Volunteers play a crucial part in the support and running of community organisations. About 700,000 non-profit organisations operate in Australia, of which about 35,000 employ staff. The remainder are mostly small organisations entirely dependent on the voluntary commitment of members. The management and development of volunteers and volunteering is key to the sustainability of a skilled and involved volunteer workforce.
Volunteering Queensland is the peak body for volunteering in Queensland. The Office for Volunteering, within the Department of Communities leads and facilitates whole-of-government implementation of Valuing Volunteers: the Queensland Government Policy on Volunteering 2007-2010.
Volbase is Volunteering Queensland's database for linking volunteers and volunteer opportunities. "I need Volunteers" and "I want to Volunteer" are two of the features provided for linking organisations and volunteers.
Recruiting effectively is an essential component in every successful volunteer program.
Many aspects of managing volunteers are exactly the same as managing paid staff, including induction processes, codes of conduct and screening. Risk management strategies specific to volunteers includes information on legislation and resources relating to volunteering.
If you want to meet other volunteer managers or share information, Volunteering Queensland coordinates a monthly Volunteer Managers Network in Brisbane.
Volunteering Queensland offers a range of training options for both volunteers and volunteer managers. Volunteering Australia also has a database for not-for-profit organisations looking for a local trainer.
Volunteering Australia is the national peak body working to advance volunteering in the Australian community.
The Centre for Volunteering includes Volunteering NSW and the School of Volunteer Management, a registered training organisation.
OzVPM is a resource, consultancy and training company specialising in volunteerism.
Australasian Association of Volunteer Administrators is a professional association for individuals involved with managing volunteer programs within the Australasian region.
