In this challenging economic climate, volunteers are vital in supporting communities and championing those in need – and it benefits those helping out too. Does your workplace have a programme in place?
Research from Volunteering Australia says a quarter of young people in Australia don’t volunteer for financial reasons and over half of volunteers have incurred costs while volunteering. ‘Formal volunteering’, where individuals volunteer through organisations has gradually declined over the past 10 years. Meanwhile, the proportion of people in Australia engaging in online volunteering has increased by 21%.
The data also reveals that there are now more flexible volunteering opportunities. And the wellbeing benefits of getting involved (like maintaining social connections and having a powerful sense of purpose) can be particularly important in challenging times.
But unmet demand for volunteers in sectors traditionally supported has increased due to the ongoing impacts of the cost-of-living crisis.
Mark Pearce, CEO of Volunteering Australia, said: “There is a diverse array of opportunities for people in Australia to volunteer within their community alongside something they’re already passionate about. Problems in community are best addressed in community, and volunteers are a big part of that. People in Australia are already volunteering for a wide variety of organisations, from sport and recreation (25%) to environment (7%) and animal welfare (5%).”
“Getting involved in volunteering can be as simple as sharing expertise and interests, helping in your local community or drawing on your lived experience to support others. There really is a volunteer role for everyone.”
If you’re looking to encourage formal volunteering within your team, here are some tips:
Find opportunities that align with your employees’ skills: If they’re good with numbers, they can help with fundraising efforts. A people person will be a good fit for positions interacting with the community. This way, they can contribute effectively from the get-go.
Speak to others: Connect them with seasoned volunteers to get an idea of what to expect. These insights can prepare your team for the tasks ahead and help avoid common pitfalls.
Understand roles and responsibilities: Having a clear understanding of what’s expected will help them perform duties efficiently – and contribute positively to the organisation’s objectives.
Set realistic goals: It’s important they know what they want to achieve through volunteering, whether it’s personal growth, learning new skills or contributing to a cause. This keeps it purposeful and focused.
- People or organisations looking to start their volunteering journey are encouraged to visit the GoVolunteer website, contact their state or territory Volunteering Peak Body or approach organisations in their local community.
