21st century volunteering
29 May 2014
On Thursday 5 June, charities, campaign groups, campaigning individuals will have the chance to hear from the Speaker of the House of Commons about how people power can influence politics.
The Rt Hon John Bercow is to give a lecture on 'Engagement with politics and 21st century volunteering' at the Wales Governance Centre at Cardiff University. Sponsored by Presiding Officer Dame Rosemary Butler AM and held in partnership with the Wales Governance Centre, the event will take place at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay from 6.30pm to 8pm.
Taking place during Volunteers' Week, Mr. Speaker's address will focus on the role of volunteers in politics. Volunteering is central to politics and democratic engagement. MPs, AMs, Councilors, charities and campaigning groups all call upon volunteers to run offices, promote campaigns and influence elected politicians.
The Wales Council for Voluntary Action estimates that around half a million people in Wales are involved in formal volunteering, and up to 1.8 million in informal volunteering.
The visit is part of Mr. Bercow's ongoing UK-wide programme to promote the work of Parliament around the country. Since being elected as Speaker in 2009 he has met with schools, colleges and universities, business networks, charities and community groups, campaigners and professional associations to discuss how they can have their voice heard at Westminster.
Presiding Officer Dame Rosemary Butler AM said: "I am pleased to welcome Speaker Bercow to the National Assembly in support of Volunteering Week. Charities, campaign groups and campaigning individuals play a central role in the process of scrutinising the Welsh Government and new Welsh laws."
To book a place for Mr. Speaker's lecture, please e-mail parliamentaryoutreach@parliament.uk or call 020 7219 1650, quoting 'Cardiff'.
Volunteers' Week is an annual event which takes place on 1-7 June 2014. It celebrates the contribution made by millions of volunteers across the UK. It's run by NCVO in partnership with Volunteer Development Scotland, Volunteer Now (Northern Ireland) and Wales Council for Voluntary Action.