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Not-For-Profit Network News
General News
Here are some articles regarding volunteering and volunteer programs in general.
It is good practice for organisations to have an up to date information package for board members when recruiting new members to the Board. The package should comprise the history and philosophy of the organisation, mission statement, constitution, code of ethics and an organisational chart. Include job descriptions outlining responsibilities of both Executive and committee members, information regarding funding bodies, programs and services of the organisation.
It is important to provide details of professional indemnity and directors insurance, recent copies of the audited accounts and materials and references relating to the Principles for Effective Governance.
There are many ways to get involved and have your say.
Contact your MP
If you don't know who your MP is, phone 3406 7111 or visit:
www.parliament.qld.gov.au
Attend Community Cabinet
For further information, phone 1800 448 377 or visit:
www.cabinet.qld.gov.au
Participate in Ministerial Regional Community Forums
For further information, phone 1800 102 225 or visit:
www.communities.qld.gov.au
Join in Community Activities (Volunteering)
For information on government initiatives, phone 1800 803 788
For general Volunteering opportunities, contact VNQ on 4721 4775
Attend Public Meetings and Workshops
Details are usually made public in newspapers, or visit:
www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au
Nominate for an Advisory Board or Committee
For further information, phone 3224 2028 or visit:
http://governmentbodies.premiers.qld.gov.au
Volunteering North Queensland Inc. would like to hear from volunteers about their personal experience as a volunteer.
We would like to know why it has been important to you and what you have gained from volunteering. How long have you been a volunteer? Please tell us how you heard about volunteering and how you joined the organisation at which you volunteer.
With your permission, we would like to publish your story in our newsletter, and also in our 'Volunteer Stories' section on our website.
Please SHOUT about your volunteering, and share your experiences with us.
Stories should be addressed to:
'The Editor'
Willing & Able Newsletter
PO Box 186
TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810
Or faxed to: (07) 4725 5996
Or emailed to: vnq@volunteeringnthqld.org.au
There are currently a number of potentially serious viruses circulating the Internet, so it's important for all organisations to know how to protect themselves against them, or how to deal with the viruses if your computers have already been infected.
An information sheet on this serious topic is available.
Link to Information SheetThe ABC show 'Background Briefing' recently had a report on matters concerning volunteer organisations. A transcript of the show is now available on their website at:
The Disability Friendship Program matches volunteers with a potential friend who may have a physical or intellectual disability. This eases loneliness and social isolation, and offers companionship and opportunities for social interaction. It may also provide the opportunity for people to participate in community recreational activities that they would otherwise be unable to participate in.
For more information, contaction Volunteering North Queensland Inc. on:
Ph: (07) 4725 5990 or
Email: vnq@volunteeringnthqld.org.au
While one in five Australians will experience some form of mental illness in their lives, five in five can help with support and understanding. The Five in Five Campaign is aimed at increasing the awareness and understanding of mental illness throughout the community.
Mental illnesses involve chemical imbalances in the brain which affects the way a person thinks, feels and acts. They can affect anyone at any time and can impact on relationships, work and participation in, and enjoyment of, life. Mental illnesses include depression, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety and personality disorder, as well as others.
Mental illness can be treated. A big part of that treatment is public awareness and understanding of mental illness. Research has repeatedly shown that community support and connection is invaluable to people with a mental illness.
For more information on the Five in Five Campaign, please contact VNQ on:
Ph: (07) 4725 5990 or
Email: vnq@volunteeringnthqld.org.au
Aurora TV is a national television channel devoted to airing Australian community programming 24 hours a day. The channel broadcasts footage from community groups and individual documentary makers from around the country.
For more information or a copy of their guidelines, please visit the website at:
Every volunteer has high hopes for their volunteering position. It may have taken some courage to offer or get involved with your organisation. Therefore, there are a number of things that you can do to ensure that the volunteer has a great experience with your organisation, and this in turn will have a lasting impact on the volunteer's long-term commitment.
