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

Resources

Understanding Disability

This article, guides and online courses offer information on disability awareness for volunteers and volunteer managers, promoting inclusive volunteer environments.
1 minute read
The Centre for Volunteering, People with Disability Australia, The Knowledge Base
Guides

Quick Guide to Volunteer Management

The "Quick Guide to Volunteer Management" is an essential resource for organisations involving volunteers. It covers a broad range of topics crucial for effective volunteer management, from planning and recruitment to recognition and safety.
1 minute read
Volunteering Australia
General
Factsheets

Complaints Handling Factsheet

This Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission (ACNC) fact sheet, model policy and procedure aims to help small charities with their complaints handling processes.
1 minute read
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
General
INVOLVE
Tech

INVOLVE

Volunteer management a headache? INVOLVE simplifies everything! Automate tasks, gain instant insights, schedule visually, track hours effortlessly, and collaborate seamlessly. Built in Australia, your data's safe. Focus on your purpose, not admin.
Volunteer database Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Event management
SEEK Volunteer
Tech

SEEK Volunteer

SEEK Volunteer helps connect people to volunteering opportunities that enrich their communities, lives and careers.
Recruitment
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
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

Top Legal Issues in Managing Volunteers | Volunteering Tasmania and Justice Connect NFP Law

Join us for this special session delivered by Justice Connect’s Not-for-profit Law program. Justice Connect specialise in providing legal help and support to not-for-profit organisations to help make sense of the law, stay legally compliant, thrive within complexity, and achieve good governance.
Volunteering Tasmania
–
A$20.00
scheduled

Values Based Leadership

Values should be more than just words on a wall. Well-developed and defined organisational values can shape culture, guide action, and become one of your strongest tools for attracting volunteers. In this session, explore how values-driven leadership can help you create a more purposeful volunteer
Volunteering Victoria
–
FREE