Skip to main content

What are you looking for?

Enter keywords to search across resources, guides, training, tools, and more.

Create an account for suggestions personalised to you and your organisation
Create account
Position Paper
1 minute read

Definition of Volunteering

Meeting National Standards and Strategy Seal Meeting National Standards and Strategy What's this?

Introduction

Introduced in 2015, Volunteering Australia’s Definition of Volunteering has a set of explanatory notes, a detailed Issues Paper that provides background and context, and a set of FAQs around it.

Summary

The Definition of Volunteering describes volunteering as 'time willingly given for the common good without financial gain'. It includes both formal and informal activities but excludes some other factors.

Benefits for Volunteer Involving Organisations

This updated definition helps volunteer organisations by providing a clear framework for what constitutes volunteering. It emphasises best practices and highlights the mutual benefits for both society and volunteers.

Application for Volunteer Management Practitioners

Volunteer management practitioners can use this definition to better structure their programs, ensuring they align with best practices. It also helps in recognising and valuing the contributions of volunteers more effectively.

Downloads and sources

Visit source

More about the author

Volunteering Australia is the national peak body for volunteering, working to advance volunteering in the Australian community. Their vision is to promote strong, connected communities through volunteering, and their mission is to lead, strengthen, promote and celebrate volunteering in Australia.
hello@volunteeringaustralia.org 02 6189 4921
Visit website

Contribute to the Gateway

Leave feedback

Was this resource useful?

Make a Suggestion

If you find a great resource that isn't in the directory or want to provide feedback on the Volunteering Gateway, drop us a line!

More like this

Information

Carer Gateway

Carer Gateway is a website and phone line set up by the Australian Government to connect carers with essential information and support services.
1 minute read
Department of Social Services
General
Resources

Becoming an Inclusive Volunteer Mentor

This online course equips volunteers to mentor participants with disabilities as part of the Inclusive Volunteering Pathways to Employment Program. It covers inclusion, disability, and mentor responsibilities
1 minute read
Volunteering ACT, The Centre for Volunteering, Volunteering Tasmania, The Knowledge Base
Factsheets

Fundraising Hub

The Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission (ACNC) Fundraising Hub is a collection of resources about state and territory fundraising regulators and guidance about charities and fundraising.
1 minute read
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
General
Volaby
Tech

Volaby

Volaby is an end-to-end volunteer and people management platform, enabling organisations to do more with less! Built from the collective voice of our volunteer managers using the platform, Volaby helps you automate and simplify the volunteer and manager experience to save time and scale impact.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Resource management Event management
VIKTOR
Tech

VIKTOR

VIKTOR is a volunteer recruitment system designed to run a referral service for volunteers. It allows you to create and advertise volunteer roles, enter volunteers and match them to roles offered by your members.
Volunteer database Recruitment Reporting
Emergency Support Volunteering website
Tech

Emergency Support Volunteering website

The Emergency Support Volunteering website allows volunteers in Western Australia to register to help in emergencies, organisations needing support can also register to contact volunteers for assistance.
Volunteer database Recruitment Reporting
scheduled

Write It, Win It: Grant Writing Skills for Community Volunteers - Session 2

The second of two 90-minute engaging sessions. Learn how to match ideas with the right funders, tell a compelling story, build a clear case for support, and prepare strong, realistic budgets. Walk away from engaging and interactive online sessions feeling empowered and ready to take action.
Volunteering SA&NT
–
Free
scheduled

Volunteering SA&NT Member's Volunteer Management Forum

This member-only event brings together volunteer leaders to explore best‑practice volunteer engagement, share real-world insights and strengthen sector connections. Guest speaker presentation on Tech & AI in Volunteer Management, panel on the stages of volunteer involvement cycle and catered lunch.
Volunteering SA&NT
–
Free
scheduled

Introduction to the Volunteer Involvement Cycle

Introducing the Volunteer Involvement Cycle, a new resource aligned with the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement. This session guides you through the key stages of volunteer engagement, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to run an effective, sustainable & impactful volunteer program
Volunteering Victoria
–
FREE