I was speaking with a few of the volunteers lately and asked them if they can describe what they enjoy about volunteering.  Here are a few of their answers…

1. Why do you volunteer?

• To have fun.
• To make positive use of some idle time in your life, and use some of the skills you have acquired throughout your life.
• Some RQYS Members use the facilities provided, but do not contribute to the Squadron in any way, other than paying membership fees and marina charges. 
• Donate your time and energy to community service, helping others.
• By becoming an active member and as a result, a Volunteer.
• Anyone can be a volunteer, no membership or sailing ability required.

2. What do you love most about volunteering with RQ?

• Working with a dedicated, fun loving group of people who want to help provide  Race Management at the level expected by our competitive sailing members.
• Enjoying a drink after racing and the camaraderie of your fellow Volunteers
• personal satisfaction in using some of the skills you have in assisting in the Race Management at the Squadron
• It’s okay to say no when you want to – there’s no pressure to volunteer every week

3. How to get involved, some examples:

• “I was walking across the main rigging lawn one day and the then Marine Sports Manager asked me if I could help out that afternoon on the water. I said yes and have been involved ever since and that’s about seven years ago.”
• “My sailing daughter suggested I could help on Saturdays, and that it didn’t matter that I had no sailing ability at all.”

4. Some impressive features about the volunteer program:

• The fact that we sail the whole year through and not just through summer.
• The number of Volunteers required, due to the large number of weekly races, special Regattas, and International events.
• Personal skills are developed by our Volunteers
• We are highly organised team, with a strong support base.
• Uniform provided for the dedicated.

5. How do your start?

• Email our Volunteer Co-ordinator, Susie Jones, at volunteers@rqys.com.au to get started.
• Go to:  rqys.volunteerroster.com
• Click the request to join button
• Easy!

We’d love to welcome you to our wonderful team!

-Susie Jones, Volunteer Coordinator