Volunteers Week: We keep going, we’ll keep growing, thanks to you
Volunteers’ Week banner in English
JUNE 1st-7th is Volunteers’ Week, and this year’s theme is ‘A Time To Say Thanks’.
Volunteers’ Week banner in Welsh
The Open Table Network wouldn’t - and couldn’t - exist without the volunteers who give energy, time and talents, across England and Wales. All of our Trustees and our Patrons do the same. So we want to thank them all for making OTN what it is today.
Of course, if you’re a potential volunteer, we want to say: ‘Welcome!’ After all, giving LGBTQIA+ people an open, heartfelt welcome is what OTN is all about.
One of OTN’s requirements for all our communities is that LGBTQIA+ people are involved in every aspect of planning and leadership.
In 2021, our network grew from 18 to 22 communities, with the support of 140 volunteers, who gave around 1370 volunteer hours a month.
In 2022, three more communities have already joined our network, and we're working with more than ten other churches to explore whether they can host an Open Table community.
In 2021, we asked our volunteers ‘What attracted you to support your Open Table community’.
Their responses showed that their support for others grew out of support for themselves. The reasons they gave included:
Help to integrate my spirituality and my sexuality / gender identity
Wanted to be part of support, affirmation and change for LGBTQIA+ people
Wanted to create an explicit welcome for LGBTQIA+ people
Wanted to be part of an LGBTQIA+ affirming community
Inclusive worship and liturgy
A sense of belonging and community
Wanted to provide support for LGBTQIA+ people in ministry
Wanted to create a non-judgmental safe community.
Here are just a couple of the personal quotes that people added to their answers:
“Open Table Network was really good for my mental health, but super fun because I’ve been part of it.”
“I start to see people begin to flourish as they begin to accept themselves and find people who have lived similar experiences.”
Read the full report on our research with our members, volunteers and partners.
Before you go, we just want to say this: May God bless you all, as you are a blessing to us.
Here’s how you could support us, through prayer, volunteering and giving.
