Volunteers make things happen, donating time, expertise, resources and creativity. From fundraisers to beach cleanups, events to op shops, community patrols to peer support, community volunteers are there for each other, and to support meaningful change in the community.
While volunteering can mean joining a specific group or committee, this isn’t available to everyone, especially if they already have work and family commitments. There are however ways to get involved on a project or event basis, that can open the window to new experiences, more community connection and some great fun along the way.
3 tips for choosing volunteering that works for you
1.Choose something that you are genuinely passionate about.
Doing something that you care about helps you to feel connected to the goal of the activity, and increases the likelihood that you enjoy yourself along the way. If you care about the environment, look for a beach clean up, community garden, or planting group. If you love sports and outdoors, what about marshalling for a sporting event? If you love fashion, what about the Op Shop?
2. Keep it sustainable (Don’t over commit).
Most volunteers enter in enthusiastically and then find that they’ve bitten off more than they can chew with all the best intentions. Start with a small project or group event, and make sure you continue to prioritise what is needed in your own life. Volunteering that gets in the way of work is unlikely to last long, but sustainable commitments can see volunteers returning year after year.
3. Get something worthwhile out of it.
Volunteering is well known for those warm fuzzies, both from making a difference and the connection that comes from working with others. There are lots of groups who may offer the opportunity to learn new skills, develop existing ones, or even add to your CV or professional development. If you have a business consider building your volunteering into your mission, or how about contributing your social media skills to showcase your talents? Personally rewarding contributions make community-rewarding outcomes.
Want to find something that works for you? Register for our new Volunteer project to engage all ages supporters in upcoming community projects.