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Civic Engagement

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Student Volunteering Guidelines

There is a long tradition of student and staff volunteering both within the College and beyond in the local, national and international communities. Volunteering not only serves to benefit others, but it also has a positive impact on the individual including their personal and professional development.
Become a Student Volunteer Check out the exciting volunteering opportunities for students. Explore

Ethical Volunteering

One of Trinity's Graduate Attributes is To Act Responsibly. Trinity's volunteer rights, responsibilities and standards are set out in the Trinity Volunteer Charter.

Trinity College Dublin is committed to promoting, encouraging and incentivizing greater local, national and international civic engagement by members of the College community.

We value

responsible, collaborative and sustainable engagements

in international development which

respect host cultures and communities, and respond to local needs.

and also,

meaningful international development volunteering

and service-learning placements present significant educational experiences.

This encourages adaptability, ethical responsibility and global awareness among participants. There is more information about ethical volunteering on the Comhlamh website.

Useful Documents

Garda Vetting (PDF 400KB)

Getting Started with Volunteering (PDF 1.16MB)

International Volunteering (PDF 192KB)

Advice and Visas

Department of Foreign Affairs travel advice should be considered before committing to a placement.
It is not recommended to travel to any region where the level of warning exceeds "exercise caution."
It is the responsibility of the individual travelling to ensure he/she obtains the correct visa to enter their intended destination.

Insurance

Appropriate travel, medical, and personal liability insurance should be obtained. Read the terms and conditions of any policy to ensure that the planned destination and activities, and possible health risks and needs are covered. If an individual chooses of their own volition to travel to an area of political unrest, they should take care that there are no insurance restrictions on related situations which might arise e.g. acts of war, terrorism or kidnap and ransom.

Health

International development experiences can be both physically and psychologically demanding. Becoming ill while abroad can be particularly distressing for the individual, for his/her family, for others involved in the volunteer programme and for the host community. Before travelling, individuals should:

  • Ensure he/she is physically and emotionally fit to participate.
  • Obtain appropriate vaccinations
  • Take medical advice on the need for anti-malarial medication
  • Determine what health services are available in/near the host community
  • Be mindful of risks associated with drug and alcohol use, sexual health, road traffic accidents etc.

Local Volunteering

Trinity Organisations

Central Societies Committee
Dublin University Central Athletics Club (DUCAC)

Local and National Organisations

Localise - Youth Volunteering
Simon
Volunteer Fair