Volunteering
Good for you and great for your career
Deakin Careers and Employment does not endorse any of the service providers listed in this booklet and it is not a representation that students will be offered a volunteer opportunity with these organisations. It is the student’s responsibility to make independent enquiries about possible volunteer opportunities with each organisation.
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What is volunteering?
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Volunteer Resource Centres (VRC)
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Volunteering overseas
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Burwood – Volunteering opportunities
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Geelong – Volunteering opportunities
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Warrnambool – Volunteering opportunities
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Volunteering for international students
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Get started! How do I begin volunteering?
Volunteering at Deakin 1.
What is volunteering? ‘We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.’ Winston Churchill
Volunteering is an activity that can be undertaken at many not for profit community organisations in various forms such as assisting with projects or activities. Some quick facts about Volunteering » Volunteering benefits the community and the volunteer » Volunteering is always a matter of choice » Volunteering is an activity that is ALWAYS unpaid » Volunteering is a great way to get involved in the community and help address human, environmental and social needs » Volunteering is an activity performed in the not-for-profit sector only » Volunteering respects the rights, dignity and culture of others (Source: Volunteering Victoria)
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10 reasons to volunteer Many students think volunteering is a waste of time because they are not getting paid for their work. So why would you work for nothing? Here’s why! You can: 1. Make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate than you in the community. 2. Make new friends! Volunteering is great way to connect with other people from different backgrounds and form friendships. 3. Add great experience to your resume. A lot of skills learnt through volunteering are transferable skills that employers look for in an ideal candidate such as communication and presentation skills. 4. Support a cause that you are passionate about and know that you are making a difference through your contributions as a volunteer. 5. Develop networks within the community that may assist you later in finding employment 6. Understand more about having responsibility in a role and you can also gain references to put on your resume, if you do a good job! 7. Challenge yourself with something new! Volunteering gives you the opportunity to have an experience outside of your comfort zone which allows for self development and understanding of other lifestyles and cultures within the community. 8. Use your existing skills/hobby for something useful or learn new skills. Some volunteering organisations might even provide training opportunities where you can learn valuable skills. 9. Connect with the community. If you are new to Australia, Volunteering can help you learn more about the people and community in your new home country. 10. HAVE FUN! Grab a group of your friends and volunteer together to make it into a social event where you can have a great time whilst also giving back to the community!
Rights and Responsibilities of Volunteers Volunteering is a fun experience, however it is important to be aware of your rights and responsibilities before undertaking any volunteer opportunity.
Rights As a volunteer you have a right to:
Responsibilities As a volunteer you need to:
» information about the organisation for which you are volunteering » a clearly written job description » be recognised as a valued team member and supported and supervised in your role » be covered by insurance » say NO if you are being exploited » be informed about the organisation’s reimbursement policy for expenses incurred during volunteering » an orientation and any training relevant to your role
» be reliable, punctual and courteous » make a commitment to their chosen volunteer position » notify the organisation about any potential hazards or dangerous situations » abide by all organisation’s volunteer policies » undertake training as requested » carry out the specified job description » be accountable » ask for support when you need it » let the organisation know if you can’t continue your volunteering commitments » value and support other team members
(Source: Volunteering Victoria & Volunteering Geelong Publications)
If you feel unsure about the validity of a volunteering opportunity, refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman Australia at www.fairwork.gov.au Always make sure that you are NOT BEING EXPLOITED by an organisation!
‘You get a feeling of accomplishment when you finish a day of volunteering; it’s a great feeling knowing that you are doing something to help conserve our environment. You also meet new people that share your interests in conservation along the way. Volunteering also looks very appealing on a resume.’ Alice Rutherford – Deakin Volunteer at Conservation Volunteers Australia
Volunteering at Deakin 3.
What is volunteering? Volunteering Organisations – Who are they? Finding a volunteer organisation can be daunting as there are many different types of organisations seeking volunteers. We have outlined below the different ways you can get involved as a volunteer.
Resource-based organisations These organisations exist to provide various resources to the community and often are staffed by volunteers.
Issues-based organisations Most volunteer organisations are formed in support of a certain issue/cause in society. Many of these organisations will have volunteer opportunities for organised events to promote their cause to the wider community or projectbased work.
Volunteer resource centres Volunteer resource centres are present all around Victoria and help volunteers to find opportunities within an area with different types of organisations. These are a good place to start as they are an umbrella organisation for hundreds of different volunteering organisations.
Some issues-based organisations may also seek volunteers on an ongoing basis to support them in operations such as administration, fundraising etc.
Refer to the following section on Volunteer Resource Centres for further details on how they can help you find an ideal opportunity in your area.
Issues-based organisations can range in size from large organisations such as World Vision to smaller and locally based organisations. All of them need the support of volunteers to keep them operational, however make sure you check on their website or call them up to see whether they recruit for volunteers all year round or whether they have specific recruitment drives at certain times of the year. Examples of issues-based organisations: AIDS Council, RSPCA, Oaktree Foundation, World Vision, Make Poverty History. Local community organisations Many local not-for-profit organisations rely heavily on the support of volunteers to ensure their survival. Community organisations often exist to serve and assist different types of groups in society such as the disabled, elderly, youth or migrants. Many of these organisations often have an ongoing need for volunteers to assist in activities that they run for the members of these groups or to actually support the operations of the organisations. Examples of local community organisations: Elderly citizen’s groups, Yooralla, Uniting Care Community Options, church-based youth groups, Scouts Australia, women groups/support centres, AMES (Australian Migrant Education Service).
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Examples of resource-based organisations: Op shops, community and neighbourhood houses, religious centres, volunteer resource centres.
