Youth Volunteers

Volunteering is a way of supporting not-for-profit organisations (NFP) and getting involved in your community. Young people can become involved by running their own project, running an event or volunteering at NFPs.

The Centre for Volunteering can assist young people in finding volunteer opportunities that are right for them.

What is volunteering?

Volunteering is a choice made by you to make a difference. It is about becoming involved and taking action on issues which are important to you. You can volunteer at any age.

Volunteering involves:

Willingly giving your time, skills and enthusiasm to a worthy cause
Not getting paid
Supporting a not-for-profit organisation
Benefiting the community

Why volunteer?

Volunteering has benefits for the organisation and for you. These include:

Making new friends
Meeting like-minded people
Developing new skills
Expanding on skills you already have
Contributing to something you believe in
New challenges and experiences
Increasing confidence
Personal fulfilment
Positive change to your community
Looks great on your resume
Doing something fun

How can you get involved?

There are three options to getting involved:

Run your own project in your local community
Get involved in school-based projects/events
Volunteer at a not-for-profit organisation

Below are some simple steps you can take to get involved in volunteering.

Decide on the social or environmental issues that are important to you.
Think about your skills and the things you enjoy doing.
Consider the time you have available.
Decide on the location of your volunteer activity and whether you want to volunteer friends. TIP: Be open to travelling to new areas!
Research not-for-profit organisations or issues that match your needs.
Check out:
- Organisation profiles
- Youth involving organisations
- www.ActNow.com.au
Contact NFP organisations and ask for the Volunteer Manager.

To find out what other young people have done read the Youth Volunteer stories.

Want to share your experience?

Add your story to our Youth Volunteering website
Whatever volunteer projects, events or individual experiences have happened during the year, The Centre for Volunteering would like to hear from you! Fill in the volunteer story form to share your experience!

Media and promotion ideas

Write an article to inspire others and contact the local newspaper
Write an article for the school newsletter
Promote student achievement through the school website

Download the media toolkit for guides and templates on contacting the media the Speak Out! 2008 Positive images of young people official youth toolkit.