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About volunteering2024-04-18T15:28:28+10:00

There are different types of volunteering; volunteering can be formal or informal; coordinated through an organisation, or just helping someone in your community. Our job is to connect people to formal volunteering opportunities with volunteer involving organisations in the community. You won’t be volunteering for us; you will be volunteering directly with a community organisation.

We screen all volunteering positions before we post them to our site and welcome your feedback on how things went. Each volunteering role is different and may have different criteria or skill requirements. Read the description carefully to choose the right volunteering opportunity for you.

Create your own Volunteer Profile

By creating a Volunteer Profile, you can shortlist volunteering opportunities, track opportunities you’ve applied for and save time filling in future expressions of interest. You can even set your preferences and have new opportunities emailed directly to you.

Create your own Volunteer Profile

By creating a Volunteer Profile, you can shortlist volunteering opportunities, track opportunities you’ve applied for and save time filling in future expressions of interest. You can even set your preferences and have new opportunities emailed directly to you.

Rights and responsibilities

As a volunteer you have rights and responsibilities. Find out more about what you can expect as a volunteer.

Reimbursement of costs

Usually there is no cost to become a volunteer and depending on the opportunity you may be reimbursed for any direct costs you incur while volunteering

Reimbursement of costs

Usually there is no cost to become a volunteer and depending on the opportunity you may be reimbursed for any direct costs you incur while volunteering

Training

Depending on the role you apply for, you may receive special training from the organisation to complete your work.

Our free Introduction to Volunteering Workshop is a great introduction into volunteering if you have more questions.

Working with Vulnerable People card

Some volunteering roles will require you to have a Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) card. This is usually noted in the description of the volunteering opportunity.

If you do need a WWVP card, you can apply online via Access Canberra or visit an Access Canberra Service Centre.

Working with Vulnerable People card

Some volunteering roles will require you to have a Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) card. This is usually noted in the description of the volunteering opportunity.

If you do need a WWVP card, you can apply online via Access Canberra or visit an Access Canberra Service Centre.

Do I have time to volunteer?

The average volunteer gives the equivalent of one hour of their time per week. Some volunteers give less and some give much more.

Some opportunities require a regular commitment each week. This is usually because it takes time to train a new volunteer and the organisation wants well-trained and experienced people completing that particular task. Regular volunteering is hugely satisfying – you are a member of a team; you build skills and networks; and can see the results of your efforts.

If you can’t make a regular commitment, then consider a ‘one-off’ opportunity like volunteering for an event. Canberra is known for its amazing events but it’s the horde of volunteers in the background which make them great. Event volunteering opportunities range from general roles like information assistants to skills-based roles volunteers like photographers and stage managers.

Why Volunteer?

There are countless benefits to volunteering

Volunteers connect people and communities, helping people reengage with their lives after a set-back

95% of volunteers say it builds their sense of wellbeing
Volunteers are happier, healthier and sleep better than those who don’t volunteer
Sustained volunteering is associated with better mental health
There’s a strong correlation between well-being, happiness, health and longevity of people engaged in charitable helping activities
Volunteering connects people to career paths and labour markets that are better paid and more stable
Volunteers provide at least $1.5 billion of services to the ACT economy

The average volunteer contributes about one hour per week of their time. If you can’t make a regular commitment, you can:

  • look for event volunteering or skilled volunteering opportunities where you can work on a specific project or event for a fixed amount of time
  • or consider making a donation of money instead

If you need a little extra support to become a volunteer then we can help you.

Did you know 86% of organisations say they need more volunteers? Perhaps the perfect opportunity is out there, and you just haven’t heard about it yet!

Search our volunteer opportunity portal to see all the opportunities near you.

FAQs

I’m in Australia on a visa – can I volunteer?2019-10-21T23:42:25+11:00

Any volunteers who do not have permanent residency in Australia need to ensure they are keeping within the law and abiding by their visa restrictions.

It is important that you make sure that you can legally undertake volunteer work on your particular visa. Generally, if you have the right to work in Australia, you have the right to volunteer.

To check your visa details and conditions online use the Australian Government’s VEVO tool.

Can volunteering help me to get a paid job?2019-10-21T23:48:53+11:00

Volunteering is a proven pathway to employment and is a useful way to gain skills and experience. Participation in volunteering looks great on your resume and is well regarded by prospective employers. It is important to note that volunteering will not always result in paid employment.

If one of your motivations to volunteer is to gain a reference, ensure you confirm that the organisation you volunteer with is happy to provide one before you accept a role with them.

Will I have any expenses as a result of volunteering?2019-10-21T23:53:05+11:00

There may be situations when you are volunteering when you have to pay some out-of-pocket expenses. The National Standards for Volunteer Involvement recommend that organisations should reimburse any pre-approved expenses, however there is no requirement for them to do so.

Before spending any personal money you should check if your organisation will reimburse you for pre-approved out-of-pocket expenses.

Are volunteers covered by insurance if something goes wrong?2019-10-21T23:57:13+11:00

Volunteers are not covered by workers’ compensation whilst volunteering. Instead, organisations need to provide volunteer personal accident insurance. It is not a legal requirement to have volunteer insurance so always check that the organisation you are volunteering with has adequate insurance before you commence in your role.

Are there age limits on who can volunteer?2019-10-22T00:20:04+11:00

Generally, age isn’t a barrier to volunteering, but depending on the type of role and the organisation there may be upper and lower age limits. Ultimately, any age limits are for the protection of the volunteer and are usually dictated by an organisation’s volunteer insurance.

If you are a younger volunteer, you should feel comfortable that you will be adequately supervised and that the role is appropriate for your age. The organisation may require you to volunteer with an adult family member.

Check the description of any volunteer opportunity in our volunteer portal to see if there is an age requirement.

Volunteer rights and responsibilities

Volunteers have a responsibility to:

  • Make an informed decision to work as a volunteer with an organisation
  • Undertake work orientation and training as required
  • Work within the duty statement on tasks suitable to their skills and experience
  • Behave in an ethical manner
  • Keep organisation and client matters confidential
  • Be committed to the organisation’s aims and objectives
  • Inform the organisation when unable to undertake or complete a task
  • Use appropriate information channels within an organisation when needing information, support, back-up, supervision or review
  • Be aware of the limits of their role within the organisation
  • Be aware of their duty of care
  • Be aware of occupational health and safety policies and practices
  • Act as a member of the team
  • Be aware of protocol when representing the organisation
  • Commit to achieving results and make an effective contribution to the organisation

Volunteers have the right to be provided with:

  • A copy of the aims and objectives of the organisation

  • Information on policies and procedures of the organisation
  • Orientation, training and education
  • Recognition as a co-worker and team member
  • A suitable assignment
  • A duty statement and job description
  • Information about communication lines within the organisation
  • Adequate counselling and grievance procedures
  • Out-of-pocket cost reimbursement
  • Appropriate work area and equipment
  • Access to relevant decision-making processes within the organisation
  • Appropriate forms of recognition for work done and contributions made
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