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Working with CALD volunteers

Working with CALD volunteers. Presenter: Jane Yang Volunteer Resource Service Worker Whittlesea community connections . This session will cover :. WCC overview Whittlesea Volunteer Resource Service Data overview Case study Volunteers at WCC

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Working with CALD volunteers

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  1. Working with CALD volunteers Presenter: Jane Yang Volunteer Resource Service Worker Whittlesea community connections

  2. This session will cover : WCC overview Whittlesea Volunteer Resource Service Data overview Case study Volunteers at WCC Barriers to volunteering for people from CALD backgrounds How to support CALD volunteers

  3. About us • Whittlesea Community Connections (WCC) offers services and programs: • To address disadvantage in the community, and • To promote community participation and involvement • Three main areas: • Client Services - ER, WVRS, community transport, community Info • Settlement Services - Homework Club, migration support, youth, Women In Work • Legal Services - family law, fines and infringements, Monday dropin • The numbers: • 19 staff • $1.6 million turnover (Government, Philanthropic, Social enterprises ) • Community driven – (CoM, volunteers, events and celebrations) • 25,000 client contacts per year

  4. Area overview • The areaOuter north Established areasNew suburbs Diverse, growing community • Top three fastest growing community (growth rate %): • India- 440.8% • China-236.6% • Sri Lanka-106.5%

  5. Whittlesea Volunteer Resource Service • Provides information on volunteering • Assists clients to gain suitable volunteer roles • Works with other not for profit organisations to identify volunteer opportunities, broaden the variety of volunteer roles • Convenes the Whittlesea volunteer and community engagement partnership meeting • Supports volunteer coordinators on recruitment and management best practice • Delivers volunteer information sessions to people who wish to volunteer • Organises trainings – internal and external volunteers • Reviews and develops volunteer policy

  6. 2012 data review • 612 clients used the service (face to face consultation) • 363 were from Non-English speaking background • Increasing number of skilled migrants, overseas students and people on a spouse visa • Increasing number of job seekers (Centerlink requirement )

  7. Volunteer positions most wanted by CALD clients • Office administration • IT • Accounting /book keeping • A position that can improve their language skills

  8. Case study • WVRS service endeavors to develop relationships with more not for profit organisations. Together we can create more volunteer positions to meet the needs of the community • Creating new opportunities for those who want to get involved- • A story of David and Angelica

  9. David’s story • Moved to Australia four years ago –spouse visa • Approached WVRS last year looking for volunteer opportunities • Possess combination of skills - IT and photography • Worked with other organisations to create opportunities for David to connect with the community that he lives in • Creeds Farm living and learning Centre (Event Photographer volunteer) • Australian Extended Family (Event Photographer Volunteer) • WCC ( IT and Photography) • Led to many different community group events volunteer opportunity and paid employment

  10. Angelica’s story • Arrived in Australia in 2007 • Approached WVRS in 2011 • IT background • Looked for administration opportunity Volunteering for the following organisation- • Creeds farm living and learning centre • Plenty Valley Community Radio Station • Harry Jenkins’ office

  11. Volunteers at WCC • Over 150 active volunteers across 7 different programs at WCC • Volunteers are culturally diverse(30 percent of our front desk volutneers are from CALD background). • Engage a diverse community through participation – reflect on WCC’s organisation’s mission and value • A welcoming place always explores potential to engage volunteers from all different backgrounds

  12. Barriers to volunteering for people from CALD background • Lack of organisational policies that reflect the willingness of organisations to accept and support volunteers from CALD background • Lack of understanding about the opportunities that are available and how to access them • Lack of opportunities for skilled volunteers • Lack of confidence and an understanding of the Australian work place culture • Lack of understanding about the benefits of volunteering

  13. Common concerns when involving volunteer from diverse background • Involving volunteers from CALD background is too demanding on organisational resources • Language barriers are too difficult to overcome • Prejudice

  14. How to better support CALD Volunteers • Streamline paper work • Use simple English • Introduce “formal Volunteering” to them through induction • Create a welcoming environment • Culturally sensitive practice (to all staff and volunteers)

  15. Thank You!

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