Issue no 1, February 2009

Government to offer HECS discounts for people who volunteer
The Australian

The federal Government is planning to offer discounts on HECS debts to university students who undertake volunteer community work. While the full details of the plan are still to be worked out with volunteer groups, a spokeswoman for senator Ursula Stephens, parliamentary secretary for social inclusion and voluntary sector, said the government would soon announce a broad framework for the plan. MORE
 

SBS donates $2 million worth of television airtime to charity
SBS Television

SBS is creating a Foundation to be custodian of $2 million worth of television airtime which will be donated to support charities and charitable causes, SBS Managing Director Shaun Brown has announced. "While SBS has always been a strong supporter of charities, the SBS Foundation will ensure that our support truly makes a difference to the aims and ambitions of a small number of not-for-profits," Shaun Brown said. MORE
 

Workers Comp vs WorkCover for volunteers. What's the difference?
The Centre for Volunteering

The Centre often receives calls from volunteers who approach WorkCover NSW to be told that they have no rights under the legislation. WRONG! Volunteers do have rights to protection in the work place from anything that is considered potentially hazardous. What volunteers are not entitled to is Workers Compensation as they are not "workers" within the meaning of the ACT.

A volunteer has protection from anything, any person or any activity that may impact on their health and well being. This includes their mental and psychological well being. If you have approached WorkCover for support, be sure you make it clear that you are seeking their support for protection – not compensation. If you would like more information on how get an appropriate response from WorkCover ring Lynne Dalton at The Centre on 02 9261 3600.
 

Chief Executive Officer role: Closing 10 February 2009
Volunteering Tasmaia

An enthusiastic and inspiring CEO is required to lead Tasmania’s peak body representing volunteering interests, organisations and volunteers. Volunteering Tasmania’s mission is to promote and advance volunteering as a valued social, cultural and economic contribution to the community.

The CEO’s role requires strong leadership in promoting volunteering to business, government and the broader community. The CEO will provide excellent management and leadership skills in setting the organisation’s strategic direction, management of financial and human resources, achieving key operational objectives and delivering high quality and innovative volunteer programs and initiatives. Applications close 10 February 2009. MORE
 

Criminal checks are big business
The Australian

The number of criminal-history checks on Australians has increased six-fold in seven years to create a $50 million business for governments as public and private enterprises seek to improve the security of their operations.

CrimTrac, jointly owned by the commonwealth, state and territory governments, earned $48 million last financial year from its operations - largely driven by the explosion in criminal-history checks in the past few years. The revenue raised could jump further this year, with governments due to reconsider CrimTrac's police check charges in coming months. MORE
 

Free, new tool provides answers on employee volunteering
Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship

Running an employee volunteer program means facing an onslaught of questions. Does my employee volunteer program have enough staff? How can I provide my CEO requested data on whether other retail companies offer release time for volunteering? Is my employee participation rate low? Is my employee volunteering and giving program any good? The Drivers of Effectiveness Survey Benchmarking Tool answers these and many other questions. MORE
 

US First Lady, Michelle Obama, calls America to service
USAService.org

In the lead up to the inauguration of US President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama emailed volunteers and posted a short video on YouTube calling for all Americans to join her and her husband in servicing in their community.

"Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are committing to renew America together, one community at a time...Barack and I will be volunteering in Washington.. I hope you'll join us by taking part in this national call to service in your community.

"It will take ordinary citizens working together with a common purpose to get this country back on track. This national day of service is an important first step in our continuing commitment...Now is the time to remind all Americans what ordinary people can accomplish when we stand together." MORE
 

Leadership in Volunteer Programs: Book review
Tom McKee, Volunteer Power

To be honest, I would not have chosen to read this book, except that Susan Ellis and Cara Thenot from Energize Inc., asked me to read the book and give them feedback. And I said yes. But when I picked it up and looked at the cover, I questioned, "Why do I want to read speeches that were presented in the 70's, 80's and 90's by someone who was born in 1931?" (Wow – there must be an interesting point here – "don't always judge a book by its cover." Sorry, just couldn't resist that comment). The world is radically different today and even the world of volunteer leadership has changed in the 21st century. MORE

National Volunteer Week promo items up-date
Volunteering Australia

Please be advised that all available National Volunteer Week (NVW) Lapel Pins have been allocated. Volunteering Australia's free NVW Posters can still be ordered online. Please note that orders close on Tuesday, 17 February at 4pm. Order your free 'NVW posters or find out more about NVW
 

Recruiting Volunteers via the Volunteer Referral Service (VRS): Making the VRS work for your organisation
Tuesday, 17 February 2009, 3–5pm
Level 2, 228 Pitt St, Sydney

Over the course of the financial year 2007/2008 the VRS conducted over 5500 interviews of potential volunteers, making referrals to 482 member organisations that list their volunteer positions with the VRS. Member organisations of The Centre for Volunteering have over 600 active volunteer positions listed at any given time; not counting roles that require multiple volunteers. From Database specialists to community visitors we have a volunteer role for everyone that has the time, energy and enthusiasm to volunteer.

