By joining an SVP College Conference you will become part of a student network for social action, in addition to a respected national network of over 11,000 SVP voluntee
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There are SVP societies in colleges across Ireland, including Northern Ireland. Currently, 2020/21, there are college societies in TCD, UCD, DCU, MU, TUD, UCC, Cork College of Commerce, IT Tralee, and NUIG.
Each society is student-led and organises their activities each year based on their interests and skills.
Our college groups run regular social justice workshops to develop their understanding of the context in which they work and take part in fundraising and campaigning. Some College societies also engage in a variety of direct contact work, including with children, older people, people experiencing homelessness and people in college. There are lots of activities that you can get started with straight away, while others require a bit more planning as well as training and Garda vetting. All groups should contact us for advice and support in relation to this.
Each society also holds regular social events, because volunteering is always more fun when you do it with friends! Joining a college SVP society is great way to meet people with similar interests and get involved in meaningful work during your time in college.
Feel free to contact your college SVP society through the email and social media below to find out how you can get involved!
If there isn’t a college group running in your institution, please get in touch with us and we can discuss possibilities for getting involved. Whether you’re interested in setting up a society or running a once-off fundraiser or event, we can support you along the way. If you are interested in having a guest speaker talk or social justice workshop from SVP for your class group or for a college event, we’d be delighted to work with you on that too.
For more information and for contact details for specific groups, please contact the National College Support Officer at colleges@svp.ie.
During your time with SVP
While you’re volunteering with SVP, you will be supported and encouraged – in both your volunteering and your social activities. We will provide ongoing support and guidance in your work, and work to maintain an atmosphere of mutual respect and appreciation.
We are always committed to upholding the safety and wellbeing of volunteers, and you will never volunteer alone or in dangerous situations.
We have clear and accessible policies and channels for communication within the society and within SVP more generally, which will be highlighted to you before and during your time with SVP. We also have formal systems for reporting any concerns around bad practice, mistreatment, or concerns relating to children or vulnerable adults you may work with, of which you will also be informed.
Of course, we also have certain expectations of SVP volunteers!
- To attend information and training sessions.
- To follow SVP policy and best practice guidelines, and to report any concerns in a timely and responsible manner.
- To treat everyone you meet through your role in SVP with dignity and respect.