Volunteer Spotlight: Youth Volunteering Is 'A Beautiful Community Pyramid Scheme'

‘Volunteering has given me so much. Finding employment as a young and neurodivergent person isn't easy. Volunteering has provided me with a welcoming community and a way to make a positive impact without the pressure attached to a paid role.’
Cay Leggett, 18, born and raised in Whangārei, started volunteering in the community at a young age. Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at 15, they found the busy and loud school environment challenging. Their volunteer engagement opened up new perspectives and became a pathway to meaningful community connection.

Cay's journey began in the Volunteering Northland office, where they supported the team with admin, outreach, and design tasks. As one of the founding members of the Whangārei Youth Action Group (WYAG), they played a key role organising youth-focused events with hundreds of visitors, co-designing The Amazing Youth Volunteer Race, contributing to the Puāwai Youth Festival team, and creating signs, ads, and the first logo for WYAG.

‘I was drawn to the flexibility the role offered,’ Cay explains. ‘Due to my disability, my energy levels are hard to control, and it's important to be able to take time out when needed. I was also very anxious when I started, and the role allowed me to develop my people skills. Now, interacting with customers is one of the favourite parts of my work.’
The volunteer environment provided something that traditional employment couldn't: responsibility without overwhelming pressure. ‘There's hierarchy when you are on a payroll, and it's a lot of pressure and it's hard for young and neurodivergent people," they reflect. "With volunteering, you are still committed and part of a team with expectations, but you don't have a boss to let down and payroll pressures.’
As a neurodivergent person, Cay has clear insights about what makes volunteer roles successful. They look for ‘very clear, open and compassionate communication, actually having someone to ask questions, a bit of responsibility - I want to be there for a reason and help out in a meaningful way.’ Flexibility is crucial, along with quiet spaces and opportunities for creative work. ‘We're living in a world that's not built for us. But if someone gives me the space to grow and work in my own time, I can really play to my strengths: being creative, caring, social and quick to think on my feet.’

When Cay moved to Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington, they continued their social mission of connecting young volunteers with volunteer roles through Volunteering Wellington's Youth Impact Group. ‘We went into high schools and talked to students about volunteering,’ they recall. One particular experience stands out: ‘I remember a group of girls who were really interested in helping out, and it was great to be able to make that connection for them. I felt like being part of a beautiful community pyramid scheme.’

Currently pursuing a barbering apprenticeship in Wellington, Cay continues volunteering at The Emporium op shop in Paraparaumu, where they handle everything from listing items and furniture pickup to labelling and other varied tasks. ‘Community is so important,’ they say. ‘It's just the most wonderful feeling, to be able to participate – especially, if you don’t have the luxury of whānau support close by. Everyone deserves a space to go to and feel welcomed and cared for.’
Cay believes that volunteering opens people's eyes to positive action happening in their communities. ‘If you are doing a 9 to 5, you often don't have the time to learn about all the good stuff happening around you. Volunteering really opens your eyes to what is out there, the amazing services - there is actually a lot going on here.’

Looking ahead, Cay hopes to continue involvement with Pride events and Youth Impact Groups. ‘We all almost owe everything that we can give back to the community, it's such a positive thing all around,’ they conclude. ‘You are there because you want to be, not because you have to be.’ Their advice to those unsure about volunteering is straightforward: ‘Try volunteering - it absolutely cannot hurt.’

Cay Leggett is a former Volunteering Northland admin youth volunteer, founding member of Whangārei Youth Action Group, and current volunteer with The Emporium op shop in Paraparaumu. They continue to bridge communities and create connections wherever they go.