Volunteering resources
This section contains resources for those volunteering or working in volunteer management. It includes written materials which can be downloaded and websites containing information regarding volunteering. For information about current volunteer opportunities available within The Benevolent Society please visit our volunteer opportunities page.
Information for Volunteers
The Benevolent Society Volunteer Handbook
Our Volunteer Handbook provides information about the rights and responsibilities of volunteers and our code of conduct. It also covers best practice on volunteering and gives details about practical issues such as becoming a volunteer, orientation, support, grievance procedures, occupational health and safety as well as information on our insurance cover for volunteers.
The Centre for Volunteering
Centre for Volunteering is a NSW based organisation which can provides a referral service, tools and resources. Their website at www.volunteering.com.au has up to date information about volunteering issues and a newsletter on volunteering.
Volunteer and Service Training (VAST)
VAST is a government funded organisation that supports Home and Community Care (HACC) Services across Eastern Sydney. Vast has two roles:
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To train volunteers within HACC services
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To provide training and support to HACC workers
VAST offers a range of training course relevant to volunteers. For more information go to www.jnc.org.au/JNCVAST.htm
Information for Volunteer Managers
Our Volunteer Programs Coordinator
Our Volunteer team supports our existing volunteers, recruits and trains new volunteers and helps to develop and implement The Benevolent Society's volunteer strategy. Our aim is to make volunteering more accessible in the community and to ensure our volunteers have a positive experience. If you have any questions about our volunteer programs, contact us on 02 9339 8000 or by email.
Volunteering Australia
Volunteering Australia is the national peak body working to advance volunteering in the Australian community. Its role is to represent the diverse views and needs of the volunteer sector while promoting the activity of volunteering as one of enduring social, cultural and economic value. Their website at www.volunteeringaustralia.org has information about policy, research and volunteer management.
The Australasian Association of Volunteer Administrators (AAVA)
As a professional association, AAVA is interested in the professional recognition of volunteer managers - paid and unpaid; the professional development of people involved in managing volunteer programs and ongoing development of the field of volunteer management. AAVA is concerned with 'building the sector' through the support, encouragement and recognition of people involved in leading volunteer programs.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics
ABS supplies statistics including information about volunteering – go to www.abs.gov.au and type in ‘volunteer’ in the search box at the top right hand side of the home page to find articles which include voluntary work.
The Idealist Org Volunteer Management Resource Centre
The Volunteer Management Resource Centre website at www.idealist.org/en/vmrc/index.html provides access to articles and information on best practices and resources for volunteer management.
OZVPM
The Australasian Volunteer Program Management web site at http://www.ozvpm.com/ has been developed to assist those who have a responsibility for the management / coordination of volunteer groups. There is a wealth of information including an online bookstore dedicated to volunteering.
Points of Light
This website is for volunteers and volunteer managers.The content is created in the US but there are some good ideas and resources. You will need to supply them with your email address (which they will not on-sell) and then you can access most of the information on the site. http://www.pointsoflight.org/resources/volunteerresource
V21 Research – Enhancing volunteering for the 21st Century
The report from the Volunteering for the 21st Century project, known as V21, explores the impact of access, training and support structures at key points of a volunteer’s engagement. In particular it looks at attraction, initial engagement, transition into the organisation, and ongoing commitment to the task. The chapter Research into Practice is a practical guide to help organisations implement the findings as part of their planning. The Report is the result of a three year research project carried out by The Benevolent Society, the St Vincent de Paul Society, the NSW Rural Fire Service and the Australian Catholic University.
Dates to remember
National Volunteer Week
In Australia, National Volunteer Week is regularly celebrated in May, from the Monday immediately after Mother's Day to the following Sunday. Dates for the next 4 years are:
10 - 16 May 2010
09 - 15 May 2011
14 - 20 May 2012
International Volunteer Day - 5 December