The Volunteers’ Programme of RhodesMRC reflects the conference’s broader commitment to civic engagement, education, and community-building. While volunteers play an essential role in supporting the operational and organizational needs of the conference, the programme is designed to extend well beyond logistical support during the conference days. Its purpose is to cultivate an engaged, skilled, and socially conscious volunteering community connected to RhodesMRC’s values and mission.
The programme emphasizes the holistic development of volunteers as individuals and active citizens. Through structured involvement, preparation, and collaboration, volunteers are given opportunities to develop leadership, communication, teamwork, and organizational skills in a demanding yet supportive environment. By participating in the planning and implementation of conference-related activities, volunteers gain hands-on experience that complements academic learning and professional development.
A central objective of the Volunteers’ Programme is the creation of a strong and enduring volunteering community. RhodesMRC seeks to foster long-term engagement by encouraging continuity, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose among volunteers. Participants become part of a network that transcends individual conference editions, promoting mutual support, institutional memory, and sustained involvement in civic initiatives.
In line with RhodesMRC’s emphasis on cooperation and dialogue, the Volunteers’ Programme actively promotes collaboration with external organizations involved in volunteering, civil society, and social action. Through partnerships with local, national, and international initiatives, volunteers are encouraged to broaden their engagement, contribute to diverse causes, and develop a deeper understanding of social responsibility. These collaborations aim to strengthen civic consciousness and highlight volunteering as a meaningful avenue for social impact.
Ultimately, the Volunteers’ Programme positions volunteers not only as facilitators of a conference, but as ambassadors of RhodesMRC’s core values. By fostering responsibility, initiative, and commitment to service, the programme seeks to empower individuals who will carry forward the principles of cooperation, inclusivity, and active citizenship within and beyond the RhodesMRC community.