Gillian is Manager of the Spatial Planning – Research & Development team within the Development Plan Group at Glasgow City Council. Gillian is immediate past Chair of the Partnership and Accreditation Panel, a member of the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee and RTPI Scotland Executive committee and sits on the Education for All oversight group and the Volunteer Advisory Group.
Is this an April Fools? No way, it's not a prank! Volunteering for the RTPI is genuinely one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences you can have. Whether you're passionate about urban planning, community development, or simply want to give back, the RTPI offers a variety of volunteering opportunities that can bring joy, fulfilment, and even a few laughs along the way.
From participating in local community projects to mentoring aspiring planners, the ways you can contribute are diverse and impactful. Imagine the satisfaction of seeing a project you helped with come to life, or the fun of brainstorming creative solutions with like-minded individuals. Volunteering with the RTPI isn't just about giving your time; it's about making meaningful connections, learning new skills, and having a great time while doing it.
Did you know that volunteering can actually make you live longer? No joke! Studies have shown that people who volunteer regularly have lower mortality rates than those who don't.
Gillian at a Scottish Government event for young female planners and built environment professionals
Gillian at a Glasgow City Council community engagement event
Believe it or not, volunteering can boost your career prospects. It’s true! Many employers value the skills and experiences gained through volunteering, sometimes even more than formal work experience. Darren Muir, Director at Pegasus Group wrote in a previous blog, “Ultimately, supporting employees who want to volunteer can not only drive successful innovation, but also positively impact on a company’s bottom line.”
Here's a surprising fact: volunteering can improve your mental health. It might sound like a prank, but research indicates that volunteering can reduce stress, combat depression, and increase happiness.
You might think this is a trick, but volunteering can help you learn new skills faster than some formal education programs. From leadership to project management, the hands-on experience is invaluable. In the 2024 RTPI volunteer survey, 53% said that volunteering had a positive impact on their professional development and 66% said it positively impacted their personal development such as confidence.
Guess what? Volunteering can actually help you make new friends and expand your social network. It’s not just an April Fools' gag; it's a great way to meet like-minded people and build lasting relationships. In the volunteer survey, 70% said that volunteering introduces them to new people, places and areas.
Gillian at the RTPI awards
It sounds like a tall tale, but volunteering can give you a sense of purpose and joy that’s hard to find elsewhere. Many volunteers report feeling more connected to their communities and more satisfied with their lives.
So, if you're looking for a way to make a difference and have some fun, consider joining the RTPI volunteer community. You might just find yourself laughing and smiling more than you ever expected!
