Volunteering with Million Minutes has been an incredibly inspiring journey and I feel truly privileged to have experienced it. From the very first day, I was welcomed into a passionate and dedicated team, where I felt safe and valued despite stepping into an environment I knew little about, especially as am not a Catholic. The warmth, kindness, and support I received made it easy for me to grow both personally and professionally.
Joining Million Minutes came at a perfect time for me. After raising my family and completing my studies, I was eager to gain new skills and “fill the gap” in my CV. I was offered the opportunity – along with the freedom to explore creative ideas without fear of failure. Rather than feeling pressure to get everything right, I was empowered to experiment, innovate, and learn from experience. This trust allowed me to develop confidence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of effective communication.
I found myself immersed in a completely new world – one that combined the Catholic community's values with powerful social action. To understand this environment, I engaged deeply with the charity's mission, learning about its work, partnering organisations, and its various audiences. I delved into critical social issues such as racial justice, child poverty; I summarised important reports such as ‘The Cross of the Moment’ from the Boundary Breaking Project, and the final report of the Synod on Synodality, so we could accurately align our communication efforts with the charity's mission. Although the content was complex, each insight gained brought me closer to understanding the meaningful impact we could create and that by listening to diverse experiences and learning from them we could nurture healthier, more inclusive communities.
One of the most enriching aspects of my journey has been meeting inspiring women who are committed to driving positive change in society by creating safe spaces for young people, ensuring their voices are heard, valued and included. Working with Million Minutes has also reminded me that we all have unique gifts to share and important roles to play. Each step we take - no matter how small - can create ripples of meaningful change. By fostering trust, support, and respect, we can build stronger communities for the common good.
A particularly memorable experience was the work on our SiLent campaign, which invited people to spend time in silence, reflecting on the community's needs and how they could help addressing those needs. This year, we introduced an additional element- "Act Loud" - an inspiring call to turn those reflections into purposeful action. Inspired by this powerful message, I reached out to my local Catholic school and offered to help organise a litter-picking campaign in the area around the school. The event is scheduled for May, after Lent, once the school confirms the date with a partnering organisation. This act felt like a meaningful way to support the school community but also to set an example for my child, demonstrating the power of collective effort and the importance of caring for our environment.
Looking ahead, I intend to continue my involvement with the school community to ensure this positive change endures, keeping the area clean and safe for children.
If you're looking for an opportunity to make a difference, I encourage you to volunteer with Million Minutes. Whether you're seeking new experiences, hoping to give back to your community, or simply want to connect with inspiring people, you'll find a warm and welcoming environment where your contributions are valued. By stepping forward, you can play a vital role in creating lasting change - one small act at a time.
If you want to get involved with volunteering at Million Minutes, contact us here.
