Australia Needs More Youth Volunteers
COVID and the cost-of-living crisis have created challenges for the voluntary sector. In response, a new campaign is launching to inspire young people to get involved.
Volunteer rates in Australia have been decreasing since 2010, with a sharp drop in 2020 during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, 83 percent of organizations relying on volunteers are expressing the need for more.
Volunteer Australia, the national peak body, notes that prior to the pandemic, 36 percent of adults were actively volunteering in community organizations. By April 2021, this number had fallen to 24.2 percent, seeing a slight increase to 26.7 percent a year later. However, the shortage of volunteers continues to hinder the delivery of essential community services.
To address this shortage, the federal government has launched an awareness campaign targeting young people to consider volunteering.
Known as “Hanging out to help out,” the campaign aims to showcase the benefits of volunteering by challenging misconceptions and emphasizing the positive personal impacts on younger Australians.
Geared towards individuals aged 15 to 18, the campaign will highlight a variety of fun volunteering opportunities that can be done with friends.
Research indicates a lack of awareness among this age group regarding the need for young volunteers and their limited comprehension of the flexible nature of volunteering.
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Advertising for the campaign will run from Oct. 20, 2024, to June 30, 2025, across various platforms including social media, digital video, digital audio, and search activities.
Numerous Benefits
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth emphasized that volunteering has benefits for all involved, and it is crucial to provide more opportunities for young people to engage in volunteering activities.
“Young people are the future of volunteering; they can have a significant impact on their communities, acquire valuable skills, and build lasting friendships,” she stated.
“Research shows that engaging in volunteering before entering the workforce significantly influences participation rates in the long run.
“Through this campaign, we want young Australians to recognize the personal rewards of volunteering, its positive effects on mental health, community engagement, and social involvement.”
The campaign will guide interested individuals to nearby volunteering opportunities and provide information on how to get involved.
The Albanese government has allocated over $81 million to support volunteering programs through June 30, 2026.
Additionally, the National Strategy for Volunteering, funded by the Department of Social Services and launched last year, outlines strategic objectives for the sector and governments to enhance volunteering opportunities in Australia over the next decade.
