The theme of this year’s National Volunteering Week in Australia and New Zealand is ‘Recognise, Reconnect and Reimagine’. Given the year we’ve had, I can’t think of a better message.
National Volunteering Week is the perfect time for Rotarians to recognise the important role that volunteers play in our communities. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with members to ensure they’re involved and having fun, and as we emerge from the pandemic, it’s the perfect to reimagine how we deliver service, operate our clubs and engage our members going forwards.
I can’t think of a more important time to celebrate our volunteers. I encourage you to get involved and consider any of the following ideas:
Host a community event to recognise the wonderful work of volunteers in your area- Profile individual members on your club website and/or social media pages
- Recognise a special volunteer or volunteers in your community as a Paul Harris Fellow
- Hold a strategic planning event for members to discuss the future of your club or district
- Organise an advertorial in your local paper featuring your club’s successful projects
- Say ‘thank you’ to current and former members at a specially organised social night
- Send a simple ‘thank you’ note
- Engage your members in a conversation about other ways to recognise and celebrate volunteers
The national volunteering peak bodies have produced a host of digital and other resources to help community groups celebrate National Volunteering Week which will be celebrated in Australia from 17-23 May.
You can download these from the Volunteering Australia website: National Volunteer Week Resources (volunteeringaustralia.org).
RI Director-Elect Jessie Harman
Photo: Mr Long is a regular volunteer at DIK. He has been recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow, and with his photo on the cover of "The Networker". - Ed.