Oxfam Australia’s Post

🆕 Dive into our new report on State Innovations in National Service & Volunteering, crafted in collaboration with More Perfect and America's Service Commissions! Explore the case for #nationalservice and volunteering, the many ways in which Governors, State Legislators and other stakeholders are expanding opportunities for Americans to serve, and examples for how leaders in other states can further ignite a culture of service and citizenship to build bridges across our difference and help solve public challenges. Read the report here: https://lnkd.in/eATSFPDJ

Volunteers move mountains. But it’s difficult to measure our impact. There are many kinds of volunteers and we don’t track volunteer activity consistently. Sometimes we don’t even call it volunteering! “Every seventh person in the world is a volunteer,” the United Nations Volunteers programme said in its last State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (swvr2022.unv.org). It highlights 5 kinds of volunteering: • Mutual aid—informal, person-to-person help • Service—responding to the perceived needs of another community • Campaigning—amplifying marginalized voices • Participation—in governance • Leisure—volunteering around personal interests How do you volunteer?

Did you miss our lunch and learn about engaging younger volunteers? 🤔🤓 Don't worry you can watch the whole session by following the link in the comments. This session, we will be having a presentation from Matt Parker on how he has enabled the organisation that he manages, Bay Volunteers, to engage the younger generation of volunteers by making successful partnerships with educational institutions and organisations to enable successful volunteering experiences for all involved. Followed by an informal chat to connect with other professionals in the sector. #volunteermanagement #volunteerrecruitment #charitydigital

Volunteering comes in two main forms: 🔹 Formal Volunteering: This involves unpaid work through groups, clubs, or organizations. 🔹 Informal Volunteering: This involves unpaid help as an individual to other people who are not relatives, such as shopping for an elderly neighbor, clearing snow from the streets, and more. Here's a quick snapshot of the EU28 averages: 🔹 Informal Volunteering: 22.2% 🔹Formal Volunteering: 19.3% More people in the EU tend to volunteer informally than formally, with some exceptions. In comparison, the US boasts a higher formal volunteering rate at 24.9% (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015). However, some European countries have significantly higher volunteer rates than the US (see my previous post). As association professionals, understanding these trends can help us tailor our outreach and engagement strategies. 🔗 Let's connect and discuss how we can foster more volunteer involvement! #Volunteering #CommunityEngagement #AssociationProfessionals #EU28 #USA #FormalVolunteering #InformalVolunteering #Volunteerism

Thriving communities are built on collaboration and shared goals. This weekend, consider ways to connect with others in your professional or local network. Whether it's attending an industry event, volunteering for a local cause, or simply reaching out to reconnect with old colleagues, fostering these connections strengthens the communities we operate in. How are you planning to connect with your network this weekend? Share your thoughts in the comments below! #CommunityStrong #AgentsOfHope #TogetherWeRise

Over the coming days, I will be sharing insights into European attitudes to volunteering. Did you know volunteering rates vary dramatically across Europe? From 48% in Norway to under 10% in some countries, understanding these differences is key for associations looking to engage European volunteers. Check out this map showing formal volunteering rates across the continent. What surprises you most about these numbers? Share your thoughts below! #AssociationLeadership #VolunteerEngagement #EuropeanTrends

NEW #TuesdayTips for the New Year! Watch for my Engage article with Todd McMullin later this month about #1 on my list, and see how my Top 5 Trends compare to my friend Karen Knight's list for 2024 (link in video description). What else do you think will impact volunteering and community engagement this year? Tell me in the comments! https://lnkd.in/gNyqqi4r

🤝Why Local Volunteer Work is So Important to Me🫶 Volunteering locally has always been a vital part of my life. It’s more than just giving back; it’s about building stronger communities, fostering meaningful connections, and making a tangible difference in the lives of those around us. Engaging in local volunteer work allows me to: 1. Connect with my community: By volunteering, I get to know the people and the unique needs of my area. This fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support. 2. See the impact: When I volunteer locally, I can witness firsthand the positive changes we create, from helping individuals in need to supporting community projects. 3. Learn and grow: Volunteering exposes me to new perspectives and skills, enhancing my personal and professional development. 4. Inspire others: By sharing my experiences, I hope to encourage others to get involved and contribute to our collective well-being. For example, I’ve been involved in cleaning up trash with the Bürgerverein on the weekend and serving as volontary leader at my local church. These activities not only help improve our environment and community but also bring people together for a common cause. With DCMN we support Samaritan's Purse (Christmas in a shoe box), Straßenkinder e.V. and Die ARCHE Kinderstiftung. Local volunteer work isn’t just beneficial for those we help; it enriches our lives and strengthens our communities. What local volunteer work do you do, and how has it impacted you and your community? Share your experiences in the comments! #Community #VolunteerWork #LocalEngagement #GivingBack #MakingADifference

At QTS, we believe to whom much is given, much is expected. In 2023, our employees spent over 12,000 hours volunteering, expanding our #impact in the communities we live and work. Learn more about our #community impact efforts: https://bit.ly/3J0UNlE

Let's celebrate the power of connection and collaboration. Whether it's volunteering, sharing knowledge, or simply lending a helping hand, our collective efforts make a world of difference. How are you engaging with your global community today? Share your stories below! #GlobalCommunityEngagementDay #GlobalImpact #ArthurLawrence