Australia to spend $1 million to promote youth in volunteering

With a budget boost intended to link 5000 young people with volunteer organizations nationwide, the Albanese Labor Government is investing in future of volunteering sector.

To increase number of youth participating in volunteer work, Communiteer will receive an additional $1 million in financing during this fiscal year.

According to research, young individuals who serve before starting their careers are likelier to maintain a voluntary commitment throughout their lives.

Since 2010, volunteering has been steadily falling, but the COVID-19 epidemic saw a sudden decline. The number of volunteers has yet to increase.

The Community campaign will target youth via colleges, schools, sports teams, advocacy organizations, social media, and other online communities.

The investment will precisely result in the following:

• Five thousand young people were involved in various communities.
• Introduction, instruction, involvement, and assistance for participating volunteer organizations
• Participants have access to Communiteer’s online platform for volunteering
  the development of an open-source “playbook” on how to recruit and keep young volunteers for the sector of volunteering
• An additional $250,000 will be provided to Volunteering Australia to supplement the funding for Communities to carry out initiatives to promote awareness of and involvement in support of the National Strategy for Volunteering.
• Amanda Rishworth, minister of social services, emphasized the value of volunteers to Australian society and the government’s commitment to bolstering the sector.

Minister Rishworth states, “We know that volunteers provide critical services in many different ways, whether helping out during disasters or crises, supporting the most vulnerable members of our community, or aiding with community activities.

“Young people are the sector of volunteering’s future, and they currently have much to offer.

“With help of this funding, we can connect young people with volunteer opportunities who might not be aware of the current options.”

Assistant Minister Leigh underlined the significance of volunteering for Australian nonprofit organizations and the community sector.

“Volunteers not only help communities come together, but they also give those who volunteer their time a worthwhile experience. Many young individuals find life affirmation in volunteering. It might change someone’s life for good. Said Dr. Leigh.

Australians are now less inclined than ever to join, volunteer, and participate in activities. The Australian Government will make sure that all young Australians have the chance to volunteer in their local communities as part of our efforts to reverse these trends.