Volunteering

Volunteering is generally defined as a willingly chosen activity with no financial gain involved. It is appreciated for skill development, community-oriented work and valuable experience. It is a way to discover favorite activities or spend time productively.

Volunteering has an enduring impact on the general affairs of society. It is one of the cornerstones of civil society, and without it, the community-building process would be impossible.

Prof. Leonidas Donskis, 26 October 2011

Vytautas Magnus University offers students the opportunity to volunteer at the University and, in doing so, to acquire new or enhance existing knowledge and skills by participating in various activities carried out at VMU, to make friends and find like-minded peers, and ultimately to explore and get to know themselves and the University.

Volunteering at VMU

The volunteering system at Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) was created in order to promote, acknowledge, and support the contribution that VMU students make through volunteering. It is organised in accordance with the Lithuanian Law on Volunteering and the Description of VMU Student Volunteering Procedures. These documents describe volunteering objectives, the rights and duties of volunteers, and the whole system for organising voluntary activities, which helps the volunteers, the university community, and the society as a whole to understand the meaning of volunteering.

By becoming part of the VMU volunteer team, students can not only actively participate in training sessions and seminars intended for them, but also apply their existing and newly acquired knowledge in practice through the following activities offered by the University:

• assisting in the organisation and execution of University events (conferences, meetings, commemorations, etc.);
• assisting in projects and initiatives organised by VMU (e.g. Think Green, VMU – More Than a Specialty, etc.);
• visiting schools and communicating with pupils as representatives of the University;
• assisting students with disabilities;
• creating, organising, and implementing activities at VMU.

Benefits of volunteering:

• Volunteering is a chance to become wiser (Prof. Leonidas Donskis, 26 October 2011);
• Acquire new skills and competences, apply them in practice and thereby enhance your CV (Curriculum Vitae);
• Get to know the university, its structure and management, the people who work here, which will later help you integrate successfully into the VMU community;
• According to the Description of VMU Student Encouragement, Support and Allowance Award Procedures, active volunteers may receive scholarships, presents or souvenirs as encouragement
• Realise your ideas with the support of VMU (using VMU premises, equipment, materials, etc.).

VMU volunteers’ reflections on their activities

I enjoy volunteering at my University because it allows me to develop my personal skills and discover and use my potential. I try to challenge myself in different areas, which helps me understand what I am best at and what truly interests me. Moreover, volunteering allows me to use my free time for self-discovery rather than meaningless activities. After all, it’s really fun to do good deeds.

— Alvita

It’s a space to grow, improve, and enjoy the final result.

— Rūta

Being a VMU volunteer is a great experience. First of all, I have met many cheerful, friendly, and interesting people, with whom I’ve become friends. I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to various events organised by the University, which makes me feel like a full member of the VMU community. I’ve gained greater self-confidence and valuable practical experience in different situations that require making quick and appropriate decisions. Being a VMU volunteer is awesome!

— Gerda

Want to become a VMU volunteer?

Those wishing to join the VMU volunteer team may choose one of the following options:

• join the VMU Volunteer Group on Facebook;
• contact the coordinator of the VMU volunteering programme.

For more information please contact: