The Smith Family volunteer programs

Why is volunteering important?

Every year, Australia celebrates National Volunteers Week and recognises the invaluable support that volunteers provide around the country. At The Smith Family in 2008, there were more than 6,500 volunteers from our corporate partners who generously donated 250,000 hours of their time to our volunteer programs.

Volunteer programs are important because they:

· Benefit the community and the volunteer. Volunteer programs offer a safe environment whereby people can gain new skills or donate valuable time to train others up in their field of expertise.

· Bring people from all demographics together and fosters community. Through volunteer programs, a diverse range of people with similar interests can work together and improve the lives many around Australia.

· Help those in need. Volunteer programs are crucial because they link those in need with generous volunteers who love to help. Through mentoring, social activities, classes, events and so much more, there are over 5 million volunteers participating in volunteer programs, providing more than $70 billion of value to communities every year in Australia.

· Help those helping others. Nonprofit organisations like The Smith Family helped over 133,000 disadvantaged kids and their families across Australia last year, and it's through volunteer programs that they are able to reach so many in need. Participating in volunteer programs help extend the impact of organisations, so even more people are assisted.

What types of volunteer programs are available with The Smith Family?

· Learning for Life is a suite of support programs that assist disadvantaged children and their families through the provision of sponsorships, as well as through connecting them with education and learning support programs. Volunteer programs with Learning for Life include supervising learning clubs, literacy programs or personal development volunteer programs like cultural, sporting or social activities that build life skills in children.

· Student mentoring are volunteer programs that assist children from all stages of life. For example, a tertiary mentor will assist with the high school to university transition, helping students with employment skills and study-related issues. Volunteer programs can involve online or over-the-phone mentoring.

· Sorting and packing. Traditional volunteer programs involve physical tasks like packing and distributing toys, books or clothes. These volunteer programs are particularly important during Christmas, when The Smith Family needs all hands on deck.

· Parenting programs. These volunteer programs help educate parents through child development classes as well as IT and financial literacy courses.

· Student2student volunteer programs see older students mentoring younger students who are struggling with literacy. You're not too young to get involved in a volunteer program.

· Specialised roles. Whether you're in business, communication, IT or counseling, you can use your specialised skills and expertise in volunteer programs to train others or to contribute directly to The Smith Family.

How can I get involved?

If you are thinking about joining a volunteer program with The Smith Family, visit the website at thesmithfamily.com.au for more information on volunteer programs and ways you can get involved. Alternatively, contact your State Volunteer Coordinator for more information on our many nationwide volunteer programs. Every volunteer makes a difference.



This article was brought to you by The Smith Family - Volunteer programs with the Smith Family.

The Smith Family is an independent non-profit organisation committed to helping disadvantaged Australian children by unlocking opportunities through education and learning.