MV Awards: Q & A

What the heck is MVA?

MVA started back in 2000 under the old name of Millennium Volunteers and will differ depending on where about in Britain you live.

Basically, MVA is an accredited volunteering scheme for young people -- you get recognised for all the volunteer work you do. If you love certificates -- and let's face it, who doesn't? -- MVA is for you; you can tot up your hours and work towards a whole pile of shiny things to hang on your wall.

How many hours are we talking about here?

Well, in order to qualify for a certificate, you'd have to complete either fifty, one hundred, or two hundred hours. And although that might seem to encourage a bit of competitive spirit, the emphasis is really on getting you to complete the number of hours you feel comfortable with, doing something you actually like. You might find you like doing whatever you're doing so much you rack up more hours than you'd initially intended.

I have a mountain of homework/assignments for college or Uni/extra-curricular stuff/a life/am surgically attached to my PS2. Is there a time limit on this? How long do I get to finish?

You get two fully-blown years. That works out at about eight hours a month -- but again, it's up to you (and probably also your volunteer placement) how many hours you do and when you do them.

Tell me more about the rewards for all my hard work.

MV is all about certification. Depending on the number of hours you want to volunteer -- and actually do complete -- your certificates are signed by Ministers of the Scottish Parliament, with the 200 hour Awards of Excellence (as it's called) is signed by the First Minister. You might also get officially presented with your Certificate or Award at an awards ceremony-type thing. And now you know...

Sounds interesting. OK, where do I sign?

You'll have to register for the awards, and so will the organisation you're volunteering with. Other than that, it's just up to you to keep a record of the hours you do -- and enjoy it. If you have an email account you can register online on the new MV Volunteering Passport.  If you don't have an email address Get in touch with us

 

 

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