Deakin University volunteering (on campus) There are lots of opportunities to volunteer on campus at Deakin. A lot of the student societies have various roles which are filled by volunteers. Many events on campus also require student hosts as volunteers (e.g. ‘O’ week) as well as mentor programs that run regularly. Check out the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program that runs at Deakin, which incorporates volunteering as part of the award. The Duke of Edinburgh is an award program based on a student’s personal development. For more information on how to become involved with the Duke of Edinburgh Program visit www.deakin.edu.au/dukes.
Organisation profile Australian Red Cross (retail – op shops) Red Cross is always there for people in need, providing relief in times of crisis and care for the most vulnerable in Australia and around the world. In times of conflict or natural disaster our volunteers are committed to putting our humanitarian values to work, offering practical assistance and support at any time of the day or night – no questions asked. Red Cross currently has around 100 million volunteers worldwide who work hard to provide services to the needy in the community. Red Cross stores give socially conscious shoppers a great place to shop, which is both fashionable and affordable. Money raised from Red Cross stores helps continue the everyday work of Red Cross. There are volunteer opportunities within the Red Cross store for store assistants to help out with merchandising, customer service and stock processing. Contact a store via phone/email/in person to enquire about volunteer opportunities! Red Cross store details: www.redcross.org.au/locator_VIC.htm ‘In order to be a Volunteer at the Red Cross Retail Stores you need to be friendly, willing to learn and a team player.’
www.redcross.org.au/retail
Student profile Jason Dodson Currently studying Bachelor of Arts at Deakin Burwood Jason is an ongoing volunteer for the AMES’s Settlement Volunteering Program. AMES is the Australian Migrant Education Service and offers a variety of support programs to newly arrived refugees and migrants in Australia. Jason became aware of the program by ‘attending a public forum highlighting the experiences of refugees in the outer eastern suburbs. I had heard of AMES previously however this forum inspired me to get involved with the volunteer tutor program as a small way of contributing to easing the settlement burden for newly arrived members of our community.’ ‘I attend the home of a family who arrived as refugees in Australia about two years ago. We get together each week on a Tuesday evening for about two hours and I tutor the mother and father of the family in English language and literacy. I also assist with any settlement issues that they ask for assistance with.’ Jason has gained many benefits from volunteering such as, ‘I have learned that that one can build strong friendships even with limited communication capacity. It has also opened my eyes to the wide range of settlement difficulties experienced by families arriving under Australia’s humanitarian program and how important it is for the wider established community to offer assistance wherever possible to ease some of the burdens of settlement.’ Jason’s volunteering tip: ‘Pick projects and organisations that work in areas that you find personally interesting or rewarding. I found this incredibly important in terms of maintaining personal motivation to continue to be involved with volunteering, particularly when one is under time pressure (e.g. exam time).’ It can be surprising where a volunteering opportunity can end up. Even though a role may seem quite clear when you first begin, there can often be so many other interesting opportunities that emerge through your involvement.
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Volunteer resource centres Volunteer Resource Centres (VRC) are places where you can find information and details about opportunities in becoming a volunteer in the community. There are many VRCs in Victoria and they are a great resource if you want to volunteer close to home, as the VRC in your area will have volunteer opportunities at organisations within their area of operation. All Volunteer Resource Centres generally have a database of volunteer vacancies with not-for-profit organisations and groups who are actively seeking volunteers. The aim of a VRC is to match your skills, interests and availability to an ideal volunteer role. What sort of Volunteer work is available through a VRC? »» Aged care »» Administration »» Advocacy »» Animal care »» Child care »» Family support »» Committee work »» Conservation/nursery »» Information/referral services »» Disability programs »» Driving »» Events and fundraising »» Tutoring »» Family support »» Gardening »» Heritage/historical work »» Kitchen/catering »» Maintenance (building/grounds) »» Retail at op shops (Source: Eastern VRC Inc FAQ Sheet)
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Process of Registration at a VRC Most VRCs have a formal registration process for those interested in finding a volunteer opportunity in the community through a VRC.
You may be required to fill out a registration form, a working with children check form and/or organise a police check as well.
Step 1: Work out what sort of volunteer work you would like to contact the VRC about (e.g. administration, retail, Meals on Wheels).
The VRC representative will then have a look on the database for any relevant volunteering opportunities that will match what you are looking for.
If you are not sure what you would like to do, check out the GO Volunteering website for ideas at www.govolunteer.com.au/ or the Victorian Volunteering website at www.volunteer.vic.gov.au/
Step 4: Once a suitable volunteering opportunity has been sourced, the VRC will normally set up a time for you to have an interview/informal chat with the volunteering organisation about the opportunity.
Step 2: Contact your nearest VRC (have a look at the list below for the VRC in your area) and arrange to come in for an interview. Phone interviews can also be arranged if you are not able to physically go to a VRC.
Make sure you prepare well for this interview and ensure you have all the relevant documentation with you.
Treat this interview in the same way that you would a job interview. Remember to have your resume ready (get it checked by the staff at Careers & Employment – Resume checking is available at all campuses) and any other relevant documentation that you may have been advised to bring along by the VRC when you spoke with them on the phone. Step 3: Ensure you arrive early for your interview at the VRC. It is helpful if you have researched and have a general idea of what type of volunteer work you are looking for as it makes it easier for the VRC to match you with the volunteering opportunities they have on their database. At the interview, the VRC representative will generally have a chat about the types of opportunities that are available and explain to you in further detail about the process in finding you a suitable volunteering opportunity. They will ask you about your interests, availability to volunteer and the type of organisations that you are interested in working with.
Sometimes there might not be any current volunteer opportunities that match what you are looking for. In this case, the VRC will take note of your details and contact you when something suitable arises. Step 5: Once you have received a volunteering offer from the organisation, let the VRC know! They are also there to assist with any queries that you may have during your volunteering experience with the organisation. The volunteering organisation will generally have forms for you to fill out – e.g.insurance forms, police check forms. Note: Some VRCs require volunteers to undergo a mandatory training/information session before they commence their volunteering. If you are unsure about this – always ask the VRC.