Come along to the networking session to find out how the VRS process works, including questions asked by our Interviewers to determine the right referral, learn how to create effective job descriptions and recruit the right volunteer for the right volunteer role and also find out how Fido Skilled Volunteer Search connects skilled, experienced volunteers with not-for-profit organisations looking to recruit volunteers and its requirements.

RSVP today
All volunteer managers are very welcome to these events. Numbers are limited and booking is essential. There is a cost of $5 to attend and afternoon tea will be provided. Email Odessa O'Brien or phone 02 9261 3600 to RSVP.

2009 Networking Event dates
Don't miss out on any of this year's Networking Events. Put the 2009 Networking Event dates in your diary.
 

SCIP Networking Event for Teachers
Wednesday, 18 March 2009

On Wednesday, 18 March 2009, The Centre will host its first SCIP Networking Event for teachers involved in running volunteer or community involvement programs for those students. Whether you are new to the concept or you are a teacher who has run a student volunteer program for many years, this event is an opportunity to learn more about The Centre and share your experiences or questions! Email The Centre for Volunteering for further information.
   

2009 Youth Volunteering Calendar of Events
Are keen to have young people involved as volunteers at your organisations events? Contact The Centre for Volunteering to be added to our 2009 Youth Volunteer Events Calendar!

At this time of year schools are organising their schedules and programs from the 2009 school year. In order to assist them (and you) to be engaged in volunteering with their students, send event details to Maia in advance! For details email The Centre for Volunteering with the name, date, number of volunteer required, benefits and volunteer opportunities for your event. Look forward to hearing from you!
 

2009 Not-For-Profit Events Calendar
It's not too late to include your event in The Centre's 2009 Not-For-Profit Events Calendar! Email Kristin Romanis with the name, date and host of your event. Don't forget to include a website link where additional details can be obtained. MORE

Free community training: The value of volunteering
Tuesday, 17 February 2009, 9:30am–12pm (light lunch included)
Training room 1, Level 3, 307 Pitt Street, Sydney 2000

Kate Scholl from St Vincent de Paul and Amanda Gruhn from the Benevolent Society will be sharing some of the ideas, questions and strategies discussed at the Annual Australasian Retreat for Advanced Volunteer Management. They will pose a number of interesting questions to the group:

• Other than for financial reasons, why do we have volunteers?
• Do we have a limited perspective on the value and potential of our own profession?
• What is our attitude to the roles volunteers take up in our programs and in our organisations?

Register today
Register today as numbers are limited. Download and complete the Expression of Interest Form.
 

SVM's Short Courses: March–May 2009
The schedule of Short Courses for the three months commencing March 2009 is now available. It contains a range of personal and professional development courses, including the popular SpeakerBank Speak Up! Speak Out! courses. Read more

Low-cost training for Manager of Volunteers
Since the School recently begun promoting this low-cost training for Volunteer Managers which is available under the Department of Education and Training's Strategic Skills Program, it has received numerous enquiries and requests for further information. In February, the School will conduct briefings on this program in Wollongong, Newcastle and on Sydney's North Shore. If you would like more information on this training or to attend one of the briefing sessions contact the School's Mark Tippett. Read more

New registered training course and qualification for the School – the Diploma of Management (BSB51107)
The School's application to add the new Diploma of Management to its scope was approved by VETAB this month. Read more

School achieves re-registration as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
Late last year the School was audited by VETAB (Vocational Education and Training Advisory Board) as part of its re-registration as an RTO and achieved a 100% rating. Read more
 

Disability Rights Awareness worshop: Free
9–10, 12–13, 19–20, 26–27 March, 2–3 April, 9:30am–4:30pm
Parramatta, Hurstville, Wollongong, Newcastle, Griffith

MDAA (Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association) is running 2-day Disability Rights Awareness workshops in Sydney and regional NSW in March and April. They are developed for non government ethnic community workers and will cover:

• disability in a culturally diverse context
• some of the legal avenues available to resolve legal problems
• when, how and where to contact legal services
• an opportunity to discover important community networks

For more information download the flyer or email mdaa@mdaa.org.au

SCIP and Youth Volunteering Report: February 2009

For the Youth Volunteer Program 2009 has already signalled change and new partnerships! This year The Centre aims to work in close partnership with not-for-profit organisations to enhance the ways in which young people can volunteer. At the same time we hope to increase the accessibility of services and the involvement of young people in volunteer programs. MORE
 

Research and Policy Report: February 2009

One of The Centre's Research and Policy department's volunteers, Kerry, is visiting family in Germany. Kerry's current project is investigating the status of governance in NSW's NFP sector. While overseas she is comparing aspects of European NFP governance issues and examining volunteering in general. Read her observations so far. MORE
 

Farewell: Jan Cosgrove and John Sargent

This month we are saying farewell to two employees at The Centre for Volunteering. Jan Cosgrove and John Sargent have been with the organisation for some years building up the membership base so that we have a steady healthy core of around 500 members. We thank them for all their good work over the years and wish them well for the future.

© The Centre for Volunteering 2008 | ABN 28 002 416 024
Level 2, 228 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000
T: 02 9261 3600 | F: 02 9261 4033 | E: info@volunteering.com.au | W: www.volunteering.com.au
Unsubscribe | Update Your Details | Privacy