“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