Volunteer Australia is celebrating the efforts of volunteers by encouraging others to share their stories of what they are calling 'Change Makers' throughout National Volunteer Week.
What is National Volunteer Week
Australia’s National Volunteer Week is an annual celebration of the contributions and dedication of volunteers across the country.
Observed from May 15th to May 23rd, this week-long event highlights the importance and impact of volunteering in various sectors and communities and this year is putting an extra emphasis on ‘Change Makers’.
National Volunteer Week was first launched in Australia in 1989 by Volunteering Australia, with the aim to encourage and inspire more people to get involved in volunteering. Since then, it has become an important event in the calendar, bringing together volunteers, organisations, and communities to celebrate volunteerism and its positive impact on society.
Volunteer in Post-Covid Australia
Volunteering Australia continues to celebrate the efforts of volunteers in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a significant impact on volunteering in Australia. While many volunteers continued to work throughout the pandemic, others were forced to stop their activities due to lockdowns and restrictions. This has had a serious impact on organisations that rely on volunteer support.
However, National Volunteer Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and adaptability of volunteers, who have gone above and beyond to support their communities during these challenging times. It is also a reminder of the critical role that volunteers play in society, supporting a wide range of causes, from health and wellbeing to the environment and social issues.
There’s still a real need to bring people back together and encourage volunteering opportunities to people so that they can make a difference to their communities. That’s going to take more awareness and support which is exactly what this campaign is about.
How to get involved in National Volunteer Week
There are many ways to get involved in National Volunteer Week, whether as an individual or an organization. Volunteers can join virtual events, workshops and webinars, participate in community activities or simply reach out to other volunteers to share their experiences and stories. Organizations can use this week to acknowledge their volunteers, update their policies and strategies to better support volunteering, and develop new initiatives to encourage more people to get involved.
Visit www.volunteeringaustralia.org for more information.
Change Makers
The millions of volunteers across Australia and in every country are 'Change Makers' and National Volunteer Week is a celebration of these individuals who offer so much and ask for so little.
Volunteer Australia describes a 'Change Maker' as people who are:
- Driven to contribute to the greater good
- Passionate about the causes they care about
- Turn their passions into purpose
- The force behind social change
- Give their time and energy to make a difference
To get involved, share stories, recognition of others you can post on social media using the hashtag #NVW2023 & #TheChangeMakers
You can find assets to use to support your shout out here.
The role of a volunteer to the Australian Economy
Volunteers are essential to the functioning of many organisations and programs across Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 31% of Australians aged 15 and above volunteer their time, equating to around 6 million volunteers. These efforts result in an estimated economic contribution of $290 billion annually.
Volunteerism is also seen as an excellent opportunity for individuals to develop valuable skills and experiences, improve social connections, and gain a sense of purpose and personal fulfilment.
There are also many health benefits to volunteering, such as improved mental health and wellbeing, a sense of achievement and engagement, and reduced stress and anxiety.
It is important to note that volunteering is not just beneficial for individuals and organisations - it plays a vital role in creating stronger, more connected communities. Volunteers help to build social capital, foster a sense of belonging and create positive change in society. By giving back, individuals and organisations can contribute to a more inclusive and cohesive society.
Australia’s National Volunteer Week is an important reminder of the value and significance of volunteering and the contribution of volunteers to society. It is a time to recognise and appreciate the selfless work of individuals, celebrate their achievements, and inspire others to get involved in volunteering.
With the ongoing challenges faced by communities, organisations, and individuals, volunteering has never been more important. By committing to volunteering, we can build stronger, more connected communities, and create a better future for all.
How Rosterfy is supporting National Volunteer Week
From May 17th to May 23rd, Rosterfy will be celebrating the hard work and effort of not just the volunteers but also the volunteer managers, coordinators and the organsations that support truly brilliant, life changing causes.
We will be highlighting ‘Change Makers’ we see in our own community of customers, volunteers, Rosterfy Team members and more.
Look out for stories across our social channels such as Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin, comment, share and engage with National Volunteer Week with your own messages of support for volunteers.
About Rosterfy
Rosterfy is used by non-profits, charities, sporting federations, and more to better manage their volunteer programs by improving how they can recruit, screen, train and retain volunteers.
Our market leading technology helps you create engaging experience throughout the whole lifecycle of your volunteer journey.
Book a demo today.
Keep reading more on our blog
Read more helpful articles on our blog: