The Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) Foundation is reaching out to citizens across the island to join its new volunteer programme, aimed at galvanizing critical human resources to support development projects at the community level, says General Manager, Saffrey Brown.

Ms. Brown explained that Act!on Jamaica, which is being rolled out by the JN Foundation last month, has been developed as a national volunteer corps that will “foster civic engagement and empower Jamaicans to become active participants in tackling some of the nation’s most persistent challenges.”

Through Act!on Jamaica, the JN Foundation is seeking to “expand the impact of existing organisations by developing a national strategy for volunteerism; and, thereby place emphasis on establishing working partnerships to supplement and strengthen charitable efforts within communities,” the General Manager pointed out.

The call for volunteers to “take action,” she says, is primarily in response to a long-standing need to organise assistance efforts in line with the ongoing work of local community-based organisations. It will however, also support non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and funding and development agencies, with projects in the specific areas of: rural development, education, youth, community, crime and safety.

“The JN Foundation will match the interests and competencies of volunteers with existing and upcoming projects included in an approved annual schedule of activities,” the General Manager further explained, “Organisations and community groups, are therefore invited to submit requests for Act!on volunteers to assist with their own programmes.”

Ms. Brown explained that the volunteer corps will be structured into three groupings to allow for organising and placement of volunteers based on their special interests and skills.

Team Innovate, Team Inspire and Team Impact will each work in specified areas. “For instance, volunteers who will provide technical expertise to a project will be channeled into Team Innovate; while those interested in education/outreach, and may want to participate in our school reading unit, will be placed in Team Inspire; and Team Impact will be called upon should we require a work group for labour intensive activities, such as a paint day.”  

Civic-Minded Society

Earl Jarrett, General Manager of Jamaica National Building Society and Chairman of the JNBS Foundation contends that with the country’s limited resources, volunteerism and community service are fundamental to maximizing the efficacy and impact of such social, educational, environmental and other interventions.

“Jamaica is among the most civic-minded societies in the region,” Mr. Jarrett maintains, noting that the spirit of volunteerism of the Jamaican people, has historically been a major contributor in bolstering the capacity of community groups, schools, institutions and others to fulfill their roles in the society.

“Act!on Jamaica will facilitate, channel and use the talents and skills of average Jamaicans who want to give back, and aims to make service a way of life for all Jamaicans,” he said.

“By implementing a structured programme to organise the philanthropic efforts of volunteers, the JN Foundation is extending the reach of volunteers in positively transforming the lives of citizens and communities,” Mr. Jarrett concluded.

To join the Act!on Jamaica volunteer corps, interested persons are required to complete the Act!on Jamaica application form, which is available via the JN Foundation’s website at www.jnfoundation.com.