THE role and value of volunteers in every community should never be underestimated.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
And at a time when volunteers are harder to come by than ever, their contribution should be valued like never before.
National Volunteers Week is an chance to recognise and say thank you to the six million Australians who volunteer their time.
This year’s theme, Give A Little, Change A Lot, represents the millions of volunteers who make a profound impact in their communities and on society, through giving a little time of their own.
And it comes at a time when many organisations in our community are crying out for more help.
Last week we ran the story of Bathurst Little Athletics’ battle to keep going. Helper numbers are thin on the ground and Little A’s is struggling to form a committee.
If the organisation folds, it will be the end of an institution that has trained young Bathurst athletes for many decades and given kids the chance to try their hand at the track and field sports.
More importantly, it has given kids a reason to get outside and exercise, with the spirit of participation more important than the results.
And Little A’s is not alone.
School P&Cs are struggling for numbers, local charities are struggling for numbers and Lifeline Central West is looking for the first time at putting on paid phone counsellors to fill less popular overnight shifts in their call centre.
And it’s not because people no longer want to help; rather, it is a lack of time – and every volunteer organisation understands that. But the news is not all bad.
A recent NRMA Insurance Help study has found that the youngest generation – the generation supposedly concerned only with themselves and their selfies – might save volunteering in this country.
The study has shown that 80 per cent of young people aged 18-34 are more likely to help others and 43 per cent volunteer with a community organisation.
Young people said they were more likely to give back because it made them feel good and because they wanted to make a difference.
And isn’t that what it’s all about? Volunteering isn‘t just about giving, it’s also about a sense of achievement and satisfaction for the volunteer.
Maybe the younger generation can teach us a thing or two after all.