Position Paper
- 1 minute read
Definition of Volunteering
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
View original resource
More about the author
Contribute to the Gateway
Was this resource useful?
More like this
Complaint Handling by Charities and Not-for-Profits
A guide to complaint handling, providing example policies and procedures.
- 1 minute read
- Volunteering Australia
- General
Universal Declaration on Volunteering
The Universal Declaration on Volunteering, adopted by the International Association for Volunteer Effort, underscores the critical role of volunteering in fostering a more humane and just society.
- 1 minute read
- International Association for Volunteer Effort
- General
Youth Leading Youth: A Look at Organisations Led by Young People
The report, based on the 'Youth Leading Youth' research project by Volunteering Qld, highlights the importance of culture, engagement strategies, and leadership in youth-led organisations. It offers practical recommendations for attracting, retaining, and motivating young volunteers.
- 1 minute read
- Volunteering Queensland
- Youth or Student, General
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
Tech
Better Impact
Better Impact offers a comprehensive software solution for volunteer program management, to simplify administrative tasks and enhance volunteer engagement across every stage of the volunteer lifecycle.
Volunteer database
Recruitment
Rostering / scheduling
Onboarding / training
Volunteer performance/recognition
Communication / engagement
Compliance
Reporting
Social media
Donations
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
National Standards Deep Dive: Standard 5
Take a deep dive into Standard 5 of the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement
- The Centre for Volunteering
- –
- Free
Rethinking Volunteer Leadership
Take a second look at volunteer leadership with the Director of Sector Development and Engagement, Clint Bertenshaw MBA
- The Centre for Volunteering
- –
- Free
Volunteer Voices (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging)
This video and eLearning course helps to teach volunteer managers about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in volunteer programs.
- Volunteering ACT, The Centre for Volunteering, Volunteering Queensland, Volunteering SA&NT, Volunteering Tasmania, Volunteering Victoria, Volunteering WA, Settlement Services International
- Free