Volunteering at Deakin 7.
Volunteer resource centres Volunteer Resource Centres in Victoria Melbourne Volunteering Victoria Level 7, 388 Bourke Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Phone 03 9642 5266 Fax 03 9642 5277 info@volunteeringvictoria.com.au www.volunteeringvictoria.com.au
Caulfield Glen Eira Volunteer Information Resource Service c/o Community Info Glen Eira 1134 Glenhuntly Road Glenhuntly VIC 3163 Phone 03 9571 7644 Fax 03 9571 7933 communityinfo@gleneira.vic.gov.au
Bayswater Knox Community Volunteers 658 Mountain Highway Bayswater VIC 3153 Phone 03 9729 9499 Fax 03 9720 6885 kcv@kcv.asn.au www.vicnet.net.au/~knoxvols
Western Suburbs Volunteer West 123 Queens Street Altona VIC 3018 Phone 03 9687 7661 Fax 03 9687 4422 info@volunteerwest.org.au
Glen Waverley Monash Volunteer Resource Centre 5 Myrtle Street Glen Waverley VIC 3150 Phone 03 9562 0414 Fax 03 9562 0411 mvrc@iinet.net.au www.mvrcvolunteer.org.au Camberwell Boroondara Volunteer Resource Centre 405 Camberwell Road Camberwell VIC 3124 Phone 03 9882 5860 Fax 03 9804 0060 bvrc@boroondara.vic.gov.au www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/community/ volunteer Ringwood Eastern Volunteers Suite 1A, 36 New Street Ringwood VIC 3134 Phone 03 9870 7822 Fax 03 9879 4200 info@easternvolunteers.org.au www.easternvolunteers.org.au
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Geelong Geelong Volunteer Resource Centre 87c McLarty Place Geelong VIC 3220 Phone 03 52 21 1377 Fax 03 52 21 1499 info@geelongvolunteer.org.au www.geelongvolunteer.org.au Bendigo www.bgovolunteers.org.au Ballarat www.goldlinksweb.com/bvrc Albury/Wodonga www.vrb.org.au Warrnambool Volunteers@Warrnambool c/o Warrnambool City Council 118 Timor Street Warrnambool VIC 3280 Phone 03 5559 4914 Fax 03 5559 4900 volunteers@warrnambool.vic.gov.au www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au
Organisation Profile Monash Volunteer Resource Centre MVRC is a not-for- profit organisation that provides an extensive volunteer referral service and programs for the aged, people with disabilities, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. MVRC recruits volunteers from the local community and refers them to a volunteer position within a not-for-profit community-based organisation of their choice. Each potential volunteer is interviewed to determine their skill base, availability, and preferred area of interest. That person is provided with information about volunteer work available and offered training to assist them to make an informed choice about the type of volunteering they become involved in. This process is important as it gives the volunteer and the MVRC worker the information to find the right volunteer work for the right volunteer. This makes it a more rewarding experience for both the volunteer and the agency needing a volunteer. Volunteers need to be flexible with their time, patient, enthusiastic and willing to help others. A three-month commitment to a volunteer role is expected as a minimum. The Monash Volunteer Centre has over 500 volunteer jobs currently on their database from aged care, driving, social support, disability support, child care, admin, tutoring and IT. For more information on becoming a volunteer through the Monash VRC, contact 9562 0414 or visit their website www.mrcvolunteer.org.au. ‘We partner with the community in the pursuit, provision and growth of volunteering opportunities and social support. We strive to mould a service which local residents view as belonging to them and enhancing their lifestyles.’
www.mvrcvolunteer.org.au
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Volunteering overseas Volunteering overseas is a great way to find out about another culture and country whilst giving back to the local community. It also looks great on your CV as a lot of employers look favourably upon travel experience in candidates, as it demonstrates your ability to adapt to change and knowledge of different cultures and people. Type of volunteering opportunities available overseas »» Recovery of local communities and architecture »» Teaching English to children & adults »» Construction projects (short and long term) »» Child care »» Agricultural work and scientific research »» Administrative and policy development »» Animal and land conservation »» Many more…
Check out the volunteering overseas web portal links that are listed at the end of this section for further ideas on overseas volunteering opportunities.
TAKE NOTE: Many of these volunteering abroad organisations will charge a fee to participate, which can range from around $1000 upwards. You need to make sure you are aware of what the fee covers and how your money is being spent by the organisation. ALWAYS ASK! ** A lot of volunteering overseas is normally undertaken through organisations that offer various programs that can run from one week to over two years in duration. A decision to volunteer overseas is something that requires a lot of thought as although it is truly a rewarding and unique experience, you will most likely be volunteering in an environment that can be out of your comfort zone and therefore need to consider the implications of this before deciding to accept a placement overseas.
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important issues to consider before volunteering overseas »» Picking the RIGHT volunteering opportunity for you – Given that overseas volunteer opportunities can range from one week to two years, it is important that you find an opportunity which will keep you motivated and interested throughout the duration of the placement. The most important thing to consider when choosing a country to volunteer in is to make sure that you have a genuine interest in the issue/country you are planning on going to. If you are not an animal lover, then going to help endangered elephants in Thailand is probably not a good idea but working with children could be an option. One way to find out more about a volunteering opportunity when making your decision on where to go is to speak to other volunteers from a volunteer organisation. This should always be an option available to you even via email. If an organisation declines this request, you should question why! Another thing to consider is how worthwhile is the project you are thinking of volunteering for? You will need to find out what the aims and timelines of the project are in order to make an informed decision. Find out whether you will gain any qualifications or certificates for your work as this is all useful to include on your resume! A volunteer organisation should be able to easily tell you this information.
