International Year of Volunteers
The International Year of Volunteers (IYV) 2001 celebrates and recognises the achievements of all volunteers across the world. In Australia, women's volunteer rates are higher than those of men, 21 per cent compared to 17 per cent. This is the case regardless of age, occupation, family status or location.
During 2001, communities are encouraged to celebrate the international year of volunteers. This could include promotion of volunteer activity, greater recognition of volunteers, initiatives to foster volunteer efforts and supporting volunteers.
The following initiatives are being implemented by the Commonwealth Government in this, the International Year of Volunteers:
- The IYV Small Grants programme is a competitive process that offers funding of up to $5,000 to assist local organisations and to recognise and celebrate the International Year of Volunteers. Over 700 applications have been funded in Round One of the programme.
- IYV Practical Solutions Grants of up to $25,000 are rolling out to some peak volunteering organisations for legacy and community development projects.
- The Commonwealth has developed key partnerships to support IYV. These include sponsorship of Volunteering Australia's national volunteering conference in October, sponsoring an additional Award category called `International Year of Volunteers 2001' in the National CommunityLink Awards, a special IYV award in the Local Government Association Awards, and seconding a Department of Family and Community Services person to Volunteering Australia.
- A communication campaign has been designed to develop awareness of the International Year among the Australian community, and to encourage and nurture a positive image of volunteering.
- Commonwealth funding has been provided to Volunteering Australia's Go Volunteer recruitment database and website. Go Volunteer provides individuals with opportunities to volunteer and organisations with the opportunity to advertise volunteering positions.
- The Department of Family and Community Services has commissioned research into volunteering which includes a literature review on volunteering in Australia and overseas.
- The National Skills Development Programme for Volunteers initiative, introduced in the 2000-01 Budget will provide general and specialist training and skills development to volunteers that will improve the standard of service to the communities those volunteers support.
