Volunteering is a great way to:
- Make new friends
- Gain confidence
- Learn new skills
- Have fun
The rewards you get for putting something back into your community are limitless.
There are so many opportunities and organisations are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers. Choose an area that interests you - where you would like to make a difference in your community.
The following are some ideas of how you could volunteer:
- Work at an animal shelter
- Help out with a community performing arts group
- Visit with a sick or elderly person
- Be a lifeguard
- Deliver fresh hot meals to the elderly and disabled
- Work on a conservation project in your local council area
- Get involved in human rights and social justice
- Tutor a refugee in English
Volunteer to gain work experience
Volunteering is a great way to help you find paid work. If your resume is looking a little short because you don't have much work experience, volunteering is an excellent way to learn new skills and gain genuine work experience at the same time.
Most employers will think your volunteering history shows that you:
- Have initiative
- Are community minded
- Have a positive attitude towards work.
Learning to work as part of a team and developing your organisation skills are just a few of the benefits of volunteering that will serve you well in any job.
Avoid exploitation
When volunteering, it's important to remember that volunteers are not a substitute for paid workers. Be aware of employers who might try to exploit their volunteer workers as cheap or free labour.
When volunteering, your work should be making a contribution to the not-for-profit sector, not your boss's pocket!
Age requirements and police checks
While a number of volunteer positions require you to be 18 or older, there are still plenty of opportunities around for younger people. Unless a position states that you're required to be 18 or over, assume that it's OK to apply.
Some organisations, especially those where you are volunteering to work with children, will require a police check. If a police check is required, the organisation that you're volunteering for will most likely organise this on your behalf.
Volunteering overseas
While there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer in your own backyard, there's a whole world out there seeking volunteers to help with a multitude of projects and programs.
Volunteering overseas is a great way to combine your wanderlust for travel and passion for making a positive impact on the world. Check out the Idealist website (new window) for information and opportunities for volunteering overseas, or International Volunteers for Peace (new window) to find out about volunteering in overseas workcamps.
Links for volunteering
Go For Your Life
Victorian Government site with information for volunteers including links to a broad range of volunteering organisations and work placement opportunities.
How to get involved
Includes information about how the Victorian Government supports volunteers and a heap of information and links for volunteers.
Volunteering Victoria
Find out about volunteering opportunities near you and how to get involved in volunteering projects.
Victorian Volunteer Search - Directory of Victorian Volunteer Opportunities
Search for volunteer positions in Victoria.
GoVolunteer
GoVolunteer provides you with all the information you might need to find out about volunteering and volunteer opportunities in your area.
Seek Volunteer
Information for volunteers and a directory of positions.