RESEARCH, RESEARCH and MORE RESEARCH is the key – talk to people you know who have travelled to the country you are considering volunteering in to get a feel of the culture and environment before applying. Research on the internet and borrow books from the library about the country, look up online forums about volunteering overseas, ring up volunteer organisations and ask them about what to expect when you arrive etc.
»» Finances – Making sure you don’t run out of cash! Most volunteering opportunities overseas are unpaid; however some programs will offer volunteers a limited salary alongside with free accommodation and other amenities. However, this amount will probably just be enough to survive rather than spend on luxuries or savings. Therefore, it is recommended that you ensure you have enough money BEFORE you depart, only for your everyday living expenses in your host country but also for any unanticipated expenses that may occur during your time away (e.g. medical expenses).
Have a really good think about what your true passions and interests in life are before working out which country you plan to volunteer in.
»» Leaving Australia – Our support network of family and friends is important to us in our daily life, which is why a lot of volunteers may initially struggle once they arrive at their destination without their loved ones. It is important to consider how you will cope without your family and friends while you are away and whether it is something that you can deal with before embarking on your journey. Volunteering overseas can sometimes also involve you being out of your comfort zone and this can mean surviving without your everyday comfort possessions such as water, electricity and other basic essentials that are common to everyday life in Australia. It is important to think about the items that you can’t live without and get used to the idea BEFORE your trip (e.g. mobile phones). Make sure you are also aware of the cultural differences for your host country and ensuring that you respect the culture and customs of the country when you arrive.
Volunteer organisations should always be able to let you know how your Volunteer Fee is being used. For example, GVI uses 70% of their volunteer fee in the field. This information should be readily available to you – if not, QUESTION WHY!
A lot of overseas volunteer programs often charge participants a fee – make sure you find out what this fee covers. For example, does the fee cover food, flights, visas, travel insurance and/or accommodation? Anything that is not covered by the volunteer organisation will be costs out of your own pocket which you will need to plan for before embarking on your trip!
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Volunteering overseas »» Health – You MUST always look after your health when overseas One of the biggest concerns when travelling abroad is becoming sick. Sometimes being out of your comfort zone and being exposed to an environment you may not be used to, can make you more susceptible to becoming ill. Making sure you that you get plenty of rest and watching what you eat and drink (find out whether the tap water in your host country is drinkable!) will ensure that you remain in top form during your volunteering experience.
Always find out in advance what vaccinations are needed for your travel destination as some vaccinations may need to be taken over a period of time. You also need to think about the type of work you will be doing during your time away. For example, working in wildlife conservation – it’s most likely you will need to have a rabies vaccination. A useful site to visit for updated overseas health tips is www.smarttraveller.gov.au
You should always ensure that you also bring along the right amount of medication for your overseas trip as some medications may not be readily available in your host country (e.g. asthma inhalers).
Links – Volunteering Overseas »» www.volunteerabroad.com An informative portal featuring overseas volunteer opportunities available through various organisations »» www.ausaid.gov.au/youtham/ An Australian Government initiative offering placements youth for up to one year in the Asia/Pacific region. »» www.idealist.org/if/as/vol An informative portal featuring overseas volunteer opportunities available through various organisations Volunteering Abroad Organisations www.australianvolunteers.com/ www.projects-abroad.com.au www.gviaustralia.com.au www.ivp.org.au www.conservationvolunteers.com.au www.ayad.com.au/volunteer-with-us www.volunteerhq.org/ www.vidavolunteers.com.au/home www.ewb.org.au/getinvolved/volunteer/ www.i-to-i.com/ Deakin Careers & Employment does not endorse any of the above service providers. It is the applicant’s responsibility to check with the organisation regarding program costs and details.
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To Do List – volunteering overseas
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Research online and at the Careers Centre for an ideal volunteer opportunity. Make a short list of volunteering opportunities/programs and start asking questions about them, such as costs (what is included and is not included in the program fee etc.), duration of project and purpose of project. Assess potential hazards and safety factors in the countries/areas where you intend to travel. Use www.smarttraveller.gov.au. Come to the Careers & Employment centre to speak to someone about whether your experience can be incorporated into the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award Program. Depending on project duration, make sure you have the time off from University to go on the trip (e.g. deferring). Choose a volunteer program/initiative and sign up! Start planning a budget for the trip and how to ensure you will have adequate money once you arrive at the country. Start investigating and organising for any immunisations/medications that you will require during your trip. Start the application process for any permits/visas to enter into the country. LEAVE ENOUGH TIME FOR PROCESSING! Make sure you passport is up to date. Invest in a good guidebook and look into borrowing some foreign language books from the library to brush up on your skills before you go. Deakin Library has a great range of Lonely Planet guide and phrase books to borrow. Start PACKING! If you are volunteering through an organisation, have a chat to them as they will be able to tell you what sort of clothing to bring! DEPART!
Organisation Profile GVI GVI offers volunteers the opportunity to make a genuine difference through its volunteer projects while having an amazing hands-on experience. More than 150 critical conservation and humanitarian projects in over 40 countries rely on GVI for volunteers, promotion and direct funding. GVI works locally with its partners to promote sustainable development through environment research, conservation and education.Volunteers need to be flexible with their time, patient, enthusiastic and willing to help others. A three-month commitment to a volunteer role is expected as a minimum. ‘At GVI we look for volunteers who are really keen to make a difference and have the passion and drive to do this.’
www.gviaustralia.com.au www.facebook.com/GVIfans Volunteering at Deakin 13.
