Skip to main content
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 (opens in new tab)

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 (opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)

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

Tools or Toolkits

Value of volunteering wheel

Visual tool demonstrating the personal and community benefits of volunteering, including confidence, competence, connections and community.
1 minute read
Volunteer Canada
General
Guides

Motivating and thanking volunteers

Guide outlining how to motivate volunteers and recognise their contributions effectively.
1 minute read
Volunteer Ireland
General
FreddyMatch
Tech

FreddyMatch

FreddyMatch is a web-based platform that facilitates and optimises the process of volunteering. We help match organisations and volunteers based on their unique interests, skill sets, location and availability using the “FreddyMatch” algorithm.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management
Be Collective
Tech

Be Collective

A volunteer management & community engagement platform. Be Collective is all about empowering volunteering and the organisations supporting volunteering to build stronger, more sustainable networks for doing good.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management Donations
MyPass
Tech

MyPass

MyPass is volunteer onboarding and compliance management software centred around a digital Skills Passport, designed to help volunteer involving organisations (VIOs) reduce their risk and cost of operations.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Communication / engagement Compliance Reporting Resource management Event management
scheduled

The Tuff Stuff: Volunteer Performance Counselling 

While managing volunteers is generally rewarding, there are times when performance issues need to be addressed. Performance counselling may be necessary to clarify concerns, support improvement and maintain a positive volunteering environment.
Volunteering Victoria
–
Free
scheduled

Building an Inclusive Volunteer Program

This interactive workshop will provide participants with the skills and knowledge needed to recruit, engage, and retain a diverse team of volunteers, including reviewing organisational procedures and workplace culture.
Volunteering Victoria
–
Free
scheduled

Panel Discussion: The Value of a Diverse Volunteer Workforce

Develop a deeper understanding of diversity and how it relates to inclusion.
The Centre for Volunteering
–
Free