Sarah Wilson, National Strategy Advisor at Volunteering Australia, discusses the importance of feeling valued in volunteering experiences and the psychological impact. She also talks about developing a new national volunteering strategy in Australia, the intersection of technology and volunteering, and the significance of research evidence in shaping these strategies.
The development of the National Strategy for Volunteering in Australia emphasizes enhancing volunteer experiences and participation for advancing the profession.
Inclusivity and creating a psychologically safe environment are crucial lessons from the strategy project for fostering collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
Deep dives
The National Strategy for Volunteering in Australia Overview
The national strategy for volunteering in Australia aims to advance the volunteer engagement profession by focusing on enhancing volunteer experiences and participation. The project involved consulting with various stakeholders to gather insights and develop a comprehensive national strategy. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration and partnership, the strategy is designed to be inclusive and accessible for all organizations working with volunteers.
Development Process of the National Strategy
The development process of the national volunteering strategy in Australia involved a meticulous four-stage approach. Starting with a broad discovery phase, the project focused on understanding the current state of volunteering and gathering insights from consultations. Subsequently, a visioning phase was conducted to imagine the future of volunteering with input from diverse stakeholders. This was followed by an intensive build stage where a strategic framework was developed through collaboration and feedback from the ecosystem.
Key Deliverables and Implementation Plan
As part of the establishment phase, the national strategy aims to deliver a three-year action plan outlining strategic objectives and initiatives for the coming years. Additionally, a governance framework, shared accountability model, and monitoring and evaluation framework are being established to ensure effective implementation. Stakeholder engagement and consultation play a crucial role in refining the strategy and preparing for the next phase of implementation.
Lessons and Insights for Volunteer Managers
One valuable lesson from the national volunteering strategy project is the importance of inclusivity and fostering a psychologically safe environment for participation. By prioritizing grace, openness, and positivity in engagements, volunteer managers can enhance collaboration and stakeholder engagement. Approaching challenges with curiosity and goodwill can lead to meaningful outcomes and sustainable impact in the volunteering sector.
Sarah has expertise in volunteer involvement and not-for-profit strategy and governance. Sarah is the National Strategy Advisor at Volunteering Australia and recently led the development of Australia’s first National Strategy for Volunteering in a decade.
This year, Sarah is commencing her Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Clinical Psychology at the University of Western Australia, researching the relationship between volunteering and ‘mattering’. She holds degrees in Arts, Psychology, and Law.
Sarah is also a passionate volunteer in animal welfare and mental health.
You can find out more about the Australian National Volunteering Strategy at https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/get-involved/national-strategy-for-volunteering/
Music by Zen_Man from Pixabay
Thanks to Awesome Panda for their work editing this episode. Find out more at https://www.awesomepandauk.com
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