NSVW acknowledges and celebrates student volunteers, and promotes volunteering to students and young people across Australia. It recognises the significant skills, ideas, enthusiasm, creativity, and time that young people contribute through volunteering.
Volunteering gives young people the chance to explore the personal and professional benefits of committing to a cause, which include valuable work experience, enhanced feelings of self-worth, confidence, refinement of values, increased understanding of people, local and global issues, and reduced social isolation.
Becoming a Volunteer is a choice made by you to make a difference. It is about supporting non-profits or community groups by willingly giving your time, skills, and enthusiasm to become involved and take action on issues that are important to you. It has many benefits for the individuals who volunteer, the recipients of the support, the community, the environment, the economy – the benefits are endless!
To begin, why not consider the following:
- What are your motivations for volunteering?
- Are there particular skills you want to contribute or learn?
- How much time can you commit?
- Do you want to bring your own insights and ideas into the community?
- Is there a cause that is close to your heart? Why not Challenge Yourself and go beyond ticking boxes; Enjoy new social and cultural experiences; Improve your physical and mental health.
- Do you want to gain valuable work experience and develop employable skills for your career?
- Attain references for your resume?
92% of employers said that relevant volunteering experience gives candidates an edge in job interviews. It’s a great talking point that can help you make a connection with a potential employer. If you’re working towards a paid position in a socially responsible organisation, volunteering experience will be a strong indication of your integrity. Regardless of the field, employers see volunteers as trustworthy, proactive and motivated.
This website may help you drill down on what it is you would really like to do: https://nationalstudentvolunteerweek.org.au/volunteer If you wish to volunteer locally, why not check out the Connecting Derwent Valley website to find local support groups. By contacting them and offering your time, you might just be on the road to something rather wonderful! Good luck, and remember to trust in yourself and have some fun!
