nationalstudentvolunteerweek.org.au

v What’s on during NSVW? At university campuses and schools across Australia there are: Volunteer expos and networking events with nonprofits Volunteer development workshops Volunteering activities and opportunities Fundraisers and support for important causes Social events and discounts to reward student volunteers

What is all about CELEBRATING, PROMOTING & BUILDING SUPPORT 1 for student volunteering 1 ENCOURAGING DISCUSSION & INNOVATION so that volunteering becomes more creative and genuine 2 NSVW is a national event to CHALLENGE and CELEBRATE young people creating CHANGE through volunteering SUPPORTING STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS between the education and nonprofit sectors 3 BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF VOLUNTEERS to help the community 4

Definition of volunteering

Types of volunteering Formal Non-formal Project Social action This type of volunteering involves a volunteer working in an ongoing and defined role for a nonprofit organisation. Often there will be a Volunteer Coordinator or Manager who supports the work of volunteers within the organisation. Non-formal When community members come together around a shared interest this is also a form of volunteering. Hobby groups, illness related self-help groups, unfunded neighbourhood groups are all examples of non-formal volunteering. Project Project based volunteering occurs when volunteers work for a nonprofit organisation to achieve specific outcomes. The work may involve being part of a project team and usually has a clear timeframe or end to the project. Social Action Social action groups are similar to self-help groups in that people come together around a shared interest, but differ in that for social action groups that interest is in bringing about defined changes. Environmental groups, political lobbying groups and community action groups all fit into this type of volunteering. Governance Volunteers on boards and management committees work within a different structure again, as it is their role to set direction for a nonprofit organisation rather than to follow it. Governance

Why volunteer? Challenge yourself Be the change Celebrate each other by rising to the occasion and doing something great! Be the change that creates social action within your community and among peers Celebrate each other to acknowledge successes and encourage team work

Why volunteer? Enhance your social and relationship skills Transform yourself personally and professionally Many volunteers join an organisation or program for one reason but remain with it for a different reason. Volunteering is not just about what you can get out of it, it’s about making the world a better place. Good for mind and body Gain experience and enhance your employability

Getting started RESEARCH THINK GLOBAL – ACT LOCAL Find an organisation who is passionate about the same things as you. THINK GLOBAL – ACT LOCAL Find an organisation doing something great in your own community and start there. Look for an organisation that is easy and quick to get involved with and assist them with whatever they need while building a relationship that makes them aware of your other skills and interests. Now the hard part: matching your interests and passions with the right volunteer role DON’T ASSUME YOUR DREAM ROLE ALREADY EXISTS take initiative and create your own opportunities.

What are you interested in? What are you passionate about? Action on climate change Gender equality Animal rights Protecting the environment Disaster relief and preparedness Ending domestic and family violence Education Democracy LGBTQI rights Support for refugees Stopping racism Lawyers: find somewhere were there are people at risk Doctors and nurses: develop beside manner, engage with people Engineers: use your data management and project management skills Business: get transferable office and group work skills

How to find opportunities Through your university or school careers and employment department, student services, clubs and student unions, etc. Your state’s peak body for volunteering each have an online free service where you can browse for volunteer opportunities Visit nationalstudentvolunteerweek.org.au

Approaching an organisation Non-profit organisations interview potential volunteers for specific roles just like any business would. Be ready to discuss why you are the right person for the role and elaborate on what you can bring to the organisation. You may not have a lot of experience yet, but know what do you have: Interest? Passion? Enthusiasm? Commitment? Time? Strength? The ability to learn quickly? Patience? People skills?

Good communication “Hi, I’m ______ and my passion is _________. I’m really interested in your organisation because _____________. I want to learn more about ______________ and I believe I can contribute to your organisation by _______________.” Good communication skills will get you a long way in this world; think carefully about how to start the conversation with the organisation you want to volunteer with. Rather than just asking: “do you have any volunteer opportunities available?” try starting with this statement

Key things to think about How much time you have to give? The sooner you start volunteering the better! The longer you volunteer the more you gain from your experience How much time you have to give To gain more significant outcomes from your volunteer experience you may need to commit to the organisation longer term The sooner you start volunteering the better! Organisations are happy to invest more in you if you volunteer with them from the very start of your degree rather than just for the short space of time between when you graduate and when you find a job! The longer you volunteer the more you gain from your experience (there is only a certain amount you can learn in an organisation in the short tem)

Make sure you get involved! NSVW will help connect you with advice about student volunteering and with nonprofit and community groups you can volunteer with. Make sure you get involved!

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v Supported by State & territory peaks that support NSVW. The week is managed by Volunteering Queensland.

Student engagement in volunteering is globally recognised as a key element of a worthwhile & engaging education which helps students further their personal, educational & social development

v nationalstudentvolunteetweek.org.au