Big Society- How is it going to work?

[seekinginspiration]

I'm really confused. I do a bit of volunteering (two hours a week - but only when it fits in with other demands). I have to put paid work and family first so I need to earn some money. I think most mums and even some grannies are in this situation. How is it going to work?

Thanks Gabby!

The problem with Daves idea as I have out lined it is that working but unpaid 'unemployed' people dont pay taxes. And they dont buy much in shops. So Dave's mates revenue drops very quickly, while Dave's welfare bill rises quickly... The deficit increases!

I think that the most effective way to make volunteering work is to establish networks with those who have the time and money to do so. In the area where I live, I volunteered to edit my local community newspaper, the Goldsworth News, for my community association, the Goldsworth Park Community Association (GPCA) in Woking. I did this on top of my parental and household responsibilities. In the last 6 months, I have promoted local community organisations to residents to USE IT OR LOSE IT so that these organisations do not lose their council grants.

In December, we did succeed in forcing a Council U-turn on cutting a council grant by a third to a local coffee shop for the elderly. Residents' pressure did work. Although it was a small success, it is better than standing back and watching the cuts happen. We do have a voice if we engage positively with government structures locally and nationally in coming up with innovative solutions in these tough economic times.

It's not always easy to volunteer and sometimes when I feel overstretched, I ask myself why I do it. Yes - there are off days but this does not overshadow the sense of achievement when you've managed to help somebody else. It's the best feeling in the world.