Burwood volunteering opportunities There are a huge range of volunteer organisations and opportunities in Melbourne and in the suburbs surrounding the Melbourne Campus at Burwood. These include community-based organisations in a diverse range of sectors: »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»
Human rights advocacy Social justice Animal protection Conservation Community festivals and events Museums and art galleries Aged care Community broadcasting Children’s services and youth support Health promotion Homeless Disability support First aid International aid and community development »» Administration. Volunteer roles with these organisations are extremely diverse. For example, you could be a stage manager for a community festival, a museum tour guide, a project worker on conservation projects, public relations coordinator for a human rights organisation, a receptionist at an animal shelter, home visits to the elderly or a classroom assistant for children with a disability, just to name a few! You will always find a role to suit your interests and skills.
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You don’t have to be an experienced volunteer to participate. Most organisations provide training and they are keen to open up these opportunities to students who are keen to make a contribution, to develop their skills and make connections in their local community. When choosing where you would like to volunteer, it can be worth bearing in mind the links between future employers and volunteer organisations. Many corporate organisations, e.g. the ANZ Bank allow staff to undertake some volunteer activities. Volunteering could lead to a connection with a preferred employer of choice. Volunteering is also something that employers value highly in their graduates. Volunteering on your resume could be the one factor that distinguishes you from the rest of the graduates out there seeking full time work. There are a number of major not-for-profit organisations which recruit volunteers and are located close the Melbourne Campus at Burwood. For example: »» RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) www.rspcavic.org/volunteer »» World Vision www.worldvision.com.au/Act/Volunteer »» Oaktree Foundation www.theoaktree.org/get-involved/ volunteer
There is also a range of volunteer portals where you can search for volunteer opportunity by sector, location, and role. These are listed below in the Useful Sites section. Volunteering on campus is another option for students to consider. Through the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA) you can seek a student representative position, to help organise campaigns, address social issues, lead sports teams, organise entertainment and negotiate on behalf of students. You can also serve as committee members on students clubs and societies. DUSA also have Red Shirt Volunteers who support and help run Deakin University Student Association events, connect with students and have a lot of fun along the way! Red Shirts help out with all types of DUSA activities and events such as O’Week and other campaigns, sport, free food events and many other aspects of the association. You can also volunteer to assist students on campus via various programs including hosts for Orientation Week and other peer support and mentor programs. These are all advertised on Jobshop and are advertised in the run up to the beginning of each trimester. There is also information available on the Current Students section on the Deakin website on how to get involved with volunteering on campus: www.deakin. edu.au/current-students/ There are a number of online portals that can also assist students to identify volunteer opportunities in Melbourne, which are included below. Useful sites www.vim.org.au www.volunteer.vic.gov.au www.govolunteer.com.au www.volunteer.com.au www.deakin.edu.au/jobshop
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Burwood volunteering opportunities
Organisation Profile RSPCA The RSPCA is a community based charity that works to prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection. RSPCA Australia is a federation of eight independent State and Territory RSPCA bodies called member societies. RSPCA member societies do much of the hands on work traditionally associated with the RSPCA such as the operation of shelters and the Inspectorate plus community education and fundraising. RSPCA Australia is also responsible for facilitating national campaigns and events and representing the interests of animal welfare with Government and industry across all areas. Volunteers are an integral part of all levels of RSPCA operations from National and State councils to the occasional gardener and everything in between. They assist in many ways including caring for animals in the Shelters, assisting with administrative tasks and helping out in opportunity shops. Many more help out with special events, fundraising and promotions that take place throughout the year. All volunteers at the RSPCA must attend an Information Session, interview and an orientation session for animal handling roles. For more information on how to become a volunteer with the RSPCA: www.rspcavic.org/volunteer/become_a_volunteer.htm ‘We need reliable, enthusiastic volunteers with a passion for animal welfare and their community.’
www.rspcavic.org
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Student Profile Isabell Hie (Currently studying Bachelor of Arts/Commerce at Deakin Burwood) Isabell was an animal welfare volunteer at the Burwood East RSPCA centre for six months. The reason Isabell chose the RSPCA to volunteer at was because, ‘I have always loved animals from a very young age and the RSPCA provided the perfect opportunity to work with animals in a way that fits into my schedule.’ Isabelle really enjoyed ‘having the opportunity to interact with the animals and it was good exercise too.’ Isabell also learnt valuable skills during her time volunteering at the RSPCA such as ‘my listening skills and attention to detail were further developed as it was crucial to follow procedures that had been set in dealing with the animals’. ‘Volunteering for the RSPCA will expose you to different challenges that you will have to overcome and will develop you as a person. There are a lot of functions that RSPCA has to perform, beyond caring for the animals such as finance, marketing and retail that you can help out in. It’s a way to get exposure to a variety of these functions in a fun and unique way.’ Isabell’s Volunteering Tip: ‘Volunteering in any field, even though it’s unrelated to your course, will definitely help you in so many ways. You get a chance to meet new people, gain networks, develop yourself in so many ways and also broaden your views, whatever it might be. You also have the opportunity to give back to the community.’
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Geelong volunteering opportunities There are a huge range of volunteer organisations and opportunities in Geelong. These include community-based organisations in a diverse range of sectors: »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»
Environment Health promotion Medical research Mental health Financial support Children and youth organisations Multicultural communities Historical societies Sport Emergency services Aged care Community support and welfare.
Volunteer opportunities with these organisations are extremely diverse. For example, you could be a community arts assistant supporting women in a specialist arts program, provide cultural support assistance for ethnic health programs, provide retail support for an op-shop, help with a breakfast club, supervise driver practise for refugees, act as tour guide in a heritage house, undertake home visits for war veterans or be a class room assistant for children with a disability and much more! You don’t have to be an experienced volunteer to participate. Most organisations provide training and they are keen to open up these opportunities to students who are keen to make a contribution, to develop their skills and make connections in their local community.
