National Volunteers Week 12-18 May “Volunteers change our world”

National Volunteer Week (NVW) began in 1989 and was the first collaborative attempt to promote volunteering nationally.

Volunteering Australia (VA) is the national peak body for volunteering and as such is responsible for setting the date and theme for NVW, and provides the range of resources and promotional items to members, usually in partnership with sponsors.

VA drives the overall strategy assisted by the current NVW partners, NAB and the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs.

Historically, NVW has focused on recruitment and provided a national focus for volunteer based organisations wanting to recruit volunteers. However, extensive research after NVW 07 has seen the focus change to be one of celebrating volunteering and thanking volunteers.

This year’s theme underpins that change in strategic focus – “Volunteers change our world”

Organisations that have volunteers, including organisations with a corporate volunteering program, are encouraged to embrace NVW and celebrate the achievements of your volunteers.

As volunteering continues to grow we need to be more aware of the need to recognise what volunteers contribute to our world. There are many charities that would struggle to survive without the contribution of their volunteers.

Major corporate organisations are also recognising what their staff can achieve as volunteers and encourage participation.