Virtual volunteering opportunities

ACU Engagement update:

With many direct service volunteering opportunities in hibernation right now, we’ve seen an emergence of online and remote programs and services. This re-imagining of how community members support each other has led to the rise of virtual volunteering and new opportunities for ACU staff to get involved.

The effects of coronavirus are many and varied, with two significant impacts hitting the community hard:

• An increase in community need as the pandemic has led to job losses, social isolation, food insecurity, and the cancellation of social services and programs that were a lifeline for many.
• The decline in face-to-face volunteering, with research* funded by Volunteering Australia estimating the equivalent of 12.2 million hours of volunteer work per week were lost between February and April 2020.

In response to these challenges, ACU Engagement partners have altered their service to a digital format as a means of providing continued companionship, supportive networks for those in need, and a show of solidarity for those doing it tough. As examples of this, see engagement opportunities from Wallara and Group61Companions.

During this time, ACU is also supporting opportunities with organisations such as the Beacon MyRoad Program and City East Mentor Program, offering online programs to share knowledge, resources and skills to build capacity with young people, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, so that they may look to a post-coronavirus period with new strengths and ambition.

“MyRoad gives high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds an opportunity to talk directly with industry mentors, like yourself. Mentors will guide students through a set of six structured modules in a two hour session, to help them gain the skills they need as we emerge into a post-COVID society.” Linda Karlsson, Beacon

Wanting to help in a crisis is a natural reaction for many. If you are eager to make an impact, virtual volunteering is now available to all staff. See more opportunities available on your campus.

Whether online or in person, ACU staff are afforded up to five days per year to make their contribution through the Community Engagement Time Release Policy. Community Engagement Time Release is easy to apply for and can even be accessed as a team or group.

More information

For further information please contact ACU Engagement.

* The experience of volunteers during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Report funded by Volunteering Australia, May 2020.