We are The Change Makers - National Volunteer Week 2023
During Volunteering Australia’s 2023 National Volunteer Week, we can't help but be inspired by the theme this year - "The Change Makers". Volunteering Australia is leading the game with an exciting social media campaign that encapsulates the spirit of this theme brilliantly.
Volunteering Australia released a series of six roles for the Change Maker campaign that describe the different types of Change Makers. Each image represents a unique role that volunteers play in our communities and they’re guaranteed to resonate with our volunteers that we work with in clubs and associations across Australia every day.
You may be asking, “What is a Change Maker?”
A Change Maker is someone who contributes to their community to make it a better place through their actions. Change Makers are people who contribute to the greater good for their community, are passionate in the cause they are contributing to and give their valuable time and energy to make a difference.
The Change Maker roles outlined by Volunteering Australia are as follows:
Caregiver – How perfectly does this epitomise the compassion and empathy that’s the bedrock of volunteering? Every time you're there to help train a newbie, offer a pep talk or simply lend a listening ear, you're embodying the spirit of a caregiver.
Defender – Standing up for what is right and ready to help in emergencies to protect and serve the community. You ensure fair play and protect the integrity of our sports and community organisations. It's you - the volunteers - who act as the defender on the ground, safeguarding our values and principles.
Energiser – Who else but our tireless volunteers bring that much-needed energy, enthusiasm and passion? You channel your infectious energy into teaching the community to grow skills and build long-lasting relationships. Whether it's educating others, organising events, encouraging teams or cheering from the sidelines, you keep the heart of clubs and organisations beating.
Guardian – You are the caretaker of the natural world. Your passion to look after the environment and others makes you stand out from the rest. We're also talking about those who preserve traditions, rules and the spirit of the sport and community organisations, all while fostering a safe and inclusive environment. Your commitment is vital in keeping our not-for-profit organisations heritage alive and vibrant.
Inquirer – Always questioning, always learning and always looking for ways to improve, as well as those around you. You ensure we don't just rest on our laurels but strive to be better and do better. You look for solutions!
Communicator – The ones who bring us together, share our stories and keep us connected. You stand up and speak up to challenge thoughts and ideas. You are the leader of movements in your community and advocate for change. You don’t stand for systemic injustices!
These titles highlight the diverse roles volunteers play and they serve as a reminder of the invaluable contribution you make every single day. You are the caregivers, defenders, energisers, guardians, inquirers and communicators. You may be a combination of the Change Maker roles or a different sort of Change Maker altogether! Either way, you are the change makers.
As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, let's take a moment to appreciate and applaud all our volunteers. Let's also take this opportunity to invite others to join us on this fulfilling journey. After all, it’s the collective efforts of all our Change Makers that truly make a difference.
Remember, each volunteer action, no matter how small, ripples out into the community, fostering goodwill, camaraderie and the true spirit of sportsmanship and community connection. You are the heart of our communities and this week is a celebration of you - the Change Makers of Australia.
All volunteers are Change Makers.
