The theme is "Inspiring the Volunteer in You". A report to the UN will be prepared during the course of the year and presented to the Assembly in December 2011 on the "State of the world's volunteerism". How this report eventually shapes the way that Governments and volunteer involving organisations manage and structure volunteering within Community remains to be seen.
Here in the Wimmera, we attest to the fact that volunteers and volunteering are vital ingredients in the success of many projects, community events, festivals, and social, welfare and environmental programs. Volunteers are the lynchpin for ensuring the stability and livability of our region. This includes the impact of small businesses for they are often the economic "fuel" behind what many clubs and community groups are able to achieve. So many of our community groups and organisations are under-resourced when it comes to effectively managing volunteers, so the value that business provides for supporting volunteer effort is critical to the success of so many of these groups. It must not be ignored.
That being said - volunteering is essential to the betterment of the world. This fact was recognised and identified by the United Nations back in the mid 1990's, when an International year of focus on volunteers and volunteering was first mooted. The International Year of Volunteers was held in 2001 and successfully promoted and highlighted the value and importance of volunteers and volunteering around the globe. This 10th anniversary is a way of re-visiting the impact of volunteers made since 2001 and making adjustments and improvements to how volunteerism is perceived by Community.
Volunteers are not "free" and nor are they a stop gap to achieve services and outcomes for "no cost". Volunteering needs to be treated with the respect and reverence it deserves. This means that the people who freely choose to give their time and expertise are adequately resourced, are well managed and are given roles that are constructive and edifying to both Community and to the volunteer.
The idea of volunteers being merely 'envelope stuffers' is fast becoming an insult to those who would choose to help. Volunteers deserve so much more!
Volunteering is changing though. Many of the old reasons to volunteer - encapsulated in epithets like "Many hands make light work" - are on the decline. Traditional member-based volunteerism seems to be fading out as an option with some community groups heavily relying on volunteers well into their golden years to run cake stalls and sell raffle tickets.
I certainly hope this declining trend won't continue but we still need to adapt to it even so. Initial research suggests that people want to volunteer less frequently, in more diverse ways, and in more highly valued or skilled positions.
Volunteers are still choosing volunteer work as a means of giving back but even in my own experience, they're giving back strategically and mindfully as they consider their schedule, lifestyle and interests.
As prospective volunteers learn their rights and responsibilities, they are recognising that their time and expertise has immense value and won't just engage with an organisation for the sake of it. They want to believe - and know - that their contribution IS making an impact!
Groups and organisations will need to review how they recognise and manage the capacity of volunteers to effect change and make a difference. They'll need to keep data on the impact volunteers are making and regularly report these impacts to volunteers, volunteering bodies and Government. Groups will need to closely assess how and why they want to include volunteers in their team.
Managing volunteers is becoming increasingly necessary to ensure that:
- Inspiring new ways are found to engage and recruit prospective volunteers.
- Volunteers are well matched to the organisation and the role they contribute to.
- Volunteers are skilled and trained to achieve key identified outcomes.
- Volunteers are seen as stake-holders and have the ability to effect positive change for the better.
- Volunteers are appropriately commended and acknowledged for the work they are doing and the impact they are making.
In Australia, major volunteering organisations such as Volunteering Australia and Volunteering Victoria are working on a review of the National Standards for effectively involving volunteers in not-for-profit organisations. The Federal Government is also reviewing how volunteers and volunteering impacts on the nation. As you can see, it's going to be an important year for volunteers and volunteer involving groups.
It will be a year where volunteers and volunteering are promoted as being of immense value to the world. It will be a year where the impact and value of volunteering will become increasingly recognised and the bar for their welfare and recognition will be raised!
Most importantly of all - this will be a year to say THANK YOU to volunteers of every nation, creed, race and community for the positive difference they make at every level of society.
You can read and download a brochure about the International Year of Volunteers 10th Anniversary here.
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