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What is Strategic Volunteering?

Finding a job after moving countries, changing fields, or taking a career break isn’t always easy. With our strategic volunteering programme, SIVO hopes to provide individuals with a stepping stone to paid work in Central Switzerland.

Volunteering “strategically” means finding a volunteering position which aligns with your career goals. Depending on what these are, this might mean volunteering for a non-profit organisation (NPO), a local initiative, a school or university, a start-up, or a company.

Strategic volunteers can undertake all manner of tasks and projects. The important thing is that volunteers have clear objectives when planning their placement and that the work they do contributes towards these.

SIVO AND STRATEGIC VOLUNTEERING

SIVO was the first organisation to raise awareness of strategic volunteering in the Lucerne area of Switzerland. We piloted our first formal strategic volunteering programme in 2016–17 and have been helping people find placements ever since.

Our role is to act as a bridge between those searching for strategic volunteering opportunities and local organisations looking for support. We help ensure the position is clear in its aims and scope and that it benefits both sides as much as possible.

What are the benefits to volunteer

gain

relevant work experience and new professional skills

perfect

your German language skills

access

a new professional network

There are a number of reasons people decide to try strategic volunteering.

For international residents, strategic volunteering can be a great way to integrate into the Swiss job market. Volunteers can build a valuable local network and demonstrate or develop important skills. Those interested in a career change can use strategic volunteering as an opportunity to try out a new role. Or, for those looking to return to work after a career break, strategic volunteering can be a useful stepping stone back into paid employment.

“By updating many skills as well as exposing myself to business and professional situations, I have regained confidence and improved my communication skills.”

Andrea Schmeer, strategic volunteer

SIVO
2020-08-18T17:13:38+02:00

Andrea Schmeer, strategic volunteer

“By updating many skills as well as exposing myself to business and professional situations, I have regained confidence and improved my communication skills.”

“We are used to working with people from all over the world in the tourism industry and because of that it was indeed an enrichment for the whole team. ”

Patrick Bisch, Luzern Tourismus AG

SIVO
2020-08-24T17:11:00+02:00

Patrick Bisch, Luzern Tourismus AG

“We are used to working with people from all over the world in the tourism industry and because of that it was indeed an enrichment for the whole team. ”

“Despite the short duration of my strategic volunteering, I learned that such positions are wonderful opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.”

Melissa Wuillemin, strategic volunteer

SIVO
2020-08-18T17:14:30+02:00

Melissa Wuillemin, strategic volunteer

“Despite the short duration of my strategic volunteering, I learned that such positions are wonderful opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.”

“At the end of the day, a SIVO strategic volunteer is a highly motivated and experienced person who wants to make an impact and jump-start their career. What a wonderful resource for a lean start-up to have!”

Luke Bragg, Profila

SIVO
2020-08-18T17:16:11+02:00

Luke Bragg, Profila

“At the end of the day, a SIVO strategic volunteer is a highly motivated and experienced person who wants to make an impact and jump-start their career. What a wonderful resource for a lean start-up to have!”

“Because I contribute to SIVO in my spare time, I have improved my time management skills tremendously. Not only am I becoming a more organized person, but I am also learning the meaning of intrinsic motivation.”

Cassandra Montoya, strategic volunteer

SIVO
2020-08-18T17:14:54+02:00

Cassandra Montoya, strategic volunteer

“Because I contribute to SIVO in my spare time, I have improved my time management skills tremendously. Not only am I becoming a more organized person, but I am also learning the meaning of intrinsic motivation.”

“SIVO is the bridge and the matching platform between volunteers and our organisation. With SIVO, we found highly qualified and enthusiastic volunteers to develop our project and grow with a low-risk structure.”

WIForum

SIVO
2020-08-18T17:15:23+02:00

WIForum

“SIVO is the bridge and the matching platform between volunteers and our organisation. With SIVO, we found highly qualified and enthusiastic volunteers to develop our project and grow with a low-risk structure.”
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SIVO

How can I get involved?

If you’re interested in finding a strategic volunteering placement in Central Switzerland or are looking to recruit volunteers, contact us at strategic-volunteering@sivo.ch.

GAIN CURRENT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE AND BUILD YOUR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK WHILE HELPING OTHERS BY BECOMING A STRATEGIC VOLUNTEER. JOIN THE MOVEMENT.

Find out more about SIVO’s Strategic Volunteering Programme right away!

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