“Supporting the local community has always been important to me. Having grown up in London, studied in Edinburgh, lived in Barcelona, and volunteered in Nepal, I’ve been lucky enough to not only experience many different communities, but to learn and appreciate the important value that they have in our entire lives.”
Amy
We caught up with the wonderful Amy Freeman, Projects Director and Head of Internships at Studenteer, to learn all about the new “Go Local” campaign. We’re so appreciative of Amy’s endless dedication that ensures all our initiatives are a roaring success, so we can’t wait to hear what she’s got planned for one of our biggest projects yet!
“To me, “go local” means so much more than just a common group of people sharing the same geographical location. Whether you live in the city or the countryside, up north, down south or in-between, the phrase “go local” carries in it the value of your local area, town or city, and the connection you feel to it everyday.” – Amy
Please can you tell us a little bit about Studenteer’s new “Go Local” campaign?
I am thrilled to announce that this month at Studenteer we have decided to put our resources and experience matching charities and students to an ever better use. Through our new “Go Local” campaign, we aim to support not merely 1 or 2 good causes, but as many of our Studenteer team members’ local communities as we possibly can. Through a massive team effort, we will contact good causes in over 22 of our local areas, building projects and opportunities for our amazing Studenteers, whilst raising awareness of the importance of “going local”.
From Glasgow to Somerset, Lincoln to Lewisham, and everywhere in-between, our “Go Local” campaign is here for you!
Where did the idea for “Go Local” come from?
Supporting the local community has always been important to me. Having grown up in London, studied in Edinburgh, lived in Barcelona, and volunteered in Nepal, I’ve been lucky enough to not only experience many different communities, but to learn and appreciate the important value that they have in our entire lives.
It was from this love of the community, combined with the damage that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak on small businesses and community-based organisations alike, that the idea for a “Go Local” campaign was born. There really never has been a better time to champion the importance of “going local”.
What are the aims of the “Go Local” campaign?
The aims of the “Go Local” campaign are three-fold:
- First, to foster key connections with local charities, good causes and social enterprises all across the UK. We aim to contact over 220 different causes based on our Studenteer team members’ geographical location.
- Second, to create exciting voluntary projects for our base of over 1800 student volunteers from over 160 different UK universities. We aim to convert at least 40% of those causes contacted into new and engaging projects for our Studenteers.
- And third, to raise the importance of “going local”. We aim to run a successful and engaging social media, PR and marketing campaign to emphasise why and how supporting the local community is beneficial for all!
“But, how will you achieve your aims?”, I hear you ask…
Already, the entirety of the Studenteer HQ Team have been working hard behind the scenes to research good causes in their local area. Currently, we have identified at least 182 charities for us to reach out to in diverse areas of the UK, such as Liverpool, Fife, Camden, and Barry.
Using this research, we have already contacted over 45 charities, and aim to continue researching and contacting all identified good causes throughout the month of February (and yes, we know that means a lot of Zoom calls!).
Moreover, from the 1st of the February, we will be bringing onboard 4 fantastic “Go Local” Interns to help out with the campaign, expanding our breadth and resources once more. Our interns will first research and contact good causes in their local communities, before taking the lead on Studenteer socials and blogs to further expand the campaign.
Finally, be sure to check up on our Studenteer socials, blogs and newsletters, as we aim to promote the “go local” message to an even wider audience. Q&A spotlights with some amazing local charities, a “Go Local” Instagram competition, and suggestions for how you can “go local” are just some of our current ideas!
And finally, what does “go local” mean to you?
To me, “go local” means so much more than just a common group of people sharing the same geographical location. Whether you live in the city or the countryside, up north, down south or in-between, the phrase “go local” carries in it the value of your local area, town or city, and the connection you feel to it everyday.
To me, it means popping down for a flat white from my favourite independent cafe, and ordering one too many at my favourite local pub (oh, the memories!); the park that I’ve probably stomped around 1000 times this last year, that I’ve seen go through every season and yet still manages to take my breath away with its beauty; the streets I’ve walked for years and years, and can navigate with my eyes wide shut (top tip: do not try this after drinking); and the countless memories I have and continue to make laughing with and supporting my friends, family, and loved ones in the place that I am lucky enough to call “home”.
Thank you Amy for all your hard work so far, and for taking the time to answer our questions!
If you’d like to get involved with the “Go Local” campaign, you can become a Studenteer or register a cause from the home page of our website, https://studenteer.co.uk/.