When choosing where you would like to volunteer, it can be worth bearing in mind the links between future employers and volunteer organisations. Many organisations in Geelong allow staff to undertake some volunteer activities. Volunteering could lead to a connection with a preferred employer of choice. Volunteering is also something that employers value highly in their graduates. Volunteering on your resume could be the one factor that distinguishes you from the rest of the graduates out there seeking full-time work. If you are interested in volunteering in Geelong, a great place to start is Volunteering Geelong, which represents over 150 community-based organisations, and has over 450 volunteer opportunities on its books. You can search for volunteer opportunities on their website (see profile). If you would prefer talking to someone face-to-face, contact Volunteering Geelong to make an appointment to help you find a suitable volunteer role. Volunteering on campus is another option for students to consider. Through the Deakin University Student Association you can seek a student representative position, to help organise campaigns, address social issues, lead sports teams, organise entertainment and negotiate on behalf of students. You can also serve as committee members on students clubs and societies. You can also volunteer to assist students on campus via various programs including hosts for Orientation Week and other peer support and mentor programs. These are all advertised on Jobshop. There are a number of online portals which can also assist students to identify volunteer opportunities in Geelong, which are included on the following page.
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Useful sites www.volunteeringgeelong.org.au www.geelongaustralia.com.au (Volunteer) www.volunteer.vic.gov.au www.govolunteer.com.au www.volunteer.com.au www.dusa.org.au (Get Involved, Get Active and Your Clubs and Communities) www.deakin.edu.au/jobshop
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Geelong volunteering opportunities
Organisation Profile Volunteering Geelong Volunteering Geelong is a registered not-for-profit community organisation funded predominantly by the Federal Government’s Family and Housing Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Department. Volunteering Geelong supports your pathway to volunteering. Representing over 150 community organisations in the Geelong Region, Volunteering Geelong manages a data base of around 460 volunteer vacancies. Information Officers at Volunteering Geelong will talk with you about your interests, skills, availability and other requirements and then support the matching of appropriate volunteer vacancies to your needs. Volunteering Geelong also provides support to community organisations concerning volunteer management, volunteer training and supports the community to build capacity through effective volunteering. Volunteering might be regular, flexible, project based or maybe a special event. Volunteering Geelong will assist with matching your interests, skills and needs to community organisations in the region that are seeking support. ‘Through volunteering you can contribute your skills and experience, acquire new skills, support your community, gain experience and support your study, expand your social and professional network, improve your health and well being, enhance your self esteem and confidence and tap into a valuable pathway to employment’.
www.volunteeringgeelong.org.au
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Student Profile Madeline Avene Currently studying a Bachelor of Arts at Deakin Geelong Madeline has been volunteering at Gateway Support Services in Geelong. Madeline says, ‘I was introduced to Gateways through a friend who also volunteers there. I felt pretty ignorant about diverse disabilities many people in the community live with so I was pretty keen to volunteer with Gateways to gain a much better understanding. ‘The things I’ve most enjoyed are meeting, chatting, playing, dancing and laughing with the many people who attend Gateways activities. From the cheeky children to the super-knowledgeable young adults, the infectious smiles, the crazy humour, endearing eccentricities, the beautiful workers and the lovely families. I’ve gained more of an understanding about how to assist, communicate and interact with people with particular disabilities. I’ve also developed an immense appreciation for the work Gateways does and by extension what I’m sure many other places that provide services to the community do.’ Madeline’s Volunteering Tip: ‘Do It! Volunteering is such a priceless experience. It’s so humbling and rewarding working with and helping out people from pockets of society you might not have had the chance to otherwise be involved with. There are so many places that are always in need of volunteers and it’s not difficult at all. Any amount of time you can give I’m sure would make a great difference’.
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Warrnambool volunteering opportunities There are a range of volunteer organisations and opportunities in Warrnambool. These include community-based organisations in a diverse range of sectors: »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»
Environment Health promotion Medical research Mental health Financial support Children and youth organisations Multicultural communities Historical societies Sport Emergency services Aged care Community support and welfare.
If you are interested in volunteering in Warrnambool, a great place to start is Volunteers@Warrnambool, based with the Warrnambool City Council.
Organisation Profile Volunteers @ Warrnambool Volunteer Services seeks to provide a job matching service to link potential volunteers in our community with not-forprofit organisations who are looking for volunteers. Information on volunteer training, and training for organisations engaging volunteers is also facilitated and provided. A wide range of volunteering opportunities is available to people who register as volunteers with Volunteer Services. These positions cover diverse areas for example: child care, tourism, environmental projects, providing social contact for isolated people; activity programs; events; emergency services; history and heritage; food preparation and serving; office administration and many more. Volunteer Services finds volunteer places for all sorts of people. Useful skills for volunteers include an interest in their community; good communication; empathy and an interest in helping to address social and environmental needs.
www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au
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Volunteering on campus is another option for students to consider. Through the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA) you can seek a student representative position, to help organise campaigns, address social issues, lead sports teams, organise entertainment and negotiate on behalf of students. You can also serve as committee members on students clubs and societies.
Useful sites www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/volunteer
You can also volunteer to assist students on campus via various programs including hosts for Orientation Week and other peer support and mentor programs. These are all advertised on Jobshop.
www.deakin.edu.au/jobshop
www.volunteer.vic.gov.au www.govolunteer.com.au www.volunteer.com.au www.dusa.org.au (Get Involved, Get Active and Your Clubs and Communities)
There are a number of online portals which can also assist students to identify volunteer opportunities in Warrnambool, which are included below.
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Volunteering for international students ‘I can’t stress more about the importance of volunteering, it looks great on your resume, you get valuable experience and a professional reference & if lucky enough you may end up getting jobs.’ Tarachand Goswami, iSS – Host International Student Volunteer
Becoming a volunteer is a great way to make friends, network and learn more about Australia as an International student. Benefits of Volunteering for International Students »» Develop your English language skills »» Improve your communication skills »» Feel good about helping others »» Learn more about Australian culture »» Make new friends and networks in the community »» Great experience for your resume.
