Simone Curry, Volunteer Engagement Officer, Conservation
Volunteers Australia
What does your job entail?
Inducting international volunteers and growing a strong local volunteer base.
Why and how did you become a volunteer manager?
I was working in the workshop at New Mardi Gras as a carpenter and a big part
of this role was managing volunteers. Most volunteers would just walk
in off the street with no experience. Some were really anxious about
using power tools. All the workshop staff (paid and voluntary) were involved
in the process of induction, training, placement and supervision. I had
been a volunteer myself the year before and relished the chance to pass
on some skills. After that I progressed through the organisation to leading
hand carpenter and then workshop manager.
Please share some of the rewarding experiences you have had working with volunteers?
The best thing about the positions I've had is the opportunity to meet
people from all over the world. I've known people to meet their life
partners while
working with me. I really enjoy watching people's self-confidence grow
with tasks they've never done before. A big smile, when they're tired
after working really hard for a day, is the best reward.
Do you have any examples of innovative programs and ideas for working with your volunteers?
At Conservation Volunteers, we offer Certificate I in Active Volunteering for
free to our volunteers. This training is federally recognised. We also
give our volunteers, on project, lamingtons for morning tea once a week
– a truly unique Aussie experience! At Mardi Gras, volunteers can work
towards a free ticket to the party.
Do you network with other volunteer managers? If yes, how and what have you gained from that?
Yes. Lots of interesting tips, ideas and contacts.
Do you utilise the services of The Centre for Volunteering?
If yes, which ones and why?
Yes. Breakfast forums and the Volunteer Referral Service's GoVolunteer ads.
