Why we need you
The charity has around 100 branches, all run by volunteers, who provide local support to people affected by autism. Every branch is different and so are the activities they provide – they may run parent support groups, adult social groups, children’s activities, conferences or focus on providing information or campaigning. However, no matter how big or small, all branches are hugely valued by the people in their local area.
The Fundraising officer role is important to the running of the branch as they help organise fundraising events for the branch. Without these roles, we would not have as many branches as we do.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the majority of branch roles are now home based and delivered online
What you will be doing
Putting collection tins in local shops or community areas.
Holding a ‘tin shake’ in a local town – this is where Branch members stand outside shops with collection tins and get donations
Holding a sponsored event such as a swim or walk. People will sponsor Branch Members' money to complete certain tasks.
Holding an event for local people to attend – quiz night, auction, raffle, talk, coffee and cake morning – people will give donations when they come.
Having a section on the Branch website that people can click on if they want to give money.
Talking to committee members about different ways to fundraise and deciding what to do as a Branch.
Talking to NAS Regional Fundraising Team and ensuring the Branch complies with the NAS rules on fundraising.
Talking to committee members about different ways to fundraise and deciding what to do as a Branch.
Publicising events, distributing information or fundraising forms, Support people who are fundraising on behalf of the branch
Working with the Treasurer to ensure that the money is collected safely and banked accurately
Skills qualities and experience needed
Confident in working with and communicating with other committee members, and individuals and organisations outside of the branch. This communication will need to be face to face, by telephone and/or email.
Confident and comfortable speaking publicly
Able to explain ideas work together
Able to motivate people and help people
Able to tackle difficult issues and problems and situations and involve other people where necessary
Very organised and able to plan activities and events
Aware of importance of managing and handling money safely and accurately.
When and where
Flexibility on days and the amount of time committed to the role. The majority of branch officers give around 4 hours a week but it depends how active the branch is.
Home based (plus travel to branch activities)
Support
Flexibility on days and the amount of time committed to the role. The majority of branch officers give around 4 hours a week but it depends how active the branch is.
Home based (plus travel to branch activities)
What you could get out of it
Improve support to families affected by autism in your local area
Access free training and learn new skills
Meet new people
We seek applications from anyone interested in the role, but particularly welcome applications from those on the autism spectrum.
You will be asked to attend some branch meetings and also have knowledge of the local area so we ask that you live locally to be able to do this role.
Why we need you
World Autism Awareness Week (WAAW) is the most significant week in the National Autistic Society’s yearly calendar, both in terms of campaigning and fundraising. In 2021, WAAW will take place from Monday 29 March until Sunday 4 April.
In the Supporter Fundraising team, we know that the more direct contact we have with our supporters, the more money we will raise. We have recently been hit hard by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, both in terms of funds raised and our team resource. We would benefit hugely from the support of a volunteer in the WAAW 2021 team, who would enable us to reach more of our fantastic fundraisers, to support them in their fundraising plans and ultimately raise more money to help autistic people and their families.
What you will be doing
Liaising directly with supporters to support them with their fundraising plans, over email and on the phone and via social media e.g., Facebook groups.
Responding to enquiries from WAAW fundraisers, inc. Super 7 Challenge participants.
Supporting the Senior Fundraising Campaigns Officer with planning marketing and stewardship activity for the Super 7 Challenge, the Spectrum Night Walks and WAAW in general.
Engaging with internal support teams on other aspects of the campaign, including data selections, social media posts and responses, marketing plans and fundraising merchandise.
You will need access to a computer and a good internet connection.
Skills, qualities and experience needed
Skills/experience
Written skills
Experience in communicating with supporters/customers/clients, as well as colleagues, would be helpful for this role
Familiarity with Microsoft Office 365 programmes, particularly Word, Outlook, Excel
Qualities
Confident and warm phone manner
Happy to interact with the wider team
Able to carry out tasks on using your own initiative as this role is home based
When and where
Location
The role is homebased, when Covid19 restrictions are changed there may be an opportunity to travel to our London office if you wish to, this is not mandatory for the role.
Hours
We are hoping for our volunteer will be available for around 3 days/21 hours per week, though we are very flexible as to which days and what hours they choose to volunteer, this role could be shared between 2 volunteers.
We would like you to start volunteering with us from mid-January onwards if possible, and we would like you to be able to volunteer in this role for at least three months, until after WAAW 2021 has taken place.
Support
This role will be managed by the Senior Fundraising Campaigns Officer, who will be available to support you in this role.
Members of the wider Supporter Fundraising will be on hand to provide any training or support you may need and answer any questions
The role will also involve liaising with a number of support teams, including Marketing, Data Services, Supporter Care, Social Media, Content and others.
What you can get out of it
You will be able to gain a breadth of experience in all aspects a fundraising campaign, including marketing, supporter stewardship and logistical planning.
We aim for the volunteer roles to be a fun one, and you will enjoy engaging with the Supporter Fundraising team and other colleagues across the NAS.
There is also opportunity to learn much more about the experiences of autistic people and their families.
You will have access to our e-learning modules which include autism awareness, safeguarding and GDPR.
We seek applications from anyone interested in the role, but particularly welcome applications from those on the autism spectrum.
Why we need you
Moderating is a very satisfying and convenient way to make a direct contribution to the charity and to people affected by autism. You will be directly involved in supporting a lively and fascinating peer-to-peer community. You will be part of a team of like-minded people (moderators) who, with the Community Manager, maintain and develop the Community.
What you will be doing
You will moderate the user generated content on the National Autistic Society (NAS) Online Community. You will ensure that users adhere to the Community’s rules, creating a safe space which protects the interests of the users and of the NAS.
Tasks will include:
Ensuring the community is used appropriately
Assisting users having difficulty using the community
Protecting users by keeping an eye out for irrelevant or controversial information (this may include inappropriate medical advice, inappropriate advice on strategies to use; every autistic individual is different and what may work for one individual may not work for another)
Protecting users by looking out for advertising, promotion of products and unapproved research requests
Looking out for inaccurate postings about the NAS
Intervening only where absolutely necessary, mainly by referring to others; by signposting where appropriate for relevant information; and, occasionally, by editing or removing posts or
Sending handover notes to other moderators
Alerting line manager to anything concerning that is posted on the community
Skills qualities and experience needed
a positive attitude
a commitment to/enthusiasm for information provision
good communication skills
a good standard of English
good comprehension skills
sensitivity to individuals’ needs and confidentiality
be a confident internet user
able to keep track of your progress and manage your time
good administration skills
ability to accurately record information
general IT skills
able to use own initiative when volunteering
an interest in autism
ability to represent the NAS’s values whilst volunteering
When and where
the role is home-based
we like volunteers to give one regular 2-3 hour shift each week on your allocated day (currently seeking Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays)
we like volunteers to commit to the role for a minimum of one year, this helps us to provide a consistent service to those who use our online community
you will need access to a computer/tablet, and a good internet connection
Support
online autism awareness training and other e-learning courses
online volunteer induction
ongoing support with your line manager
What you could get out of it
ongoing support
feeling valued
using talents and experience to help others
learning new skills with training provided
making a real difference by helping others
having the satisfaction of seeing results
helping the National Autistic Society to maintain its much valued Online Community
We seek applications from anyone interested in the role, but particularly welcome applications from those on the autism spectrum.