CEO's Welcome
Welcome to the September edition of eNews.
Volunteering in WA took a significant hit early in the COVID-19 response with 64% of volunteers stepping back from their roles. Fortunately, WA has been spared ongoing community transmission which has allowed the sector to manage a progressive return to volunteering.
Our member survey indicates that about 80% of Volunteer Involving Organisations are confident they will be able to return to pre-COVID levels of activity. However, there appears to be the loss of some older volunteers who are choosing not to return to their roles and a number of programs that are also still not reactivated.
Addressing this gap is a major priority for us and we are working with the sector and State Government to rebuild volunteer capacity by increasing awareness of the importance of volunteering and highlighting the personal, mental health and community benefits. Volunteering WA is also investing in new training resources to encourage a new and diverse range of people to volunteer across our State.
Thanks to the support of Department of Communities we will be launching a specialised program focussing on youth volunteering as a pathway to job readiness. The program will facilitate young people’s access to and engagement in volunteering opportunities. We’re excited to be involved in helping young people in WA gain skills and confidence that will support them in their future careers.
Volunteering comes in many forms and we’re pleased to announce a strategic alliance with the Town Teams Movement. Town Teams are positive and proactive community groups working collaboratively with their local government to improve a place or area. We’re thrilled to welcome TTM to our membership and assist volunteers in achieving great things in their neighbourhoods.
Lastly, I’m delighted to share news of Mark Pearce’s appointment to CEO of Volunteering Australia. I’m looking forward to a new chapter in partnering with Volunteering Australia and supporting their work nationally.
The Volunteering WA team has made a return to the office while continuing to meet the State Government’s physical distancing requirements. I would like to thank our staff and volunteers for their flexibility and contributions during the pandemic and now in the recovery stages.
I look forward to seeing you at the AGM this month, please see below for details on how you can RSVP.
Happy Volunteering,
Tina Williams | CEO Volunteering WA
Our News
Notice of Volunteering WA Annual General Meeting 2020
We are pleased to announce that our Annual General Meeting will be held via Zoom on Wednesday 21 October at 3pm.
We extend a warm welcome to all our members and representatives from the volunteer sector, State and local Government, partners and corporate supporters, volunteers and members of the community to join us for the meeting. Please RSVP to alana@volunteeringwa.org.au by Wednesday 14 October. If you are a financial member and unable to attend, we ask that you kindly fill out your proxy form.
International Volunteer Managers' Day
Volunteer Managers wear many hats and Volunteering WA would like to recognise and celebrate all Volunteer Managers by inviting you to attend a fun filled day of guest speakers, morning tea and lunch on Thursday 5 November 2020 for #IVMDay20. Join us as we focus on re-engaging volunteers as part of the Volunteering WA’s What’s Next - International Volunteer Managers Day Forum.
Corporate Volunteering
Corporate Teams for Christmas!
Christmas is coming and corporate teams are looking for ways to contribute to the community for their end of year team building activities.
We’d love to get them out to help at your organisation. Be it hamper packing, present wrapping, backyard blitzing or end of year painting; if you have an activity that needs many hands on deck, then we have a team for you! Contact corporate@volunteeringwa.org.au to discuss how to access teams of corporate volunteers (free with your Volunteering WA membership).
Registrations now open for 2020/21 Volunteer Management Courses
The training calendar for 2020/21 is now available on the Volunteering WA (VWA) training webpage and if you are registered for VWA’s Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Program which starts on 1st October 2020, you will accumulate points for attendance and participation.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Program
The CPD program will help you maintain and develop the volunteer management skills and knowledge required in your current role, sector and beyond. The CPD will be achieved through a range of methods and will commence 1 October 2020 and will replace the current Management Endorsement Levels.
Certificate IV in Coordination of Volunteer Programs
This online 12-month course has been developed for not-for-profit and community service professionals and is responsive to the latest trends and requirements for volunteer coordinators in Australia. The Cert. IV course will enhance your thinking on how to operate more effectively in a challenging environment.
Free training opportunity for Volunteer Managers
Volunteering WA’s Leading the Way is a free online webinar series, funded by the Minderoo Foundation, specifically designed for volunteer managers who work in small Volunteer Involving Organisations. It outlines a best practice approach to launch or re-invigorate volunteer programs and supports the ongoing effective management of volunteers. The webinar series is divided into four modules which will provide pragmatic practices, tips and materials.
Regional News
Across the regions, Hub coordinators have been delivering workshops, promoting volunteer opportunities and meeting with organisations to discuss the benefits and support provided by Volunteering WA. Kelly Nunn, Coordinator of the Pilbara Volunteer Hub, and Maria Herrman, Corporate Events Coordinator, spent 3 days in Port Hedland doing just this!
Kelly and Maria presented a Step into Volunteering Session to a group of enthusiastic seniors as part of the ‘Senior Adults Living Triumphantly’ program and attended the Bloodwood Tree Careers Expo to promote volunteer opportunities in the local area.
