Overview
The Centre for Volunteering holds that inclusivity and diversity foster a sense of belonging, boosting productivity among employees. We promote equal opportunities in all volunteer roles. Volunteers with diverse backgrounds amplify community impact.
Moreover, volunteering is a crucial route to employment, enhancing confidence, honing skills, and widening networks.
Inclusivity refers to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and included, regardless of their differences. It is about actively addressing barriers and ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals. On the other hand, diversity refers to the range of differences in individuals, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, and sexual orientation. While inclusivity focuses on creating an inclusive environment, diversity emphasizes the recognition and celebration of these differences. Both inclusivity and diversity are important for fostering a sense of belonging and creating a diverse and inclusive community.
Unfortunately, Australia is a long way behind other OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries when it comes to inclusivity and diversity, attracting and integrating differently abled people into the workplace.
This phenomenon can be largely attributed to the stigma and discrimination that people with physical disability and mental health conditions face. For instance, organisations may have misconceptions about the support required to meaningfully include and engage these communities. In turn, these misunderstandings can contribute to a perceived lack of capacity, further fuelling the issue.
How can you create an inclusive and diverse workplace?
Equity is an essential aspect of fostering inclusivity and diversity in volunteer involving organizations. At The Centre for Volunteering, we offer a variety of resources for individuals and organisations to engage with, and foster inclusivity and diversity in their workplaces and community.
Together, we can build stronger communities that celebrate and embrace the richness of our differences.
Free Inclusion Training
These workshops explore the positive outcomes of inclusive volunteering by reviewing case studies and utilising practical tips to increase inclusion. You will learn the skills to remove the barriers to volunteering and how to help young people find meaningful volunteering opportunities.
Community Consultations
Consultation groups are convened by The Centre as needed to address specific issues or the needs of specific programs. The groups are discussion-focused and are run in-person and online, and help provide valuable insights from people with diverse lived experiences.
Nationally Recognised Training
The Centre for Volunteering, through National School of Volunteer Management [RTO code 90031] offers various accredited qualifications, aimed at volunteers and volunteer leaders. Topics covered include how to work with diverse people, and managing and promoting diversity.
Volunteer Management Activity
This initiative was designed to increase opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in the social and economic life of their broader community through volunteering. This is achieved by breaking down barriers to volunteering faced by identified groups, and much more.