THROUGHOUT pandemic lockdowns, many, if not most, volunteer programs in Ballarat were shut down, from hospitals to schools to sports clubs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe impact of that was that when it came to get those programs back up and running again, many people had moved on, finding something else, or didn\u2019t want to reengage,\u201d said Sue Jakob, a professional volunteer manager of 20 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cVolunteer numbers dropped by half, and they haven\u2019t recovered. It\u2019s been devastating to the ability to deliver volunteer services.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople are on their own in their homes, even more so, and are so isolated. Volunteers are needed even more. It\u2019s heartbreaking.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Jakob, also the coordinator of both Ballarat Repair Cafe and BGT\u2019s Styled for Success, said the shortage of formal recorded volunteers is \u201ctragic\u201d, but believes the people power is out there to solve the problem.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just a matter of tapping into them, getting the right message across, and asking the right questions,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
As part of the solutions, Ms Jakob is encouraging groups who are finding it hard to connect with volunteers to refer to Volunteering Australia\u2019s National Standards for Volunteer Involvement.<\/p>\n
This guide aims for best practice volunteer management, with ideas to attract and keep helpers, so groups can be an organisation of choice.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all about having valuable and genuine volunteer roles, being a welcoming environment, and providing volunteers with the opportunity for feedback and involvement in a program so they feel part of a team,\u201d Ms Jakob said.<\/p>\n
\u201cReward and recognition is really important in a genuine, simple way.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important that there\u2019s talk about volunteer impact, so the volunteers, the community, and the organisation knows the impact of what their work is.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor us at Styled for Success, for example, I can tell the volunteers how many clients we assisted last year, how many outfits we\u2019ve given, and what they needed them for.\u201d<\/p>\n
When it comes to recruiting in a more targeted way, Ms Jakob said organisations could focus on groups of people, or demographics, which their program would appeal to.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow to get volunteers is one thing, but you\u2019ve got to be able to retain them,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Cardigan-Windermere Landcare Group chair Sandra Dillon said her organisation is seeking more volunteers, to continue their work supporting the biodiversity of Mullawallah Wetlands.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a growing urban area around the wildlife and nature reserve which has 135 different birds, and to protect the wetlands, and use that space for people to come and enjoy, relax, and learn, we need more help,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got about a dozen core volunteers who have been part of the group for quite a long time, but we\u2019re wanting to increase our volunteer base.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s important to ensure the volunteers find it a worthwhile experience, an enjoyable experience, and know what they\u2019re doing is good for the community into the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re looking at networking with schools, kindergartens, and other community organisations. If we can link in these groups, when we need people, we will have a wider base to call upon.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re also looking at creating a Friends of Mullawallah Wetlands group this year. Any volunteering ideas and PR support I can get is helpful for me as an older person who is not up with social media.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Jakob said beyond playing a role in nurturing the community, being a volunteer has personal benefits.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt provides social connections for people, and inclusion, you meet new people, you are going to learn new skills, develop new networks, and build confidence,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a great way to make a difference which makes you feel good. It helps your mental health, and it\u2019s an excellent pathway to employment, which I cannot say more strongly.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt looks fantastic on a resume; not only that you\u2019ve learnt new skills, but that you\u2019re prepared to do something for nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THROUGHOUT pandemic lockdowns, many, if not most, volunteer programs in Ballarat were shut down, from hospitals to schools to sports clubs. \u201cThe impact of that was that when it came to get those programs back up and running again, many people had moved on, finding something else, or didn\u2019t want to reengage,\u201d said Sue Jakob, […]<\/p>\n