More volunteer stories

Lizzette Robleto – Policy and Advocacy Coordinator – Latin America and the Caribbean (left) and Shaheen Saib – Policy and Advocacy Volunteer (right)

Volunteering at our London office is a rewarding and enriching

What’s it like?

Dermott McNulty, a former volunteer with the Communications team, says:

“I have been a volunteer at Progressio now for about six months. I come in for a day each week and usually do another half day at some stage at home.

“I have been bowled over by the welcome which I have received from the team – and everyone at Progressio really. I have been taken to Brighton on an awayday – and even had ‘Happy Birthday’ sung to me by the massed choir of the Comms team.

“I have even managed to do some work! I could spend all day stuffing envelopes if I wanted but I am currently working on the Catholic social teaching website and a study guide to Charity in Truth. The level of responsibility is up to me (in consultation with others, of course)…”

Shaheen Saib, a former volunteer with the Policy and Advocacy team, says:

“I volunteered for Progressio during my summer break before going back to university to finish my degree. The short but amazing few weeks that I spent at Progressio has given me a whole new insight into the workings of international development.

“My role in the Policy and Advocacy office was far from simple admin duties; I was given countless opportunities to take part in various team and external meetings, whilst overseeing crucial policy work regarding hot topics such as the Haitian Reconstruction Strategy and the banning of illegal timber to EU markets. Not only have I learnt a lot from Progressio but I have also been able to share my own knowledge and expertise with the rest of the team, and even though I only worked a few days a week, I felt very much at home within a diverse and successful organisation.

“For me (and for many) choosing a pathway to follow after university has always been a tricky decision, but if I was flittering between the field of International Development, or elsewhere, these last few weeks at Progressio has certainly convinced me that this is where I belong.”