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VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers and volunteer based organisations such as Scouts Australia, clubs and associations are an integral part of the sport and recreation and outdoor recreation sector.

The main indicator of good practice in volunteer management is volunteers that feel valued and part of the organisation. If this is the case those volunteers will be more likely to want to contribute to that organisation. The aim of good volunteer management practices is to enhance the performance of volunteers. The cycle of need fulfilment, positive reinforcement and satisfaction is what volunteer management practice is all about. The role of effective leadership and motivation clarifies the relationship between good practice, performance and satisfaction.

Volunteering Australia is the national peak body to advance volunteering in the Australian community. Their website volunteeringaustralia.org is very valuable and has a range of resources listed, including a publication on national standards. These standards describe the elements of a best practice system for involving and managing volunteers. There is also a guide to assist not-for-profit organisations in implementing the National Standards. There is also a link provided to the National Volunteer Skills Centre.

The on-line inVOLve program developed by Volunteering Queensland and Brisbane City Council is an excellent free e-learning resource for developing and managing effective volunteer programs. In one hour you can learn the principles and tools to engage, manage and retain volunteers for your community organisation or group. See below under Resources for details.

In addition there are also the Volunteer Management Program and the Clubs/Association Management Program (VMP/CAMP) produced by the Australian Sports Commission (a Federal Government initiative). This covers all the good HR practices and experiences relevant to clubs and associations. For further information see ausport.gov.au/clubs/volunteer_club_mngmt.asp

These two programs encourage and support sport and recreation organisations to develop and promote volunteer management policies and practices. Each offers a professional development program for volunteers in the sport and recreation industry and a set of resources to assist clubs and associations to better plan and administer their operations and improve their organisational governance.

The modules have been designed so that clubs and associations can use or adapt whichever aspects of them are most conducive to the best practice of their own organisation.

Volunteer Recruitment and Retention

The challenge of recruiting and retaining volunteers is addressed by a number of modules in the VMP/CAMP programs. To support this crucial training issue and provide a resource that reinforces the material in the Australian Sports Commission programs, SRV has developed a workbook to take organisations step-by-step through the practical process of developing and maintaining a volunteer management plan.

SRV developed a Volunteer Management Plan Workbook to assist sport and recreation clubs and associations initiate a strategic approach to recruiting and retaining volunteers. The workbook has been developed and tested in a number of organisations at State and local level.

Resources

National Standards for involving Volunteers in Not for Profit organisations
Cost $35.00, available online through the website volunteeringaustralia.org/publicationsa.html

National Standards Implementation Guide for involving Volunteers in Not for Profit Organisations
Cost $35.00, available online website above.

Volunteering Queensland
Link to on-line inVOLve program
volqld.org.au/involve

Active Australia - Club/Association Management Program
Modules cover the following: Creating a Club, Club Planning, Committee Management, Conducting Meetings, Financial Management, Sponsorship Fundraising and Grants, Marketing and Promoting Sport and Recreation, Event Management, Legal Issues and Risk Management.
ausport.gov.au/clubs/volunteer_club_mngmt.asp

Active Australia - Volunteer Management Program
Modules cover the following: Recruiting Volunteers, Retaining Volunteers, Managing Event Volunteers, Volunteer Management Policy, The Volunteer Coordinator, Volunteer Management - A Guide to Good Practice
ausport.gov.au/clubs/volunteer_club_mngmt.asp

Sport and Recreation Victoria
Can provide assistance and guidance on the use of the VMP/CMP resources and workbook. For more information contact the Organisations Unit on (03) 9208 3503.

our.community.com.au
Managing your volunteers information sheet

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