Journey into Volunteering: Jelena Zidov

Meet Jelena Zidov, Blind Low Vision NZ’s Head of Policy & Advocacy. Jelena’s journey with us began in her teens, when we operated under the name Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind…

Volunteering Roles and Responsibilities

Jelena’s initial motivation to volunteer was quite simple – she had too much time on her hands and was tired of spending her free time watching TV. Wanting to give back to her community, she sought out volunteering opportunities. When Blind Low Vision NZ called for street collectors for one of its campaigns, Jelena signed up and thus began her 15-year journey with us.

As a youth volunteer, Jelena took on various roles within our organisation. Her primary responsibility was serving as a street collector for different campaigns, usually twice a year. This involved two-hour shifts collecting donations. Jelena’s personal approach was to be friendly and greet people, inviting those who wanted to donate to do so.

Jelena also spent a couple of years as a walking companion for a deafblind client. This role involved weekly walks and communicating through tactile communication by ‘spelling’ words out on the client’s hand. She recalls, “Each day brought new challenges and learning opportunities. I felt like I was making a tangible difference in people’s lives.”

Personal Growth and Development

Volunteering with Blind Low Vision NZ was not just about giving back to the community; it was also a journey of personal growth for Jelena. She learned valuable lessons in empathy, communication, and teamwork. Jelena explains, “I developed a deeper understanding of the daily struggles faced by individuals with vision impairments and the importance of accessibility.”

Impact and Inspiration

Reflecting on her time as a volunteer, Jelena shares how much she has learned and the new perspectives she has gained. Learning to communicate with her deafblind client was a highlight, especially mastering the technique of spelling out words on their hand. This required her to think about the essence of what she wanted to communicate, so she could get to the point quickly.
Jelena also adopted a ‘can do’ attitude after spending time with people who face many barriers but don’t let these obstacles stop them from doing what they want.
Future Aspirations
Jelena’s volunteering experience directly influenced her career path. She recalls receiving the usual update emails from the Chief Executive at the time and introducing herself at a university event where she happened to sit next to her. This chance meeting led to work experience with the newly hired Policy Manager, which eventually turned into a summer research project role and then a full-time position at Blind Low Vision NZ. Now, as the Head of the Policy and Advocacy Team, Jelena has had the privilege of many experiences, including a secondment to the World Health Organization in Geneva for a few months.

For those considering volunteering, Jelena has some heartfelt advice: “Do it! Find an organisation that aligns with your interests and passions and give whatever time you can. Every little bit counts, and you never know where volunteering might lead, what you’ll learn, or who you’ll meet.”

Jelena’s journey as a youth volunteer with Blind Low Vision NZ not only illustrates the profound impact that volunteering can have on both individuals and communities, but it is also a great example of the way an early start in volunteering can open doors to a future career.