By Volunteering SA&NT
(Non government organisation)
Volunteering SA&NT connects not-for-profits with business and corporates who are looking to volunteer in the community.
Project implemented: 5 September 2016
Project goal
To encouraging the next generation of volunteers, with rewards and benefits acting as incentives to encourage young people to volunteer.
Delivering on
Volunteering Strategy for SA focus area: 1, 2
UN Sustainable Development Goal: 3, 11, 17
Why this project is important
Research identified that traditional concepts of volunteering were a barrier for many young people, and that volunteering needed to be re-branded to highlight its relevance to youth to be reflective of their lifestyle. It needed to emphasise the opportunities it offers; be promoted as cool, respected, beneficial, relevant and enhancing. In addition, volunteering has many benefits helping young people on their pathway through life, for example:
- volunteering can improve their personal feelings of self-worth and satisfaction and increase social networks and connection to their community.
- volunteering also provides opportunities to develop new skills and make contacts that may support their pathway to employment.
Key steps to make it happen
In 2014, the State Government made an election commitment to support the introduction of a volunteering recognition scheme. This scheme had a focus of encouraging the next generation of volunteers, with rewards and benefits acting as incentives to encourage young people to volunteer. Young people, aged 16-25 were chosen primarily because data showed that they volunteer at a lower rate than the rest of the population. To sustain or increase the overall rate of volunteering in South Australia into the future, it was important to attract young people into volunteering so that it becomes part of their life paradigm.
The free app connects volunteers to organisations and makes finding volunteer positions in South Australia easy. People wanting to volunteer can use the WeDo Volunteering & Rewards App to express interest and apply directly with organisations, by creating a profile to be notified of positions matched to skills and interests. Once they have downloaded the app, they just need to create a profile, log in and print a record of their volunteer hours, gain points and redeem rewards.
Impact to date
- 5,800 downloads
- 4,300 people have visited the WeDo App website page
- Range of rewards on offer including taxi vouchers, free coffees, free movie and Adelaide Zoo tickets, and more!
Collaborating organisations
Department of Human Services
About Volunteering SA&NT
Volunteering SA&NT is a not-for-profit organisation, the peak body for volunteering and a volunteer support service, leading the sector in South Australia and the Northern Territory. For 39 years, they have worked with individuals, organisations, businesses and communities to lead, advance, grow, promote and celebrate volunteering.
Through key partnerships, Volunteering SA&NT provide a range of services, support and resources for all volunteer involving organisations and just under a million volunteers, which contributes to positive volunteering experiences and the strengthening of communities.
Contact
Michael Vickers
Business Relationships Coordinator, Volunteering SA&NT
t: 8225 9313 e: michael.vickers@volunteeringsa-nt.org.au
