What is volunteering?

What is volunteering?

 

“Volunteering is doing more than you have to, because you want to, in a cause you consider good” Mr. Ivan Scheier.

Volunteering is people providing:

  • Their own free time
  • Benefits to others and the community
  • For no monetary reward.

How important is Volunteering to W.A.?

Volunteering is W.A’s largest industry by employment, sitting at $17.7 billion a year. It is estimated that 4 out of 5 W.A. residents volunteer either formally or informally at some stage in their lives.

 There are two types of Volunteering:

Informal: Is age old where there was/is a need to meet i.e.

  • Farmers helping each other with seeding, harvesting, fires drought. Looking out for your neighbours.
  • Dad coaching local kids football
  • Mum working in the school canteen

Corporate:

  • Staff from corporate companies giving time with the support of the organisation in an effort to provide support to organisations and communities as part of their community profile and commitment.
  • Maintaining a free spirit within an organised framework
  • Only provided into not-for-profit organisations
  • Aims to give potential staff volunteers an informed choice of available voluntary work opportunities.

There are many reasons and benefits for people to volunteer:

  • Assisting people and organisations
  • Development and maintain skills
  • Building self-esteem and confidence
  • Making new friends
  • A sense of community involvement and achievement
  • Being part of a team
  • Improved mental and physical health
  • A pathway to paid employment

Volunteer Check List – check that

  • The organisation is a not-for-profit
  • The purpose of the organisation matches your own values and beliefs
  • The organisation has current and adequate volunteer insurance
  • Your role is clearly defined
  • That they can provide you with information about their activities and services

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