Orientation
The orientation is the organisation's way of making a powerful first impression that sends the message: "we value your volunteering here". It is very important to new staff as it indicates how the organisation will treat its volunteers now and in the future. Disorganisation at this early stage may negatively influence a volunteer's perception of the organisation forever.
Training
If you are asking a volunteer to do something that he/she does not have the expertise to do immediately, keep in mind that it is your responsibility to provide training. The challenge for training is to make it desirable and relevant. Ongoing training and support is also essential. Training will help volunteers know that you want them to succeed, and will give them pride in their work, and will make it more likely that your volunteers will encourage others to get involved with your organisation.
Investment
Every volunteer deserves to feel a personal investment in the organisation. The best way to nurture that investment is to build a connection and do so from the beginning. Find out what brought the volunteer to your organisation and let your volunteers know that they are all part of your team.
Dialogue
Volunteers deserve to have ongoing communication with all staff, not just the volunteer coordinator. Open communication among volunteers and staff will help ensure that everyone is headed in the right direction. We all need positive feedback - volunteers and staff alike. Keep in mind that dialogue goes two ways - ask for and expect feedback from volunteers and take their concerns into consideration.
Appreciation
Sometimes people confuse appreciation with public recognition. Certainly it is nice to be recognised publicly for years of service, but most of the time a volunteer will be well satisfied with a sincere and honest "thank-you". Volunteers who feel valued will bring value to your organisation.
Commonwealth Ombudsman
People with complaints about Australian Government Departments or agencies can raise them with the Commonwealth Ombudsman. The Commonwealth Ombudsman handles complaints and general enquiries, and where a complaint is justified, can suggest or recommend a remedy.
THE OMBUDSMAN'S SERVICES ARE FREE
Complaints: 1300 362 072
Ph: (07) 3005 7000 (Brisbane)
Fax: (07) 3229 4010 (Brisbane)
Queensland Ombudsman
The Queensland Ombudsman may be able to help if you feel you have been treated unfairly by a Queensland public agency or its staff. This may include government departments, bodies and councils (local government).
THIS SERVICE IS FREE OF CHARGE
Toll Free: 1800 068 908
TTY: 3006 8174
Telephone: (07) 3005 7000 (Brisbane)
Fax: (07) 3005 7067 (Brisbane)
Email: ombudsman@ombudsman.qld.gov.au
Justice of the Peace - John Zohn
Volunteering North Queensland
Unit 6/56 Charles Street
Aitkenvale 4814.
(Please ring first on 4725 5990 to ensure John is in the office.)
Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland
Level 2, St. James Place
155 - 157 Denham Street, Townsville
TTY 1300 130 680
Telephone: 4799 7020 or 1300 130 670
Fax: 4799 7021
Dispute Resolution Service
Level 2, St. James Place
155-157 Denham Street, Townsville.
Telephone: 4799 7870 or 1800 809 605
Fax: 4799 7871
Office of Fair Trading - Qld Government
1st Floor State Government Building
Cnr Stanley & Walker Street, Townsville
Telephone: 1300 658 030
Fax: 4753 2288
Townsville Community Legal Service
Suite 1, St James Place
Denham Street, City.
Telephone: 4721 5511
Fax: 4721 5499
A Report
This report by Associate Professor Dr Duncan Ironmonger of the University of Melbourne, was commissioned by the Department of Communities and measures the economic contributions of formal (through an organisation) and informal (outside of an organisation) volunteers throughout Queensland.
The author, Dr Ironmonger, is an internationally acclaimed economist who has undertaken economic analysis of volunteering nationally and for both the Victorian and South Australian state governments.
Link to Report: The Economic Value of Volunteering in Queensland
The report is also available from the Department of Communities website.
Further information is available at The Department of Communities website.
Ophir Gold Bed & Breakfast in Orange NSW have a special offer available for Volunteers. They're offering discounted rates of $40.00 per person, per night, (incl. breakfast) during the first week in December.
If you're interested, contact them on:
info@bnbophirgold.com.au