Places to look for volunteering opportunities:
- Working, studying and volunteering overseas
- RMIT LEAD, for volunteering opportunities at RMIT.
- 3 Cs Cross Cultural Communication program
- Volunteering Australia, for links to resources and volunteering opportunities in all Australian states.
- Volunteering Victoria, for volunteering in Victoria.
- SEEK Volunteer Jobs Search, for over 7000 volunteer positions.
- idealist.org, for international volunteering opportunities.
- GoVolunteer, for volunteer opportunities in your area and overseas.
- Quick tips for volunteering (PDF 249kb)
Other ways to get experience:
Volunteering and community work
What is volunteering?
Volunteering is an activity which takes place through not for profit organisations and is undertaken:
- to be of benefit to the community
- of the volunteer's own free will
- for no financial payment
- in designated volunteer positions only.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
Through volunteering you can:
- develop your skills and get experience
- test your vocational direction
- demonstrate your commitment to your chosen field
- explore new career opportunities
- develop networks
- make friends
- build your confidence
- pursue a hobby or special interest
- develop a greater understanding of people whose life is different to yours
- get a reference
- making a contribution to society.
Where can I volunteer?
Some popular areas of volunteering for students are:
- education - mentoring, tutoring, coaching, teaching English, assisting with school holiday programs
- community, welfare and health - telephone counselling, advocacy, social support, assisting with therapy programs, fundraising
- environment - campaigning, biological research, tree planting and conservation work
- arts and cultural activities - museum guide, performing, assisting with exhibitions and festivals
- human rights and social justice - campaigning, public education, advocacy
- sports - coaching, committee work, fundraising
- media - working in community radio and television, writing educational and promotional materials.
Please note: if you volunteer as an RMIT LEAD accredited volunteer
- you will receive a certificate signed by the Vice Chancellor
- your contribution will appear on your academic transcript.
How much time will I need?
As a volunteer you need to be prepared to make a commitment, which can be negotiated between you and the organisation that you are volunteering for.
Remember: reliability and punctuality are just as important in volunteer work as in paid employment.
Your rights
As a volunteer you have the right to:
- suitable training and support
- a clear job description.
- a volunteer role that is not exploitative.