With the aim of dramatically increasing participation rates in volunteering across Council, the City of Casey in Melbourne’s southeast introduced a Volunteer Participation Program.
The project was funded by the Department of Planning and Community Development to run over a three year period.
Key aspects of the program included training, developing marketing materials, branding of volunteering and providing information over a variety of mediums.
City of Casey Manager Community Strengthening Janette Green said the program has enhanced many local working relationships.
“The project aimed to build and strengthen the Casey community through increasing participation in volunteering,” she said. “Another key element of the program was to provide information and support to assist community groups and volunteers in a number of areas, including generating flexible volunteer opportunities, recruiting volunteers and providing support and training opportunities.”
The program has involved:
- development of a volunteer policy
- facilitation of volunteer workshops
- facilitation of various volunteer training opportunities
- development of volunteering promotional items including a logo
- consistent promotion of volunteering through local
media - interactive displays at local events
- redevelopment of the volunteers section of the Casey
website - development of Volunteer Voices short films
- youth volunteering website You Can Do it 2.
Council is also committed to ongoing support for all of its volunteer networks.
“The City of Casey is committed to supporting, promoting and recognising the work of volunteers and volunteer organisations throughout the Casey community and has specifically developed a Volunteer Participation Team within Council to undertake this role and deliver the Volunteer Participation Program,” Janette Green said.
“As part of the Volunteer Participation Program, Council also celebrates and recognises the role of volunteers through its annual Casey Volunteer Awards and Casey Citizen of the Year Awards as well as International Volunteers Day and International Volunteer Managers Day.
“Council also celebrates National Volunteer Week. When opportunities arise, we actively promote volunteer opportunities at Council and community events.”
For more information contact Janette Green on (03) 9705 5200.
