CIRO Celebrates International Volunteer Day 2024 | Chartered Institution of Railway Operators

CIRO Celebrates International Volunteer Day 2024

Every 5th of December, International Volunteer Day is celebrated globally to recognise the contributions of volunteers and the difference they make to their various industries, causes and projects. By dedicating their time, sharing their knowledge, and contributing to their interests, volunteers enrich their communities and become part of the solution to shared problems. By celebrating and promoting volunteerism, International Volunteer Day encourages people to get involved and make their difference.

Thank you to our volunteers

This International Volunteer Day, CIRO would like to thank the many members of the CIRO community who dedicate their time to giving back to the profession. From Mentors, to Area Council Members, to Board and Panel Members, as well as speakers and writers, volunteers are a huge part of what CIRO has achieved and our future achievements. As a membership organisation, CIRO are all about bringing rail professionals together as a community, sharing knowledge, and developing the industry. Our volunteers are essential to this cause, and this day is a great opportunity to recognise their contributions and share our thanks.

Volunteering with CIRO

Whether you have a lot of time, or just a few hours, there are many ways to volunteer with CIRO and make a difference. Volunteering can start on the CIRO Collaborate forum, where you can participate in discussions, debates and polls, ask questions, share ideas, offer feedback and support other members.

For volunteers who can go further, you might speak at an event or webinar, write an article for the member magazine, give a testimonial for a CIRO course you have completed, or speak at one of our courses as a guest speaker. Here you can share your research, expertise and insights within a platform dedicated to spreading knowledge across the industry. These are great ways to raise your profile, develop presentation skills, and contribute to the profession.

For those looking for long-term volunteering opportunities, consider joining an Area Council and contributing to your local area by organising events and promoting development with CIRO. By acting as a Mentor, or becoming a subject-matter expert for one of CIRO’s project development teams, you can network with other professionals while assisting in their professional development and receiving assistance in yours. For CIRO Members or Fellows (or those working towards these levels), you could serve on CIRO’s Board or a sub-committee and contribute towards key decisions for CIRO and the wider industry. We are also looking for one CIRO member to join the Young Railway Tours Event Committee on CIRO’s behalf, where you can help to organise events for those at the beginning of their careers as well as network with the next generation of railway professionals.

Explore these opportunities and more here.

How to volunteer with CIRO

If you’re interested in volunteering, you can email membership@railwayoperators.co.uk. In your message, indicate your volunteering preferences, availability and skills. A member of the team will then be in touch to guide you through available opportunities and next steps.

Volunteering is a rewarding and enjoyable experience that can benefit you and your profession. Don’t hesitate to get involved and make a difference!