Improve your employability through Volunteering! Australian employers look for more than just a graduate who simply has high marks throughout University. Rather, companies are now actively seeking University graduates who can demonstrate these skills which you can gain from volunteering: »» Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills »» Cultural fit and awareness – your knowledge on Australian culture, (e.g. football team, Friday night drinks) »» Your ability to work with people from different backgrounds and nationalities »» Initiative – being able to make decisions on your own and be independent »» Being a proud and contributing member to society – helping the Australian community and those that are less fortunate than you.
Use volunteering as a way to network and meet new people who may even be working or be very knowledgeable about your area of study, e.g. talking to the accountant at an organisation you are volunteering at.
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What sort of Volunteering work can International Students do? There are many volunteering opportunities available to International students, however a large part of what you will be able to do will depend a lot on your English skills as many roles do require a good level of English. However a lot of organisations can always place you in roles where your level of English is acceptable for the role (and you can always use these opportunities to improve your English too!) such as: »» working with children »» working in conservation – helping to plant trees, gardening work etc. »» assisting in an opportunity retail shop (second-hand goods store run by not-forprofit organisations) with manual tasks such as sorting and arranging stock etc. »» food service. Although it would be great to find a volunteer opportunity which is relevant to what you are studying, sometimes this is not possible as volunteering opportunities in skilled areas such as accounting are quite rare and there is a lot of competition for these types of roles.
Where can I find suitable Volunteer Opportunities for International Students? Volunteer opportunities are mainly advertised online on the organisation’s website or often through an online portal such as Volunteer Victoria (www.volunteer.vic.gov.au/), which lists all the volunteer opportunities around the area you live that you can help with. Another way you can find out about volunteer opportunities around your area is by visiting your local Volunteering Resource Centre. Check out the section in this booklet about Volunteer Resource Centres to find out the closest office to you. Deakin’s Jobshop regularly advertises volunteer opportunities from organisations who are interested in having students volunteer with them. Jobshop is updated with new jobs and volunteer opportunities DAILY – so make sure you log on every day! www.deakin.edu.au/jobshop
The best way for you to find a role in the area of your study is to start volunteering in any capacity so that you can gain valuable skills that will give you a better chance in finding a volunteering or paid job that is relevant to your study!
‘During my time as a Deakin Postgraduate Student Mentor, we had many events where I was to speak in front of lots of people. I found it very daunting to speak in front of my peer group. However, I pushed myself and tried to take every opportunity to practice when I was a volunteer. Since then, I have felt that my public speaking skills have improved and my volunteering experience with the PG mentor program has also taught me to take initiative.’ Shelley Shan, Postgraduate Student Mentor Volunteer
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Volunteering for international students Handy Tips for International Students – Volunteer Work 1. Think about your interests and strengths What type of work do you like to do? What are you good at? What are your hobbies? 2. How much time can you commit? Volunteering is a rewarding experience but does involve committing your time on a weekly or monthly basis. You need to make sure that you still have enough time to study, work and spend time with friends. It’s handy to know how many hours per week you think you can commit to volunteering before approaching or signing up to actually volunteer for an organisation. Also note that any time spent volunteering is NOT COUNTED towards your 20 hour per week work restrictions that you have on a Student Visa. For more information: www.immi.gov.au/students/students/ working_while_studying/conditions.htm 3. Ask Questions! Make sure that you ask as many questions as you can about the volunteering opportunity BEFORE you decide to do it to make sure that you know what to expect before you start volunteering. Research the organisation on the internet to find out more about what they do and what they offer. Make sure you also know what your rights are as a volunteer. Have a look at the ‘What is volunteering?’ section in this booklet for more information about this. Although you are not getting paid for your work, you need to always make sure that you are being treated fairly and are working in a positive and safe environment. If you ever feel unsure/uncomfortable about a volunteering opportunity, always refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman Australia as they can assist in finding out whether a volunteering opportunity is genuine and that you are not being exploited! For more information: www.fairwork.gov.au 4. Transport/ Location of Volunteering Opportunity You need to have a think about where the volunteering opportunity is located to make sure it is convenient for you to travel to whether by car or public transport. For some large companies they may interview you at their head office but the volunteer opportunities might be located in other areas – ALWAYS ASK! It is important to treat any volunteering opportunity like a paid job. Therefore it is important to remember that you will be expected to be punctual and arrive on time for work – so you need to make sure that the place where you will be volunteering is easy to get to!
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Student Profile Rani Engineer Master of Business Administration & Commerce at Deakin Burwood, International Student Graduate ‘I opted to volunteer my time to the Deakin Business School (DBS) Society and Postgraduate Student Mentor Program as I wanted more than just completing my academic degrees and was looking for a multi-faceted student experience. The DBS Society provided a platform to meet other postgraduate students, build friendships and identify prospective networking opportunities. I was approached to help out in the development and pilot run of the DBS Postgraduate Student Mentor Program and volunteering as a mentor involved taking it a step further and becoming actively engaged with the Faculty and new students commencing every semester. Through my volunteering experiences I was able to meet and collaborate with other students from diverse backgrounds and cultures. It was a great opportunity to network, create student support structures and build sustainable faculty and alumni relations. Overall it was an extremely rewarding experience to volunteer and give back to the Deakin community. Volunteering with the Deakin Business School Society helped me build strong working relations with the Deakin alumni committees well known in the business community. The Postgraduate Student Mentor Program helped me expand and gain a well-rounded set of skills.’ Rani’s Volunteering Tip: ‘Volunteering is a rewarding experience not limited to self-development by becoming more responsible and selfless, but also one that makes student life a holistic and worthwhile experience.’