If you would like to get in contact with your local Volunteer Hub or Resource Centre please visit our website here.
Volunteer Community Reference Group
The Volunteer Community Reference Group (VCRG) provides a direct voice on volunteering issues to the WA State Government. Established by Volunteering WA under the direction of the Minister for Volunteering, Hon Mick Murray MLA, the latest meeting focused on the challenges to reinvigorate the sector as a result of COVID-19.
The VCRG will continue to work with State Government to support volunteering in the recovery phase. To find out more about these discussions and ideas to assist in recovery by following the link below.
Sector News
Volunteering in a Pandemic Guide
As we know the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the volunteering sector across Australia. Volunteering WA has published a practical guide to help volunteers in WA decide how best to volunteer during a pandemic, such as COVID-19.
It covers issues such how to stay safe and keep the community safe, follow State Government and official health advice, choose whether to continue or stand down from an existing volunteer role, register for virtual or emergency volunteering opportunities, keep in touch with your volunteer organisation, work from home and volunteer in your community, including in informal groups.
Launch of WAConnect Data Exchange
The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated just how important it is to know what services are available during an emergency. Volunteering WA is working in partnership with the Peaks Forum to ensure that information about our services is linked, coordinated and up to date.
The Data Exchange Survey aims to collect information across sectors to understand the impact of COVID-19 on services across WA and detailed data about service demand. This survey is intended for those services that are already registered with a sector service directory and closes on Friday 9 October 2020. If your service is not currently registered on a service directory, we encourage you to register for WAConnect and complete the survey
Impact of the NDIS on volunteering in the WA Disability Services Sector Report
During late 2019 and early 2020, Volunteering WA looked into the involvement of volunteers at a number of disability services providers and how this has been affected by the transition to the NDIS. Click the link below to view the report from this investigation.
Harmony Week 2021 Grants
Harmony Week (15 – 21 March) is an opportunity to consider the many benefits WA gains from its culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries is offering grants of $2,000 to support community-led diversity and inclusion activities celebrating Harmony Week in 2021. Activities with a focus on culture and arts and sport and active recreation are encouraged. Applications close Monday 19 October 2020.
Dream it Forward Grants
The Dream it Forward program is a ConnectGroups small grants program focused on identifying, strengthening, sustaining, or adding value to grassroots, community-led projects that positively impact the social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres. Applications up to $7,000 for projects close on Thursday 15 October 2020.
Community Services Excellence Awards
Have you made your nomination for the Community Services Excellence Awards? The awards are a partnership between the Department of Communities and WACOSS, and supported by Lotterywest, and, perhaps more than ever, an indispensable opportunity for the sector to reflect on its achievements. Nominations close Friday 13 November 2020.
Change the World
Hancock Creative is bringing the digital ‘Change the World’ event back on Monday November 9. A free full-day educational seminar on digital marketing and getting your social media to make an impact. The event is open to all of Australia and New Zealand with 8 brand new presentations to inspire.
Training & Events
We have some fantastic training coming up in the next few weeks. Please visit our website here for a full schedule of upcoming sessions however we bring to your attention a few that are very popular and filling up fast.
Volunteer Management Network
Wednesday 14 October | 9.30am to 12 noon | Online
Join VWA’s Training and Education Manager to discuss general news, events, information sharing and problem solving, followed by 30 minutes of networking. This session is only available to people currently working, or volunteering, as a Volunteer Coordinator/Manager. Register here.
Writing Successful Grant Applications
Tuesday 20 October | 9.30am to 11am | Online
Designed for people who have minimal grant writing experience, this one and a half hour information webinar will provide you with the skills needed to write a successful grant application. $23 for members and $34 for non-members. Register here.
Making the most of your Volunteering WA membership
Tuesday 27 October | 9am to 10am | Online
This session will show you how to make the most of your Volunteering WA membership including the services and support available. Free for Volunteering WA member organisations and those considering joining. Register here.
Introduction to VIKTOR for VWA members
Thursday 29 October | 9am to 10am | Online
If you are new to VIKTOR, the national online volunteer recruitment and referral platform, and responsible for volunteer recruitment, this session will help you get started. Register here.
Key Issues of Volunteer Management
Thursday 29 October | 9am to 12.30pm | Online
Essential for everyone managing or coordinating volunteering effort, this fast-paced, information-rich half a day workshop touches on everything you need to know about volunteer management. $43 for members and $74 for non-members. Register here.
New Members
A warm welcome to our new and returning members:
The Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)
AUZZIE'S Raptor Rehabilitation Association
We look forward to working with you.
Saturday Shout Out
Do you need help finding volunteers to fill a position in your organisation? Our Saturday feature, only for members, advertises your position on our Facebook page, with over 6,500 followers. Email nazreen@volunteeringwa.org.au to promote your volunteer vacancies.
Please ensure your volunteering role is on VIKTOR so that we can link the Facebook post straight through to the Volunteering WA website.
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