PLEASE NOTE: Stitch's volunteering programs are only open to Stitch members, which means you must be aged 50 or over to participate. If you are under 50 but would like to contribute in some way, then please reach out to us and we would be happy to chat.
One of the most rewarding things we've seen as we build the Stitch Community is the ever-increasing number of members who would like to volunteer their time and experience to help the community deliver its social mission.
While almost every single member of Stitch has a wealth of skills and experience they can offer to help the community, we have found that the single most important thing Stitch members can do is help the Stitch community become active in their local area.
If the community isn't active in your area yet, that might involve helping start community activities for the first time. Or if it is already active to some extent, it might consist of helping the community become richer and more diverse by extending local community activities to different neighborhoods, different interest groups, or even just different days of the week.
We have learned, however, that the most challenging time for a local community is when it is just getting started, so we created a program designed to provide community pioneers with the support, guidance, and encouragement they need. We call this the Stitch Pioneer Program.
It's called the Pioneer Program because our community volunteers are the pioneers helping to establish communities and build social connections in new areas.
The program has been designed to be not only rewarding, but also fun! Many of our Pioneers tell us they have built lifelong friendships through the program.
How the Pioneer Program Works
Watch the video below to learn about how the Pioneer Program works, and the opportunities for you to get involved as a Pioneer.
Goals of the program
The Community Pioneer Program has been designed to enrich the community in a variety of ways:
Support Pioneers
The primary aim is to support and encourage our Pioneers as they start to establish community activity in their areasDevelop Champions
The program helps grow and develop Community Champions by providing coaching to help them expand their impact across the communityNurture Communities
By supporting and encouraging our Pioneers, the program helps grow, nurture, and support local communities around the world
That might sound like a lot of work, but it's not. It's the best volunteering role in the world, because it's all about having fun.
But it's having fun with a purpose.
Community Pioneers grow the community in new areas by:
Joining a group of fellow Pioneers to meet regularly over a 4-month period, under the guidance of a Community Mentor
Suggesting and organizing events and activities over those four months
Pioneers who have joined the program have told us it's been one of the best things they have done since joining Stitch!
I'm interested! How do I get started?
If you would like to get involved in growing your local community as a Pioneer, you can learn more about Community Pioneer Volunteering and register to the program by selecting the button below.
Alternatively, if you live in an area where the community is already active and would like to make a positive difference as a Mentor, please reach out to us via email at volunteering@stitch.net.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
We are told time and again by Stitch members and volunteers that volunteering with the Stitch Community is one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives.
Find out some of the benefits and rewards you get from volunteering with the Stitch Community below.
Comments from existing volunteers
Champion a good cause
Loneliness has been called the “epidemic of the 21st century”.
61% of American adults have reported feeling lonely, and 25% of Australians say they are lonely each week. Even worse, the stigma associated with loneliness and isolation means it is most often unrecognised and under-reported, meaning that those in need do not get the help and support they need to lead happy and healthy lives.
When loneliness is not addressed, the effects on our mental and physical well-being are profound. Studies have shown that if you’re over 60, loneliness increases your risk of death more than obesity, alcohol, poor diet, or lack of exercise, and is as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
That's where the Stitch Community comes in.
As a Stitch volunteer, you will be helping to address and reduce loneliness and social isolation in your local community.
Make new friends and companions
Stitch is designed to help local communities connect and enable as many people as possible to make meaningful friendships that enrich their lives.
All Stitch volunteers (provided they are at least 50 years old) are more than welcome to join Stitch and take advantage of all the Community has to offer, which includes friendship and companionship with like-minded individuals.
Volunteering is good for your health
Numerous studies have revealed the positive effects of volunteering on our mental and physical well-being. It aids in not only reducing our stress levels and strengthening our immunity, it boosts our confidence, and increases our overall sense of fulfilment and satisfaction.
Volunteering with Stitch is also a whole lot of fun!