1. Celebrating, promoting & building capacity around student volunteering 2. Encouraging discussion & innovation so that volunteering becomes more creative & genuine 3. Supporting stronger relationships between the education & nonprofit sectors 4. Building the next generation of volunteers to help the community

Volunteering is time willingly given for the common good & without financial gain

Types of volunteering Formal Non-formal Project Social Action Governance

Gain experience and enhance your employability Build networks and increase your confidence Be happier and healthier Transform yourself personally and professionally

Make a CHANGE and stand up for what matters! CHALLENGE yourself and step out of your comfort zone! CELEBRATE new social and cultural experiences, all the while discovering something about yourself!

What are you interested in? What are you passionate about? Action on climate change Gender equality Animal rights Protecting the environment Disaster relief and preparedness Human rights Democracy LGBTQI rights Social justice Ending domestic and family violence Support for refugees Food security Stopping racism Music Sports Arts and crafts Access for people with disabilities Writing Family planning Photography and film Languages Education Foreign Aid Mental health and suicide prevention Community safety Communications What else?

Getting started Research – find an organisation who is passionate about the same things as you Think global – act local – find an organisation doing something great in your own community and start there Look for an organisation that is easy and quick to get involved with and assist them with whatever they need while building a relationship that makes them aware of your other skills and interests Don’t assume your dream role already exists – take initiative and create your own opportunities

How to find opportunities Through your university or school careers and employment department, student services, clubs and student unions, etc. Your state’s peak body for volunteering each have an online free service where you can browse for volunteer opportunities Visit nationalstudentvolunteerweek.org.au

Approaching an organisation Non-profit organisations interview potential volunteers for specific roles just like any business would. Be ready to discuss why you are the right person for the role and elaborate on what you can bring to the organisation.

Good communication “Hi, I’m ______ and my passion is _________. I’m really interested in your organisation because _____________. I want to learn more about ______________ and I believe I can contribute to your organisation by _______________.”

Key things to think about How much time you have to give The sooner you start volunteering the better! The longer you volunteer the more you gain from your experience

NSVW will help connect you with advice about student volunteering and with nonprofit and community groups you can volunteer with. Make sure you get involved!!

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