The Power of Storytelling: #WeVolunteerFor

The VSO Kenya Volunteer Engagement Event in March marked a day of inspiration, unity, and the undeniable power of storytelling. Hosted at the vibrant Kenyatta University in Nairobi, this hybrid event was a melting pot of experiences, insights, and heartfelt connections, bringing together volunteers from all corners of the country and the world.

A blend of virtual and in-person magic?

Susan Kiamba, a seasoned career coach, charged up guests who attended in-person while VSO volunteer, Fridah Okomo, a Kenyan national now based in the UK, was the virtual event host. With smooth coordination and great collaboration on their side, they made the day incredibly memorable and really highlighted the importance of sharing our volunteering experiences.

With a total of 150 attendees, comprising 110 face-to-face participants and 40 virtual attendees, the event was a seamless blend of online and offline engagement. Although not everyone was able to make the day, we wanted to give a huge shout-out and thanks to the 266 passionate volunteers who registered, showcasing the immense enthusiasm and commitment to VSO's mission and cause.

Audience spotlight?

Our event participant list was diverse and inspiring. We were thrilled to welcome volunteers from various locations, all who are making a difference in their own communities as active citizens. We were also delighted to welcome International Citizen Service (ICS) alumni from both Kenya and the UK.?

Once the guests had settled down and connected with one another, we started rolling with the agenda of the day. To begin, we heard about the history of VSO Kenya which was presented by Business Pursuit Lead for the Horn of Africa, George Awalla, who has been part of the organisation for over two decades.

From detailing when the first volunteers first set foot in the country in 1959, coming by ship all the way from London, to detailing what our practice areas look like now, we really saw just how impactful VSO volunteers have been in communities across Kenya.

The power of storytelling

One of the main objectives of the events was to inspire volunteer engagement through storytelling. And wow, did our volunteers deliver! From heart-warming anecdotes to transformative experiences, the stories shared were nothing short of captivating. ?

A panel discussion with VSO volunteers Lucy Asewe, Gerishon Were, Marina Illerhues, and Mbaire Kamau, revealed the inspiring change volunteers are creating in their communities and how their volunteering experiences have impacted them personally and professionally.

Their stories were amplified even further when in the next session, Hilary Lyons, a multi-award winning public speaking trainer based in the UK, shared her tips and tricks on sharing your own story with the world.?

“The more life you bring to your delivery, the bigger the impact on your story” she said while delivering her key principles of impactful storytelling.

Building a strong online community?

As we live in the age of digital connectivity, fostering an inclusive and united online community is paramount. Our volunteers took to social media, sharing their tales of resilience, compassion, and growth, creating a vibrant tapestry of shared experiences, using the hashtag #WeVolunteerFor. After reading this blog post, take some time to do the same and share your volunteering experiences for the world to see!

The Volunteer Engagement Event laid the groundwork for sustained storytelling efforts and fostering ongoing connections within our vibrant volunteer community.?We wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who attended, shared, and contributed to making this event a resounding success.

Join the movement?

Inspired by the stories and experiences shared? Eager to make a difference and join our incredible network of volunteers in our official Facebook Group.

Remember to share your story on LinkedIn with hashtag #WeVolunteerFor and join us in creating a brighter and more inclusive world. We have loved seeing all of your posts so far!

Written by Margaret Njuki