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In this issue:
- National Volunteer Week resources
- Abstracts open - State Conference
- Productivity Commission Inquiry into Philanthropy
- NVW Grant recipients announced
- Free Diversity and Inclusion series
- Changes to Membership fees
Note from the CEO
Welcome to the April volunteering newsletter.
National Volunteer Week (NVW) is fast-approaching, 15 - 21 May 2023, and this year's theme is The Change Makers. It’s in recognition of how volunteering empowers us to make an impact and helps our communities thrive. Volunteering brings people together; it builds communities and creates a better society for everyone. NVW is a chance for all of us to celebrate and recognise the vital work that volunteers contribute to our communities. A big shout-out for Lotterywest who have supported 179 organisations this year through the National Volunteer Week Grants Program. More information on how you can get involved below.
In just a couple of weeks, we’ll be holding WA’s most inspirational, uplifting and heart-warming celebration the WA Volunteer of the Year Awards. Volunteering WA is honoured to host the 2023 WA Volunteer of the Year Awards program, and to showcase and celebrate inspiring volunteering stories from across Western Australia. We will be joined by our Patron, His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, Governor of Western Australia; our Minister for Volunteering the Hon Stephen Dawson MLC; our wonderful finalists and hundreds of dedicated contributors to our sector. We look forward to having a fantastic evening celebrating the people who put volunteering at the heart of the community.
Another exciting piece of news for our WA volunteering sector is the commencement of the Western Australia State of Volunteering Report 2023. A key part of this project is participation of volunteer managers and coordinators across WA so please respond to the survey. It’s vital to have your input so we have rich/quality data to share with the sector through the report. We plan to provide insights at the State Volunteering Conference in November. Details will follow in the coming weeks.
Happy volunteering,
Tina
National Volunteer Week - Let's get planning
National Volunteer Week (NVW) is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering with thousands of events and activities held across the country during 15 – 21 May 2023.
In Western Australia, it is an opportunity to connect and celebrate the diverse volunteering stories across the state.
The theme for National Volunteer Week 2023 is The Change Makers. Our vision for the future will see volunteering thrive. We are the change makers.
Do you want to attend a magical evening during National Volunteer Week?
Thursday 18 May
Grand Ballroom Crown Perth
6.30pm Welcome Reception for 7.00pm commencement
Master of Ceremony: Nadia Mitsopolous, ABC Radio
Special National Volunteer Week Addresses from
~ His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, Governor of Western Australia
~ Hon Stephen Dawson MLC, Minister for Volunteering
~ Tina Williams, Chief Executive Volunteering WA
Formalities conclude at 9.00pm with entertainment and music until 11.30pm
Tickets to the WA Volunteer of the Year Awards close 5.00pm Wednesday 3 May - if you want to celebrate volunteering, check out what the Awards mean so you can get involved next year, or just have a night hearing incredible stories and a dance, join Volunteering WA for an incredible evening. Find all the details and ticketing information on the WA Volunteer of the Year Awards website.
NVW Grant recipients announced
From Broome in the north, to Esperance in the south, 179 organisations from across WA will share in $203,965 to help celebrate volunteering during National Volunteer Week.
Funded by Lotterywest and administered by Volunteering WA the grants program offers small grants of up to $1000 to organisations to both acknowledge the contributions of their volunteers and help raise awareness of the benefits of volunteering.
Diversity and Inclusion Workshop Series
>> Check out all of Volunteering WA's upcoming training sessions, including our Diversity & Inclusion Workshop Series - catch one or all three of the remaining series.
Workshop 3: Importance of cultural safety, Wednesday 5 July 2023
For volunteer involving organisations and their employees in this two-hour session, we will cover: Acknowledgement of Country; explore and understand what ‘cultural safety’ is; become aware of cultural considerations; learn how to create a culturally safe space and tips to engage First Nations peoples as volunteers.
Workshop 4: Engaging volunteers with disability, Friday 14 July 2023
For volunteer involving organisations and their employees in this two-hour session, we will cover: learn what the social model of disability and citizenhood is; understand what is ableism; build awareness of inclusive language and attitudes; workplace adjustments; how to use a strengths-based approach; develop accessible recruitment and induction strategies.
Workshop 5: Inclusion Ready, Thursday 24 July 2023
For volunteer involving organisations and their employees in this two-hour session, we will cover: Ask the panel questions; hear from people with lived experience who will share their volunteer experiences and insights; learn strategies to counter resistance and promote inclusive volunteer practices; chat about discussions on program learnings and how to implement actions into a VIO; ask about the use of plain language.
Up to 0.5 CPD point is awarded for attending each session. To learn more about Continuous Professional Development with Volunteering WA and how to register click on the CPD link.
Workshop series is free to WA volunteer involving organisations thanks to finding from Australian Government Department of Social Services.
Abstracts Open | Volunteering WA State Conference
Abstract submissions are open for the 2023 Volunteering WA State Conference to be held at Optus Stadium 14 - 15 November.
The 2023 Volunteering WA State Conference theme is Reimagine the volunteering experience.
Merging Volunteering WA's priorities with the focus of the National Strategy for Volunteering - to focus on the volunteering experience - the 2023 Conference theme challenges volunteer leaders to reimagine how volunteers and volunteer practitioners experience volunteering in 2023 and beyond.
Submissions can be made from anyone with an interest in volunteering – volunteers, administrators, consumers, service providers, researchers, industry partners, peak bodies and national associations.
