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

Governance

This information and weblinks explains governance in organisations, including key roles, resources for volunteers, and best practices.
1 minute read
Volunteering Queensland, The Centre for Volunteering, The Knowledge Base
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
Templates

Institute of Community Directors Australia Policy Bank

A range of policy templates that are free for any not-for-profit organisation to download and use, so long as it is for a non-commercial purpose and that the organisation is not paying a consultant to carry out this work.
1 minute read
Institute of Community Directors Australia
General
SEEK Volunteer
Tech

SEEK Volunteer

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

Rosterfy

Rosterfy is an end-to-end volunteer management software solution, that helps organisations streamline their volunteer management and engagement. Rosterfy offers automated solutions to manage volunteers efficiently.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management
GoodCompany
Tech

GoodCompany

GoodCompany is a Workplace Giving Platform based in Australia and NZ. It's designed to enable companies and their people to come together to donate, volunteer, fundraise, and match donations for the charities closest to their hearts.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management Donations
scheduled

SA State Volunteer Managers' Network Meeting

The SA State Volunteer Managers' Network meetings are for anyone who manages, coordinates, or leads volunteers, whether in a paid or voluntary role. This meeting will be held online and will offer a valuable chance to share experience and discuss relevant topics.
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
scheduled

Making Volunteer Data Meaningful

The session will focus on data visualisation and some practical and easy ways to show the impact your volunteers make. This is the second of two sessions. The first was held in October last year with a focus on collecting and analysing volunteer data and reporting outcomes.
Volunteering Tasmania
–
Free