| YOUNG VOLUNTEERS ON THE RISE Young Australians are becoming agents of change in the not-for-profit sector after a rise in youth volunteering numbers, says peak state body Volunteering Queensland. According to Volunteering Queensland, 30% of 18-24 years olds are becoming members of various volunteering organisations to gain work experience and new life skills. Jessica Panter, of the Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland, said youth were important to their organisation because of the diversity they created. “Young volunteers create diversity in our volunteer workforce. They also give younger clients more opportunities to socialise with people their own age and more easily access the wider community.” Mrs. Panter says that many of their young volunteers are students. “Students see volunteering as an opportunity to gain work experience in the fields they study or simply to contribute to their community. At the moment we have a very healthy number of young people involved in our organisation.” Jessica Jones, 25, an independent artist and Queensland Youth Council project and event organiser volunteers because she feels it is important to develop opportunities for youth. “I am passionate about developing opportunities for young people to express themselves in different ways and experience a broader range of social and cultural meanings in their own communities.” Miss Jones, who is based on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, says that volunteering is important to her because of the skills she gains and the chance to provide support in the community where it is necessary. “I have gained experience, knowledge, tools and contacts that will help me develop my own professional practice. I am also interacting with like-minded people and making an impact on the world in a positive way.” She said. Di Morgan, CEO of Volunteering Queensland says that as a result of Miss Jones and other members volunteering on the Youth Council, there is now going to be easier access to youth volunteering in organisations that would be best suited to them. “The Youth Council is striving to develop a state-wide youth friendly strategy for organisations. It is an amazing example of the positive that can come with volunteer participation.” Volunteering Queensland statistics show that 40% of youth that volunteer do so to gain personal satisfaction and to help others in the community. When it comes to 18-24 year olds, sport and recreation are the most popular areas to participate in. If you think that Volunteering Queensland could use your skills phone (07) 3002 7600 or visit www.volqld.org.au. |