Media Release:
New strategy sets out future of volunteering
30 November 2011
The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP
Minister for Social Inclusion Tanya Plibersek will today launch the National Volunteering Strategy.
Ms Plibersek said the strategy sets out how volunteering will be encouraged, supported and recognised across the nation over the next 10 years. Both younger Australians and retirees will be encouraged to take part, and new technologies harnessed to make volunteering easier.
"The strategy is a call to action for governments, business, not-for-profit organisations and the Australian community. Creating and sustaining a stronger volunteering sector will require a group effort," said Ms Plibersek.
Ms Plibersek said more than six million Australians, or 36% of the adult population, formally volunteered last year, up from just 24% in 1995.
"The volunteering sector contributes more than 700 million hours of unpaid work each year to the Australian community, valued at more than $14 billion."
"But while the number of volunteers is increasing, the average number of hours spent volunteering has decreased and there are fewer people under 45 years old who are volunteering."
In the strategy the Gillard Government has committed to:
•Providing funding to support the Young People Without Borders so young people can take a gap year overseas as volunteers.
•Offering up to 20 new places in the Australian Youth Ambassador program for 18 to 20 year olds to volunteer overseas.
•Holding an online ad competition asking young people to submit ads on volunteering which will be published online.
•Collaborating with volunteer groups to co-fund a volunteer data-sharing capability which will allow people to search online for volunteer roles.
•Establishing a Digital Enterprise program which will offer training to not-for-profits on how they can use the NBN to be more efficient.
Ms Plibersek said the Gillard Government believed volunteering was an essential part of an inclusive society in which all Australians were given the opportunity to participate in their communities.
"Volunteering connects us, strengthens our sense of belonging and creates positive relationships that build stronger local communities."
Ms Plibersek said the strategy marked the 10th anniversary of the United Nations International Year of Volunteers and was the product of extensive consultation with volunteer organisations and state governments.
The full strategy can be found at:
http://www.mhs.gov.au/__documents/media_releases/2011/11/30_november_2011_-_national_volunteer_strategy.pdf
New strategy sets out future of volunteering
30 November 2011
The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP
Minister for Social Inclusion Tanya Plibersek will today launch the National Volunteering Strategy.
Ms Plibersek said the strategy sets out how volunteering will be encouraged, supported and recognised across the nation over the next 10 years. Both younger Australians and retirees will be encouraged to take part, and new technologies harnessed to make volunteering easier.
"The strategy is a call to action for governments, business, not-for-profit organisations and the Australian community. Creating and sustaining a stronger volunteering sector will require a group effort," said Ms Plibersek.
Ms Plibersek said more than six million Australians, or 36% of the adult population, formally volunteered last year, up from just 24% in 1995.
"The volunteering sector contributes more than 700 million hours of unpaid work each year to the Australian community, valued at more than $14 billion."
"But while the number of volunteers is increasing, the average number of hours spent volunteering has decreased and there are fewer people under 45 years old who are volunteering."
In the strategy the Gillard Government has committed to:
•Providing funding to support the Young People Without Borders so young people can take a gap year overseas as volunteers.
•Offering up to 20 new places in the Australian Youth Ambassador program for 18 to 20 year olds to volunteer overseas.
•Holding an online ad competition asking young people to submit ads on volunteering which will be published online.
•Collaborating with volunteer groups to co-fund a volunteer data-sharing capability which will allow people to search online for volunteer roles.
•Establishing a Digital Enterprise program which will offer training to not-for-profits on how they can use the NBN to be more efficient.
Ms Plibersek said the Gillard Government believed volunteering was an essential part of an inclusive society in which all Australians were given the opportunity to participate in their communities.
"Volunteering connects us, strengthens our sense of belonging and creates positive relationships that build stronger local communities."
Ms Plibersek said the strategy marked the 10th anniversary of the United Nations International Year of Volunteers and was the product of extensive consultation with volunteer organisations and state governments.
The full strategy can be found at:
http://www.mhs.gov.au/__documents/media_releases/2011/11/30_november_2011_-_national_volunteer_strategy.pdf
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