Future thinking is a series hosted by Laura Martin (Laura Martin ) and myself (Alisha Houlihan), we will be giving volunteering and charity work a voice – this will be done by collaborating with members of charities and volunteering organisations that we work with. 

Between the two of us we have many years of volunteering and giving back to our communities through charity work. This is an area close to our hearts because we know the importance of giving your time to a worthy cause and giving back, no matter how big or small your contribution is. 

Our aim is to invite you to tune in and hear our stories and why this is such an importance cause and how you can get involved. You will be listening to charities and organisations in Ireland about the importance of giving your time to work with them and how you can get involved and help! 

EPISODE 1: MEET THE GIRLS!

This was the lady’s first episode together. It was 45 minutes long and within that time they discussed Future Thinking and what it was, their objectives and aims and we get to learn more about them and who they are.

Alisha opens up by asking Laura, to discuss a little more about where the idea of future thinking came from, granted that it was Laura’s idea to start this project together.

Laura sweetly says “we both have years of volunteering and charity experience behind us, you were the first person I thought of, I knew you were going to be the perfect match for this.”

Both are very ambitious and aware of wanting to make a positive impact.

“It doesn’t matter how big or small your contribution is, you can definitely give back to your community in many ways. Big ideas make a big difference, especially in a small community.”

“Your time is priceless. It can mean a lot to someone. An hour to you, can mean so much more to somebody else.”

The two met through Miss Mayo and they explained that “We always say, that they are shocked they hadn’t met through something else”.

“We are so similar!”

Meet Laura Martin – Creative, hard-working and ambitious!

Laura is from Cork, a volunteer and youth mentor with Big Brother Big Sister, Foroige.

Laura has achieved in organising many successful events in Mayo – which consisted of a toy collection for Airc Mayo and raising over 1,700 for Pieta House by smashing a 30km run, around Castlebar, at the beginning months of COVID-19.

Being the current Miss Mayo, interviewer with Galway United Football Club and along with volunteering anywhere possible – Laura just finished her masters in computer science. Laura also has a previous degree in software engineering, works in marketing and owns her own business in design!

“I started volunteering quite young and unbeknownst to myself, my main influence being my parents, at Christmas time or certain occasions.

“I always gave things away, that I knew would be beneficial to somebody else, examples being communion gowns, confirmation outfits and toys. ”

Laura believes everyone has something special to share. The idea came from Laura wanting to spread the importance of volunteering, using her platform for a positive influence.

“It really sparked with me when I was 16. I knew I could make this a larger scale, I cut off 22 inches of my hair to donate to a cancer charity, to make wigs.”

A dream of Laura’s is to set up her own software company, that helps children with special needs and their homework. This is due to Laura being a huge autism awareness advocate.

Female empowerment, positive mental health, children in education and children’s protection are Laura’s passions.

Another passion is with younger children and through their education.

“It doesn’t matter where the child comes from or if the child is typical, every child has the right to education.”

“The background of where it came from. My younger brother is autistic and I have seen his struggles growing up with schoolwork and homework.”

“I know to myself that this child can learn in another way. He is so talented and gifted. I know there is a way I can try to incorporate technology, into his everyday learning.”

Main points that the ladies make throughout the session is “you don’t have to be previously involved in an organisation to get involved, you can be any age and at any stage of life.”

“You can really be impacting someone’s life.”

Meet Alisha Houlihan – Positive, Energetic and Open-minded!

Alisha from County Mayo, too is a volunteer and junior leader with Foroige. Foroige has been an organisation she has been working with for over a decade now! Alisha has also volunteered with Youth Work Ireland, National Youth Card Association and Young European Leadership. These work closely with Young People all over Ireland and Europe as a whole.

Alisha opens with an anecdote, explaining her gratitude for a youth leader, Mary G Duffy,  that encouraged her to get involved from a young age.

“Anyone from Mayo Foroige at that age, knows Mary G and I always have to shout her out, she did a lot for the young people of Foroige.”

Travelling around Europe with Erasmus plus trainings and being on national boards, speaking on topics that are important surrounding young people, is something Alisha loves to do.

“I feel this helped me come out of my shell. I was quite a shy teenager and over the years, volunteering my time, helped me open up.”