Share your knowledge and inspire others by submitting your presentation abstract by 5.00pm Friday 9 June 2023.
We can do more with your support - Become a State Conference Partner
If your organisation or business would like to see the State Conference Sponsorship Prospectus and chat to our team please contact Traci Gamblin.
Volunteering WA offers self-paced, online microlearning courses aimed at volunteer managers
Writing Effective Volunteer Position Descriptions
Volunteering WA can help you recruit, retain and grow a thriving volunteer community. If you want to write effective volunteer position descriptions, we have you covered. This online course is split into four modules allowing you to work through materials in your own time and in sections and will take you through the necessary steps of 'Writing Effective Volunteer Position Descriptions'. The course includes: Why write a position description? Who is your target audience? How to write an effective position description? Where to advertise your role?
Volunteer Engagement Planning
As your volunteering peak body, we're here to support you so you can focus on making a difference. If you’re a person in charge of engaging volunteers, we know you have an important job on your hands. This online self-paced course ‘Volunteer Engagement Planning’ is for people who lead volunteers in a volunteer involving organisation. The course includes: Building a solid foundation, Connecting with volunteers, Supporting volunteers and Evaluating your volunteer management program.
Volunteering WA Membership Fees
Membership fees allow Volunteering WA to develop and deliver services and benefits to members as well as contribute to our work as the peak body, championing the sector.
Being a member gives you access to a great range of member benefits and services. However, it is about more than this. It’s about recognising the essential contribution of volunteers and volunteering in our communities as well as your own organisation. It’s about working together to harness the power of volunteering, to promote stronger, healthier more inclusive communities.
The new fees will apply to new membership applications and existing membership renewals, from 1 July 2023.
Attention Pilbara organisations
Learn how corporate volunteers can help you
It’s not too late to sign up for the *FREE* PILBARA STEP INTO CORPORATE VOLUNTEERING session in May. If your community organisation is based in the Pilbara, join Volunteering WA's Regional Coordinators Kelly Nunn and Karla Hitchcock for an online information session to learn how corporate volunteers might assist your organisation.
When: Tuesday 16 May 2023
Time: 6:30 PM to 7:15 PM
Register online
Pilbara Vacancy
Join our Pilbara team
We are hiring a Community Engagement Coordinator to be based in either Port Hedland or Newman to join our Corporate Volunteering team.
This exciting opportunity will see you working with community organisations to facilitate corporate volunteering days for our corporate partners.
Learn more and apply before 5:00pm Monday 15 May 2023.
Welcome New Team Member
Sumayyah Ahmad
Emergency Services Project Coordinator
Volunteering WA
Sumayyah is passionate about disaster risk reduction and volunteer management, and will lead the Spontaneous Volunteer Management System project for Western Australia. She will support Volunteering WA’s role in disaster risk reduction, with an aim to achieve the 2030 Disaster Risk Reduction Goals for Western Australia, focusing both on community and animal welfare response and recovery activities. Meet the Volunteering WA team
Welcome New Members
Welcome to new and renewing Volunteering WA Members. Volunteer involving organisations can enjoy the benefits of membership, including significant training and events discounts.
Welcome Western Australian Assistance and Therapy Dogs, and With One Voice Choir Perth and Tzu Chi Foundation.
Sector News
Feedback sought
National Standards for Volunteer Involvement
The National Standards for Volunteer Involvement (NSVI) are being refreshed to ensure they reflect the current environment and continue to support volunteering in Australia.
If you are involved in the management or coordination of volunteering, please share your feedback on the National Standards. The Standards provide the framework for volunteer management best-practice, and your consultation is vital.
Volunteering WA invites you to provide online feedback on six key areas of the National Standards during the consultation period (10 April to 5 May 2023).
Free RAT Program
As we head into winter which is also known as flu season, the WA Government is making free RATs available to community service organisations.
RATs are a quick and convenient way to detect and limit the spread of COVID-19. To make the ordering process as simple as possible for providers, the State can arrange delivery for orders of in quantities 000’s.
For smaller orders you will need to collect from their Jandakot warehouse. If you would like to order your free RATs then please email Claire.Dodos@finance.wa.gov.au with your delivery address, opening hours, quantity and contact person (phone and email) who will receive them.
Productivity Commission Inquiry into Philanthropy (including volunteering)
Did you know that the Australian Government has set a goal to double “philanthropic giving” in Australia by 2030? They have asked the Productivity Commission to conduct an inquiry to better understand the current scale of giving, motivations, barriers and major policy levers to help them to achieve this goal. Volunteering is included in the scope of this review.
Volunteering WA will be participating and contributing to this review.
Public submissions are also invited and close on 5 May 2023. To find out more, and have your say, visit https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/philanthropy#issues
Working with Children Check - changes are coming
The WA Government Working with Children Screening Unit holds several free workshops and information sessions for organisations and individuals to better understand the Working with Children Check.
There are a number of in-person sessions happening across the state, or you can register for one of their online Amendments information sessions to better understand the WWC legislative changes coming into effect 1 July 2023.
See all online and in-person sessions on the Working with Children Screening Unit's Eventbrite page.
National Reconciliation Week (27 May - 3 June)
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023, Be a Voice for Generations, encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.
With three subscription plans, INVOLVE has been built for any agency, organisation or community group that manages volunteers.
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.
www.volunteeringwa.org.au | 08 9482 4333 | info@volunteeringwa.org.au
Volunteering WA empowers people and communities to enrich Western Australia.
