Meet Max and Soni (IVM Day 2020 spotlight)

Hannah Cunningham from Volunteer Marlborough

Continuing our series on local managers of volunteers for International Volunteer Managers' Day 2020...
Introducing Maxine and Soni, two of the wonderful Youth Workers and coordinators of the MYTAGS (Marlborough Youth Trust Advisory Group) at Marlborough Youth Trust.

- Tell us about how you first got involved with MYT? [Max] I had heard that the youth group out in Seddon was struggling to find enough adults to help keep it running so I started by volunteering my time. Jo (Manager) heard about what I was doing out there and brought me on board.
[Soni] I was working at a winery. Jo knew my mum and when she ran into her, she suggested that I should get my Level 3 Youth Work certificate.

- What do you find most challenging about the work you do here? [Max] There's never enough time, money, or resources to do everything we want to do, but especially in the area of mental health.

- What do you wish other people knew about the young people you work with on MYTAGs and in the community? [Max] I wish people could see them how we see them. Instead of trying to impose a dictatorial relationship on them, get to know them for who they are and release the expectations.
[Soni] Youth are good at moving on when they don't like things. For some people that means they look at these young people and think "oh look, can't even keep a job", but try and look at it more positively. They can keep the job, but they're not feeling it, they want to do something more suited to their interests and passions. So help them succeed!

- What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering with MYT? [Max] Do it! You won't regret it!
[Soni] Come with an open mind. You get back what you put in.

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