Student Volunteer Army
Living in a ‘student’ city, we love the energy, creativity and innovation that comes from being a centre of learning
Over the last 8 years as a ‘volunteer organisation’, we have met some amazing students who have worked with us in a variety of ways. From post-grads looking for a ‘brain break’ and enjoying some ‘textile therapy’ as fabric sorters, to interns volunteering as part of their studies, helping with feasibility studies, market research and developing ‘branding assets’ (cool graphics!). It’s wonderful to have such a wide range of ages, backgrounds and experiences among our volunteers, all brought together by the common drive to make a positive difference in the world.
We also love having groups of students from the residential colleges coming during orientation weeks! Most recently, we’ve also been thrilled to host the Student Volunteer Army. Many hands make light work of preparing fabric scraps for upcycling! They enjoyed being involved in a project with a point of difference, and learning a new skill or two along the way.
Check out the SVA team making scrap yarn from the offcuts of our recent bags project for Read Share Grow!
“Futureproof”
Programme
We are also thrilled to have been selected to take part in the 'Futureproof' pilot programme in collaboration with Otago Uni's Social Impact Studio. This will be an exciting few weeks exploring how we can maximise engagement with students to make the most of that innovation and energy towards our mission to inspire and build community through creative practices, while reducing textile waste and its impact on our environment.
“By partnering community organisations and student consultants, Futureproof hopes to facilitate knowledge-sharing and co-development of innovative strategies for engaging and retaining young people as volunteers. Through this process, Futureproof aims to achieve the following:
Support community organisations to enhance, adapt and create diverse and flexible volunteer experiences that continue to stay relevant and meaningful to young people
Young people have meaningful and enjoyable volunteer experiences that contribute to positive social change”
This is definitely a ‘watch this space’ time in the ever-developing future of Stitch Kitchen, student volunteers (and future leaders), and our wonderful city!
