love them back so if you can help solve our mystery please email Cat cyapp@rda.org.uk