Lend a Hand M-POWER CAMPAIGN ‘Lend a Hand’ is the M-power theme which focuses on community volunteering. The importance of volunteering is immeasurable and underpins our society and the existence of many organisations which depend on volunteers. “Volunteers are not paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.” Anon. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and Macquarie University actively supports community volunteering.

Corporate Volunteering Programs “Volunteers are not paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.” Anon. Volunteering is viewed as a positive, useful and worthwhile initiative by organisations The goal is to have more Macquarie University staff using their community volunteering leave, to contribute to charitable partner organisations Macquarie University actively supports community volunteering by providing up to 2 days volunteering leave for continuing full time and part-time staff (pro-rata) to contribute to community-based non-profit organisations, charitable groups and groups in need of assistance. Did you know? In NSW, over two million people regularly volunteer, contributing to more than 241 million volunteer hours a year!

Corporate Volunteering Programs Macquarie University actively supports community volunteering In 2011 community leave provisions were adopted in the MQ Enterprise Agreement Available to all continuing full-time and part time staff pro rata Volunteering can be done as an individual or as part of your team Can be taken as a full or half day Macquarie University actively supports community volunteering by providing up to 2 days volunteering leave for continuing full time and part-time staff (pro-rata) to contribute to community-based non-profit organisations, charitable groups and groups in need of assistance.

Benefits of Volunteering Enables staff to give back to the community and use skills Increases the work satisfaction of employees Learn new skills and knowledge in a different area Great way to bond with colleagues in a new setting Establish new contacts and social networks Assist organisations to meet their corporate social responsibility objectives Builds an organisation’s reputation and links with community groups There are many individual and organisational benefits for getting involved in a community volunteering activity. Volunteering enables… Volunteering is a fantastic opportunity for team building and getting to know your colleagues in a different setting

Corporate Volunteering Website Information on community volunteering can be found at: www.mq.edu.au/volunteering Four easy steps to get involved:

Corporate Volunteering Website ACTION: Identify a community volunteering initiative to do individually or as a group with your colleagues prior and organise the date with your chosen partner charity or not-for-profit organisation Volunteering leave does NOT roll over (ie. if you don’t take your 2 day entitlement within one year, you won’t then have 4 days entitlement the following year). Visit the website for ready-to-go volunteering packages.

Thank you! WWW.MQ.EDU.AU/VOLUNTEERING