Alisha believes in young people. How young people are the future – motivating and inspiring anyone she can along the way.

“I have always been very involved, I think once you have your foot in the door, there are endless opportunities.”

Positive mental health is something she strives to promote. Last October, Alisha raised 1’200 euros for Pieta House, whilst doing a sunrise hike.

She runs a blog on motivation, health and wellness.

A journalism student. A newly graduated and current nutrition and yoga teaching student, Alisha believes in becoming a better version of yourself every day, with positive little changes.

Both ladies asked one another 3 questions each, which had been previously been sent to them via Instagram.

1. Any tips for someone who has never done volunteering before, I have never done but I would love to start.

Laura – Pick an area you’re interested in. “If you pick an area you’re interested in, you’ll give it 110%.”

Reach out to the right people, send them an email, text, call or message on social media. Laura explains “They will help you with the rest, they are more than happy with the volunteers, so they set all of it up.”

“My experience when signing up with Peter Duffy in Big Brother Big Sister. It was a pleasant one. They helped me with everything in signing up and getting started.”

2. What is your favourite thing about volunteering?

Alisha – My favourite thing, is getting a message of somebody, or being at an event and seeing the happiness on someone’s face, that somebody expresses to you about being involved.

“You may have only been there for an hour, but you really made your presence a memorable one.”

“You can’t put a price on somebody’s smile.”

3. Do you have to have an interest, in the charity or organisation you choose to work with?

Laura – I think you do. If it is something you’re interested in and passionate about, you’ll give it 110%.

“If you’re not interested, you may be taking the spot of somebody who is.”

“I couldn’t put my name to something and not be happy with it.”

When you get involved in something you’re passionate about also, you will love it so much more.

4. Where does confidence come from for you? I would feel nervous to sign myself up to volunteering.

Alisha – I don’t think confidence is thinking you’re amazing or better than anyone else. “It defiantly comes from not caring about people think. You need to just be confident in who you are and what you can offer to someone.”

“Try not to be fixated on people’s opinions. Just let go and be happy in the charity . organisations you’re working with.”

Alisha finally explains that “it’s natural to feel nervous, even both Laura and I get nervous to this day. However, the moment you get over the nerves, it gets easy. Get more open-minded with it not being that daunted.”

        “When you beat that natural feeling of fear. Just know you’re not alone in feeling that.”

5. Where do you find the time to volunteer, work and live your daily life?

Laura – If I am passionate about something, I will find the time to do it.

“I get a normal amount of sleep, work and I am just finished my masters. That is because I manage my time every day. I feel that nobody is going to do it for you. When you have that natural feeling towards completing what you want to do, you will find the priority. You can do it and you will find the time, just believe in yourself. ”

“It is all a matter of time management and priorities.”

6. Should I start with a friend or on my own?

Alisha – “If you and a friend are going to join something, that is great to see the power in numbers. However, you can do it on your own too. We are all our own best friend. You are just putting yourself out there.”

“If your friend was not as passionate about you or vice versa, join with a friend if you are doing it for the right reasons.”

“A lot of my best-friends are situated all over the world because I took the plunge and joined and signed up for things, off my own bat.”

Alisha’s first time on a plane, was 19 years of age, she flew to London on her own to attend a youth conference. Alisha explains “you will make connections along the way.”

“You need to do what fears you the most.”

Both ladies believe in talking about your feelings, aspirations and making the most out of life. Diving themselves into any opportunity possible and using their platforms to spread awareness on all topics and issues, this series focusing on Volunteering.

Together, advocates for training youth and public speaking. The future of the youth, the power of now and the strength in numbers. Both Laura and Alisha believe everyone has a spark and the importance of sharing that, can be life-changing.

Each week,  either one of the ladies or together, will be interviewing somebody from charity or organisation, based in Ireland.

You can find it on their social media channels Laura Martin Alisha Houlihan . It will also be uploaded onto Ali’s YouTube. Laura also created a Future Thinking YouTube account.

It will be made available every Monday, at 7pm.

The first season, will be expected to run for 5/6 weeks.


#volunteering #localcommunity #shareyourspark #littlegoesalongway #interviews