Amanda Wood, National Volunteer Manager, Starlight Children's Foundation
What does your job entail?
I am responsible for the strategic direction, development and management of the
Starlight volunteer program in accordance with Starlight's mission, principles
and values. This also involves managing and coordinating the National Volunteer
team to ensure the consistent implementation of volunteer strategy and processes.
Why and how did you become a volunteer manager?
I had worked at Starlight for two years in a fundraising capacity and I was very inspired by our wonderful volunteers and so when the opportunity came up I applied for the NSW Volunteer Coordinator position and from there I have had the fortune of taking on a leadership role.Please share some of the rewarding experiences you have had working with volunteers?
I am continually impressed by how much our volunteer team give of their time. Recently I was speaking with one volunteer who has been volunteering every Monday for 18 years (since the beginning of our charity) in the Starlight Express Room and she still loves every moment that she spends volunteering and helping bring smiles to hospitalised children.Do you have any examples of innovative programs and ideas for working with your volunteers?
On Star Day, Friday 5 May 2006, two Captain Starlights in a specially designed and fitted out van took off, heading north, on the 50 Towns in 50 Weeks Tour. The tour is visiting every state and territory, travelling 22,000 kms, taking in 110 towns and 106 hospitals, visiting many of these for the very first time.Through this project, we are able to take an innovative, holistic approach to connect with regional Starlight children, Starlight partners and Starlight volunteers simultaneously. This has truly been amazing in enabling recognition and recruitment of our regional volunteers. This great project recognises the integral part that volunteers play in all our Starlight programs, especially in the regional areas, in brightening the lives of seriously ill and hospitalised children.
As part of this project, volunteers are invited (by special invitation) to participate in a visit to the local hospital by Captain Starlight and the 50 Towns in 50 Weeks Tour. This engages the volunteers in our program and, at the end of the visit, Captain Starlight makes a presentation to the Starlight volunteer to recognise their service and support through volunteering. In this presentation the Starlight volunteer receives a 50 Towns in 50 Weeks Tour certificate and small gift. Where the volunteers are unable to make the visit, we individually post to the regional Starlight volunteer the 50 Towns in 50 Weeks Tour certificate and gift.
We have received lovely feedback by email from our volunteers:
Wendy, a long term regional volunteer: "I received the certificate and the clock. Thank you, it was a lovely surprise."
Lyn, Newcastle volunteer: "Thanks, it was so good to meet you also. We all really enjoyed the evening, as we don't get to get together too much here in Newcastle. So it was a great opportunity, and how fantastic are those Captain Starlights?"
A quote from the Captain Starlights who are on the tour: "It's great to be able to thank volunteers on a personal level for all the hard work they do in their local community. This tour is a great opportunity to visit their home town and get a feel for the work they do."