Volunteers are among the most valuable resources in your hub.
Each school will have defined procedures for sourcing and engaging volunteers. Hub leaders should confirm volunteer engagement conditions directly with the school. Volunteers can include:
- Skilled professionals
- Students from vocational or tertiary institutions
- Hub parents and grandparents
- Other people from the local community
Benefits of providing opportunities for volunteers
Benefits to volunteers include:
- Provides valuable pathways to vocational study and employment.
- Gives experience in an employment setting.
- Provides opportunities to share skills and contribute to the community.
- Gives a sense of purpose and belonging.
Benefits to hub leaders include:
- Having hands-on help gives hub leaders more time to focus on priorities rather than directly running activities.
- Trusted volunteers can keep the hub open while a hub leader is out getting to know families and service providers or attending meetings.
Getting parents involved in the school
Dandenong West Primary School Hub shares its story
Dandenong West Primary School Hub supported three newly arrived mums to attend a women in leadership course at the local neighbourhood house.
The course gave the women the confidence to volunteer at the school and all three have since joined the school committee. They come to the committee meetings well prepared with lots of questions and ideas. They also contribute different perspectives, including what their children are experiencing in school.
Useful tips from hub leaders
What are the special talents, skills and passions of your hub parents?
When you are setting up a program consider tapping into someone’s abilities, such as child minding, playing a musical instrument, dancing, leading an exercise class or demonstrating a traditional handicraft.
Find ways to celebrate the contributions of your volunteers
This could range from simply saying “thank you” to remembering someone’s birthday and hosting a morning tea to show them how much they are valued. You can also organise celebrations to mark National Volunteer Week and/or International Volunteers Day.
Planning and reporting