SO, WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING A VOLUNTEER WASTE PREVENTION ADVISOR IN WEST SUSSEX?
Almost 2 years after signing up to be recruited and trained as a Volunteer with the title: Waste Prevention Advisor, I have asked this question to myself recently, by taking an honest step back to asses: what is it like?
From the moment of recruitment by West Sussex County Council and Better Tomorrows, I was treated as someone special by the staff as someone who, with training and guidance, could make an enormous difference in West Sussex, by reaching out to communities at grass routes.
My personal experience has been one of a journey of the mind - of high-quality training to interaction with locals at grass routes and encounters with amazing co-volunteers from all walks of life. The skills and knowledge of my peers are phenomenal and as varied as is typical of the United Kingdom. What is however not varied is the common denominator, which bonds us together: that of a passion for this County, country and the environment, of which we are all custodians
The glue, bonding us further, is the commitment to work together, no matter what our personal background or culture is, to make a difference as equals around one common goal. Volunteers are encouraged to be creative and develop new initiatives, fit for their special interest or community and to think out of the box.
The team at West Sussex County Council and Better Tomorrows has equipped me from day one, and still continue to do so, with the skills and knowledge on how to manage waste, ensure health and safety is adhered to, and to reach out to the public with information on waste prevention, which includes household, food and business waste at various events. These range from Farmer’s Markets, to Shows, Carnivals, Festivals, Non-profit Organizations, Seniors and Rate Payers Associations and many more. From home visits to Power Point Presentations to educational and interactive knowledge transfer to school learners and their tutors.
This means interaction with everyone who visits these events and thus the unique chance to interact with a broad spectrum of our population, literally empowering me to keep my feet firmly on the ground and see the bigger picture of what people are thinking, doing and learn of their interesting lifestyles. In itself this is an honour and a huge platform to build knowledge - and it’s free! All I do is pass on knowledge of something I know will help the environment and save everyone a lot of money! By implementing the skills and knowledge so well presented, that even a child can understand it, I have saved myself a significant amount of money and effort as well.
Finally, traveling around the County via green valleys, I see trees in spring and fall colours, rolling hills and waves, fields bursting with yields, fat sheep on short legs and all the other animals out to pasture, both tame and wild deer foraging and rabbits showing off their bushy tails. I sample and buy food, see art, produce and new gadgets offered by talented people from around the country. I am beguiled by the children, who are avid learners, learn from the senior citizens and have even been regaled by the Town Crier in towns down south.
What a beautiful County to live in and do my bit to make a difference: what great people I have met in my work as a volunteer Waste Prevention Advisor! If this is up your ally - and you have the time and inclination to volunteer and learn a new skill: do the wise thing - join us today!
Anthea Rossouw, Waste Prevention Advisor – CRAWLEY
RELEASED for WSCC & Better Tomorrows: 1st June 2009