At Power2 we are a small but dedicated team who believe passionately in helping young people to reach their full potential. But we don’t do it alone. In addition to our core team we rely on volunteers who generously give their time to help us support young people who need it most.

Volunteers play a part in Power2 in many ways. From speaking to and inspiring participants on our Young Leaders programme, to helping us raise funds to carry on our work, to leading the organisation alongside us on our Boards. Recently we’ve even had a team of marketers, who have been left furloughed or unemployed due to Coronavirus, dedicating their time to help us get young people’s voices heard during lockdown and share our mission with the world.

So this Volunteers' Week we want to pause and say thank you to every single one of you. Whatever capacity you have volunteered in, however large or small, we couldn’t do it without you.

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One such volunteer is Reena Gogna who despite being incredibly busy as a Partner at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, has just accepted a position on our Board of Trustees in addition to the role she already held on our Corporate Development Board.

We thought that this Volunteers’ Week there would be no better time to speak to Reena about why she chooses to volunteer her time, what it means to her, and her advice to anyone who may have been inspired by recent events to stand up and get more involved with charity work.

 

Reena Gogna, Partner at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

“For me it is about giving back and making time for those who would benefit from my assistance, skills and work.”

How did you first get involved with Power2 and what drew you to us as a charity? 

I work at Weil, Gotshal & Manges which has partnered with Power2 for five years in support of this fantastic charity. I first got involved with Power2 through some of the internal Weil sponsored events, followed by my participation on the Power 2 Corporate Development Board. The Corporate Development Board has been established to assist in making connections with corporates, professional institutions and other law firms to enable greater support for and bring fund-raising opportunities to Power2. One of the areas I am very passionate about is improving the lives of the younger generation and creating opportunities for those whose social background may mean that those opportunities do not readily present themselves. The work that Power2 does creates a roadmap for making this happen.

 

What is the one thing that stands out from your experience with Power2 so far? 

Seeing how impactful the programmes have been to young people – both Teens and Toddlers and Young Leaders. My attendance at the prize-giving ceremony in Manchester earlier this year was a real testament to all the good work that the charity does and how it has developed and improved the lives of teenagers. To hear some of the comments from the teachers and parents with regard to the children and their developed skills in communication, mentoring and increased confidence, really exemplifies why the programmes are so important.

 

What does volunteering your time mean to you, and what does it mean to have been appointed to the Board of Trustees? 

I believe that there are many reasons which may prompt someone to volunteer. For me it is about giving back and making time for those who would benefit from my assistance, skills and work. I find volunteering also provides an opportunity to connect with other people and provides one of the best possible ways of reaching out with the community around you. I am very excited about my appointment to the Power2 Board of Trustees. I am really passionate about the work that Power2 does and improving lives of the younger generation is something that I have spent a lot time supporting both within Power2 and elsewhere. The Board position will allow me to make more of an impact to support the charity in addition to my role on the Corporate Development Board. I am also lucky to be joining a Board where all the members have been encouraging and wholly supportive.

 

What would be your advice to people who want to start getting more involved in charity work? 

Be passionate about the cause. There are many charities that need assistance and support and that can be provided in many ways. Find out as much as you can about the charities you would like to support and choose one that inspires you. Then think about how your own skills may be able to help. Talk with others who are involved with charity work for guidance and to learn about the work they do, and help shape the way you can donate your time and skills for good.

 

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Thank you, Reena, for everything you’ve done for us so far and will do in the future. We’re so excited to have you as our newest Trustee.

And thank you again to every single person who has volunteered with us. Your support helps us give the power to young people to build a better future.

If you’d like to get involved with what we do, get in touch: [email protected]