Organisation Profile Monash Volunteer Resource Centre’s Chinese Elderly Social Support Group The Chinese Elderly Social Support Group that is run through the Monash Volunteer Resource Centres provides well planned activities for Chinese seniors that are living in the City of Monash. Students can assist by being a guest speaker at the group and also helping out at various outings the group might take at various times throughout the year. Volunteers that assist the group will need to speak or understand Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese) and English. Most importantly, you must have a happy, patient and caring personality. The Monash Volunteer Resource Centre also has partnerships to other Chinese Community groups that are always seeking new volunteers.
www.mvrcvolunteer.org.au
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Get started! How do I begin? Now that you have all the information that you need to start volunteering, you will find these next few pages will assist you in writing down any ideas that you may have and help you start planning to find your ideal volunteering role. How to fit volunteering into your life Trying to juggle the workload of your studies as well as a part time job, social life and any other commitments can seem hard at times, so you may be wondering how you will be able to fit in volunteering as well. The most important thing is to be realistic with the amount of time you think you will be able to commit to volunteering. Many volunteer organisations expect that you will be able to commit to a role for at least 3 months. This allows time for you to develop skills and build relationships with those that you work with during your volunteering experience. If you don’t think you can commit to a three month period then have a think about volunteering for events run by organisations, which are generally a one day commitment. It would also be a good idea to go into to see your local Volunteer Resource Centre to find out whether there are any volunteer organisations in your area that don’t require the three month commitment period.
For a list of all Volunteer Resource Centres refer to our section in this booklet.
Plan out your time below and see where you could fit in some volunteering into your schedule: Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
8:00 am 9:00 am 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 am 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm A good way to incorporate volunteering into your life is through the Duke of Edinburgh Award available at Deakin which has a volunteering component that requires participants to volunteer at an organisation for a minimum of 1 hour per week. For more information on the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Deakin: www.deakin.edu.au/dukes
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Brainstorming – my ideal volunteering opportunity My skills 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. My interests 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. »» I have __________ hours per week to commit to volunteering »» I live in __________ and I want to travel for ____________minutes for an ideal volunteering role. Volunteering organisations near me to approach 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
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Get started! How do I begin? Questions to ask the volunteering organisation »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»
How long and how much time do I need to commit to volunteering? Is there any training provided or any upcoming training opportunities? What types of volunteering roles are available? Do I need any experience? What is the organisation’s policy on covering expenses to do with volunteering such as travel expenses etc? What if I decide to leave after commencing volunteering? Am I covered by the organisation’s public liability and personal accident insurance policies? What type of support is available to me while I am volunteering? Is there a position description available for the role I am considering?
Useful Links Go Volunteer: www.govolunteer.com.au Seek Volunteer: www.volunteer.com.au Volunteering Victoria: www.volunteervictoria.com.au Victoria’s Volunteering Portal: www.volunteer.vic.gov.au Deakin Jobshop: www.deakin.edu.au/jobshop Deakin Volunteering Opportunities (On Campus): www.deakin.edu.au/current-students
Check with the Careers & Employment Centres at your campus to find out whether there are any upcoming events where you can meet with potential volunteer organisations (e.g. Fairs, Information sessions). Many of these events will also be published on Deakin’s Jobshop website: www.deakin.edu.au/jobshop
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Student Profile Celeste Melia Currently studying Bachelor of Primary Education at Deakin Burwood Celeste has just started volunteering with The Oaktree Foundation in their Learning and Development team within the HR department. Celeste decided to get involved with The Oaktree Foundation as ‘a friend of mine was already involved and seemed to be having a lot of fun and was very passionate about the cause. With her encouragement and my desire to do something more meaningful than my dreary part time job it seemed like a perfect fit.’ ‘I work in the Learning and Development team within the Human Resources Department. At the moment we’ve been working to create training modules, and in the New Year we will deliver training to volunteers so they leave the organisation with transferrable skills (such as public speaking and team management) for life and the workforce.’ Celeste has gained many benefits from volunteering such as, ‘working within a team is a big part of working at The Oaktree. Learning how to communicate with others is invaluable, and it’s also been great for my time management skills, to balance work (which is often done from home), study and life. I feel like I’m getting valuable work experience that will translate well into my future career.’ ‘I have already made lots of friends and have learnt a lot about working in a team for a greater cause. It’s also a wonderful experience to give a little something back to the community (and the world!). Volunteering fits around my availability and only asks of me what I can give. I feel like I can be proud of the efforts I’ve put in to my role at The Oaktree.”’ Celeste’s volunteering tip: ‘You should definitely get involved with volunteering while you are still at university and have the time! You will make many friends and be instantly welcomed to an environment with like-minded people. The Oaktree is located just down the road from Deakin University in Burwood and they are always looking for new volunteers!’
Organisation Profile The Oaktree Foundation The Oaktree Foundation is an international aid and development organisation which is run entirely by volunteers under the age of 26. We believe that education is the greatest weapon we have with which to fight extreme poverty. Oaktree runs education and advocacy programs in Australia in order to equip our generation with the skills needed to take meaningful action against extreme poverty. We also run countless fundraising events each year, the proceeds of which go towards our overseas projects. We have a wide range of volunteer opportunities available. Our volunteers work in all areas across the organisation, in technical areas such as legal, finance, administration, marketing, human resources and sponsorship through to facilitating programs and running fundraising events. We can also provide internships, placements and work experience opportunities to fulfil course requirements. We seek students from a wide array of disciplines. ‘We need our volunteers to be strong team workers and communicators, who are confident to take initiative when required and have a firm belief in the values and mission of The Oaktree Foundation.’
www.theoaktree.org
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Notes
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www.deakin.edu.au
Published by Deakin University December 2010. While the information published in this brochure was accurate at the time of publication, Deakin University reserves the right to alter, amend or delete any information published here. Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code 00113B