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In this issue:
- Last chance to nominate!
- Project grants open in March
- 2023 training calendar launched
- Changes to Working with Children Checks
- National Strategy for Volunteering launched
- VOL_NTEER. We need U
- Funding boost for VRCs
A note from the CEO
Welcome to the February volunteering newsletter - it's been a packed couple of months to kick off 2023.
Last week, the Volunteering WA team was excited and energised after attending the 2023 National Volunteering Conference on Ngunnawal Country, Canberra along with 880 delegates (in person and online). More than 100 industry experts presented over two days on everything from youth volunteering, to technology, to corporate volunteering; but the highlight was of course the launch of the 2023-2033 National Strategy for Volunteering.
It was fantastic to see a large Western Australian contingent, with colleagues from Peel and South West Volunteer Resource Centres, Advocare, Teach Learn Grow, Department of Communities, and our IT Partner Eduka, in attendance soaking up the informative sessions.
Volunteering WA was proudly represented throughout the program delivering presentations on youth, innovation, corporate volunteering, facilitating sessions and exhibiting Australia's new volunteer management system - INVOLVE.
The National Strategy for Volunteering is the result of a 12 month co-design journey across Australia and provides a blueprint for the next ten years that will enable volunteering to thrive.
Read the National Strategy for Volunteering.
The publication of the National Strategy for Volunteering is an incredible road map but for it to be brought to life, there needs to be continued engagement, commitment, and action from across the volunteering ecosystem. As Volunteering Australia has stated, 'the publication of the National Strategy for Volunteering is only the beginning of the conversation'.
As your peak volunteering body, Volunteering WA is here to support you and champion the volunteering community, so you can focus on maximising your volunteering program and making a difference. We look forward to engaging, leading and advancing volunteering with you over the next few years alongside the National Strategy.
As we look to recognise and celebrate volunteering, I strongly encourage you to nominate your community group, organisation, volunteers and fabulous volunteer managers for the WA Volunteer of the Year Awards - nominations close 3 March.
Nominate a deserving volunteer or volunteering organisation.
Happy volunteering,
Tina
Who will you nominate for the WA Volunteer of the Year Awards?
The 2023 WA Volunteer of the Year Awards are a state-wide program showcasing inspiring stories and recognising excellence in volunteering. By recognising our volunteers, we send a powerful message about the value of volunteering, and the important contribution our volunteers make towards building healthier and more resilient communities.
Nominations officially close Friday 3 March, though we will accept submissions over the long weekend until the morning of 7 March.
Nominations are open for the following categories:
- Excellence in Volunteer Management, presented by INVOLVE
- Volunteer for Multicultural Communities, presented by Office of Multicultural Interests
- Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering, presented by Silverchain
- WA Young Volunteer of the Year, presented by the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation
- RAC WA Volunteer of the Year, presented by RAC
- Excellence in Corporate Volunteering, presented by NeonLogic
- Community Volunteer Organisation of the Year, supported by Lotterywest
If have any queries or need support, please contact our Marketing & Communications Manager, Holly, via email or call 9482 4304.
WACSSO receives Volunteering WA 2023-23 Research Grant
Volunteering WA congratulates the WA Council of State School Organisations Inc. (WACSSO) as the recipient of the 2022-23 Research Grant Program.
WACSSO's research project will seek to answer 3 questions:
- What works and does not work to recruit and retain parent volunteers to P&Cs across WA?
- What can be done to increase participation in P&C activities?
- How can P&Cs support the participation and inclusion of a more diverse range of parents?
The next round of the program for 2023-24 projects will be released by August 2023. Learn more about the WACSSO project, or express your interest for the 2023-24 round.
Volunteer Management Activity (VMA) Project Grants open 7 March
Volunteering WA is pleased to announce the new round of volunteer management projects-based grants will open in early March for 2023-24 projects. Volunteering WA seeks to fund projects that aim to help break down barriers to volunteering, faced by one or more of the identified priority groups. Project outcomes are to support volunteer managers and volunteer involving organisations to build capacity to engage and support priority group volunteers.
These grants are funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
>> View the 2022-23 Recipients
>> 2023-24 Guidelines and Application Form available from 7 March
SAVE THE DATE | Volunteering WA State Conference 2023
Tuesday 14 & Wednesday 15 November 2023 | Optus Stadium, Perth
Western Australia’s most innovative, passionate, and eager to evolve, volunteering leaders will come together to share the skills and tools they need to advance volunteering in 2023 and beyond.
Key details will be shared in this monthly newsletter, however you can subscribe to our Conference Alerts for updates on abstracts opening and closing dates, key topics and themes as they happen.
We can do more with your support! If you are interested in a Sponsorship Prospectus, please email communications@volunteeringwa.org.au.
