Volunteers are the beating heart of any event, from the Olympics to your local school sports day. But beyond the medals and podiums, what impact does volunteering have on individuals, communities, and the broader economy?

In this episode, we speak to Max Jablonowski and Betty Anne Bryce, who volunteered at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. They share their behind-the-scenes experiences, the personal and professional skills they gained, and why volunteering is a powerful force for social good. They also explain what policy makers can do to support and sustain this essential activity.

So, join us as we explore the people-powered force behind the Olympics and discuss how we can harness its full potential for communities everywhere.

Host: Shayne MacLachlan, Public Affairs and Communications Manager at the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities

Guests:

- Max Jablonowski, Communications Manager for Business at OECD

- Betty-Ann Bryce, Senior Policy Analyst at the OECD (Centre for Entrepreneurship, Regions, and Cities in the Regional and Rural Unit)

To learn more about the report: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/unleashing-the-potential-of-volunteering-for-local-development_deab71bd-en.html

Discover the OECD involvement: https://www.oecd.org/en/networks/oecd-local-development-forum.html

To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to https://www.oecd.org/en/about.html

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