2022 - National Student Volunteer Week

On behalf of #NSVW22, we would like to thank the amazing education providers, thousands of amazing students and countless community organisations - with your participation, #NSVW22 was a success!

About

National Student Volunteer Week 2022 is over; this year has been more epic than ever.

The theme – Passion. Opportunity. Change. which explored how students can realise their dreams and effect change across the world…all starting with the act of giving their time to a cause they believe in.

Events and Campaigns

During National Student Volunteer Week, schools, universities, youth organisations and volunteer involving organisations nationwide hosted events to celebrate, appreciate and reward their volunteers.

National Student Volunteer Week Panel Discussion

The key event that took place this year was the National Student Volunteer Week Panel Discussion: The Future of Student Volunteering.

The NSVW Panel Discussion took place on the Tuesday evening of National Student Volunteer Week 2022

In celebration of National Student Volunteer Week (8-14 August 2022) join our panel discussion highlighting the future of student volunteering and what it means to be a student volunteer. This free online event will touch on topics such as: the benefits and challenges of being a student volunteer, volunteering and your career progression and prospective volunteering opportunities. Learn, connect and be inspired during this Australian wide celebrated week by hearing from industry and student leaders. This discussion will be followed by an interactive Q&A where you have the chance to ask our panellists any burning questions you may have or topics you would like to address.

The Panel

Sam Johnson has lived his life in the public eye in New Zealand and built a career doing service to others. His relentless energy to mobilise people around ideas has a magic ability in building movements that matter! Farm boy turned social entrepreneur, Sam’s kaupapa (work) is using the power of the collective to overcome the bureaucratic – shifting our belief system about what is possible.

Sam is the Chief Executive of the Student Volunteer Army, former Young New Zealander of the Year and most recently won the prestigious High-Tech Award for ‘Impact for Good’ with the SVA for their work during Covid-19.

Rebecca Miller has been Head of SEEK Volunteer for 5 years. With a diverse background working in the sports industry, local council and ASX listed companies, Rebecca is passionate about helping corporate businesses have a positive social impact.

Through her role at SEEK Volunteer, she is motivated by the valuable role volunteers play in the community and the mutual benefits individuals can get from volunteering including improvements to well-being and useful career experience.

Josef is completing a BA in Philosophy, Politics & Economics, completing double Masters in International Relations & International Law

His volunteering experience has been broad. Being involved in dance classes as a kid, he assisted older adults in mastering ballroom dancing. In 2020 he was the Inaugural Elected President of the University of Western Australia’s Undergraduate Philosophy Society, a club organised by students. Since 2021 he has been an Events Volunteer Coordinator, bringing students together after the initial Covid peak.

The Student Volunteer Army is an education charity run for students, by students, focused on providing meaningful volunteering opportunities for primary, secondary and tertiary aged young people.

SEEK Volunteer has been connecting Australian’s to volunteer opportunities since 2000. They help connect people to volunteering opportunities that enrich their communities, lives and careers.

SEEK Volunteer is Australia’s largest free online source of volunteer opportunities and is the preferred destination for those who want to volunteer. They make it easy for people to connect to the right opportunity, for a cause they care about, in a location that is convenient to them.

As part of the SEEK family, the team also understand the valuable role volunteering can play on the career journey. So, whether you are interested in kick starting your career, switching careers, building on existing skills or just wanting to share your expertise, there are opportunities on SEEK Volunteer for you.

Josef was a Volunteering Committee Council member in 2021 at the University of Western Australia’s Guild. This year he has taken on Events Volunteering Coordinator Head as international students return to campus.

From a student perspective, he has found volunteering invaluable to his beliefs, understanding of the community, skill development, and team leadership. Josef has run excursions with many charities and planned social and academic events. He says there is no greater force than intrinsic motivation and believes that to be involved in formulating and implementing policy-making, people need to understand the community they live in.

Josef seeks further opportunities to broaden horizons, understand policy, act locally for a better future, and observe the nexus of international interdependency. Wishing to serve those around him, he seeks to engage with people from all walks of life.

View the full discussion below.

About student volunteering

Volunteering is time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain.

It is a choice made by you to make a difference. Volunteering is about supporting non-profits or community groups by willingly giving your time, skills and enthusiasm to become involved and take action on issues that are important to you.

Benefits of volunteering

Professional development

Gain valuable work experience
Learn new skills and develop employable skills for your career
Attain references for your resume
Build industry connections and networks
Bring your own insights and ideas into the community
Help non-profits enhance and extend their cause

Personal development

Build your confidence
Act on your values, passions and interests
Enjoy new social and cultural experiences
Improve your physical and mental health
Have fun and make a difference!

Volunteering and employability

Up to 85% of employers believe volunteering to be just as credible as paid work.

If you’re having trouble finding the right role in your industry, volunteering could be an easier way to reinforce your resume and your skill set.

92% of employers said that relevant volunteering experience gives candidates an edge in job interviews. It’s a great talking point that can help you make a connection with a potential employer.

If you’re working towards a paid position in a socially responsible organisation, volunteering experience will be a strong indication of your integrity. Regardless of the field, employers see volunteers as trustworthy, proactive and motivated.

How to choose a role

Volunteering sharpens your talents and gives you a taste of working in your preferred industry.

It can also help broaden your horizons. You can work outside of the box by adapting to fields that are not directly related to your course.

Here are a few questions for you to consider:

What are my motivations for volunteering?
Is there a cause that is close to my heart?
Are there particular skills I want to contribute or learn?
How much time can I commit?
A useful resource is the Volunteering to Learn Good Practice Guide for Students. This covers how to find out about volunteering opportunities, insights about volunteer organisations and identifies common challenges and solutions.

How to make the most impact

Volunteer for a cause that you believe in

Find a cause, group or organisation that resonates deeply with you. There are many things that demand our attention and pull us in different directions, however, finding a space that you are particularly passionate about will enable you to give more of yourself to excelling in that field.

Challenge yourself and go beyond ticking boxes

It is outside of your comfort zone where the magic happens. Sometimes we have to be uncomfortable and really test our limits in order for great things to happen. Some of the greatest life lessons and most cherished memories come from stepping out of your sphere of comfort and into a realm of the unknown. Volunteering is an opportunity to go beyond ticking boxes and challenge yourself – it is a chance for you to contribute to meaningful change, connect with like-minded people and to grow as an individual.

Trust yourself and have fun

The most important thing you can do as a volunteer is to trust yourself. Be the change you want to see – all change starts with you. In challenging yourself there may be times when you question your strengths and capabilities. You are strong and you are capable. When you hold back you obstruct the change you could be making and the experiences you could be having.