2023 Workshop Calendar Launched
Do you manage or coordinate volunteers? Volunteering WA's 2023 Training and Events Calendar is now available to register for free and subsidised workshops and it is jam-packed!
With seven (7) workshops scheduled for March alone, 2023 is your year for professional development. All Volunteering WA workshops in March are free thanks to funding from the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
- 7 March, Leading Teams for Performance
- 8 March, Diversity & Inclusive Workshop series - Workshop 1: Inclusion, Diversity & Intersectionality
- 9 March, The National Standards: Leadership and Management Overview
- 16 March, Implementing the National Standards - Leadership and Management Case Study
- 20 March, Diversity & Inclusive Workshop series - Workshop 2: Cultural diversity and inclusion
- 21 March, Making the Most of Your Volunteering WA Membership (Members-only)
- 29 March, Writing Successful Grant Applications
The Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program has also opened for expressions of interest and registration.
Member-only Resources
Member Newsletter | Our Member Services Manager, Jane Mason, launched our first Member-only newsletter this month, where she will continue to share sector insights, learnings, and exclusive benefits for members.
Member Discussions | Throughout March, Volunteering WA will host five (5) member-only forums for volunteer managers and coordinators at different levels in their careers. The theme of these inaugural forums will focus on your experiences, and what value you want to see from Volunteering WA. We will then invite you to suggest themes for future discussions. The dates and registration links are in the Member newsletter which was emailed to the organisation's primary contact.
Member Survey Snapshot | We recently checked in with our members to gather feedback on their membership with Volunteering WA. You can see a snapshot of what our members found most valuable in 2022 in the Member Survey Flyer (PDF).
Please contact Jane if you are interested in becoming a member of your volunteering peak body. Volunteering WA Members are listed on our website.
Introducing INVOLVE, Australia's new volunteer management platform
INVOLVE is made for coordinators, managers, and administrators to track, plan, and seamlessly mobilise your volunteers in one easy-to-use, flexible platform.
Book a demo to see how INVOLVE will provide a better user experience and a complete management solution customised to suit your needs. Places are limited, don’t miss out!
National Strategy for Volunteering Launched
Following a rigorous and inspiring 12-month co-design journey, Australia has a new shared agenda for a reimagined future for volunteering. The National Strategy for Volunteering, co-created by stakeholders from across the volunteering ecosystem, provides a blueprint for the next ten years that will enable volunteering in Australia to thrive.
The National Strategy for Volunteering includes the following:
- A vision for volunteering to be achieved over the National Strategy for Volunteering’s ten-year timeframe.
- Three focus areas, which include the aims of the National Strategy for Volunteering.
- Eleven strategic objectives, which detail the work required to achieve the vision and aims.
- A timeline for phased implementation.
Changes to Working with Children Checks for Parent and Child Volunteers
Recent changes to Working with Children Checks legislation in WA will come into effect from 1 July 2023. The Department of Communities is hosting two free sessions (27 February and 24 April) which will provide more information on how the changes will impact volunteer involving organisations, and parent and child volunteers.
You can register to attend an online information session through the Working with Children Screening Unit's event page.
Australian Government announces funding boost for Volunteer Resource Centres
The Australian Government recently announced a further $4 million funding boost for 37 Volunteering Resource Centres (VRCs) across the country.
The funds will be released over two years from 2022-23 and 2023-24 and will enable Volunteering Resource Centres to build capacity and work with volunteering peak bodies to align services with Volunteer Management Activity (VMA).
Key 2023 Dates
- National Volunteer Week | Monday 15 - Sunday 21 May
- WA Volunteer of the Year Awards | Thursday 18 May
- National Student Volunteer Week | Monday 7 - Sunday 13 August
- Volunteering WA 2022-23 Annual General Meeting | Wednesday 18 October
- International Volunteer Managers Day | Sunday 5 November
- Volunteering WA State Conference | Tuesday 14 & Wednesday 15 November
- International Volunteer Day | Tuesday 5 December
- IVD Garden Party | *tentative Thursday 7 December
VOL_NTEER. We need U
The Hon Stephen Dawson MLC, Minister for Volunteering, has launched the "VOL_NTEER. We Need U" campaign to encourage people to volunteer throughout Western Australia. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the value of volunteering and the range of experiences available in both metropolitan and regional WA communities.
Toolkit resources have been developed for organisations to help promote volunteering opportunities across the State. Shareable resources include social media tiles, posters and email signatures.
Save the date and show your support
All around the country during the week of 18-24 February people will be showing their support for a referendum on a First Nations Voice to Parliament. It’s a chance for you to show your support as the Yes! campaign is about to launch.
Leading up to and during the week, groups like From the Heart and Uluru Statement will distribute ideas and resources to help you get involved.
www.volunteeringwa.org.au | 08 9482 4333 | info@volunteeringwa.org.au
Volunteering WA empowers people and communities to enrich Western Australia.
