Knowledge Base Spotlight: Cultural Competency

Broaden your horizons today with this cultural competency article.

Volunteering has a powerful impact when it is accessible to all and reflects our diverse communities. One step we can all take to achieve that is by taking steps to better our understanding of what “volunteering” means to different groups.

Not only is it best practice to seek out what motivates volunteers, but it can also give as valuable insight into how we can be more inclusive and accessible, even with something as simple as the language we use.

For volunteer involving organisations, educating your staff and volunteers on these histories, experiences and practices will not only build the cultural knowledge of your organisation but help to create culturally safe and inclusive environments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. This is a key foundation in developing relationships and forming genuine connections as well as the bonus of learning about the oldest living culture in the world.

If you are interested in learning more about cultural competency and practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, please follow the links below:

• For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the term “volunteering” might not mean what it does to others. Learn more and discover alternatives with our article on Giving and Sharing,
• In CALD communities, cultural differences can lead many to see volunteering as a community obligation and not as ‘formal’ volunteering by industry definitions. Find out more

If you like these articles, there is a comprehensive Knowledge Base article series that you may be interested in reading.  We also have a variety of resources and tools that you can check out on our website also.