Creating an Impact: Volunteering for a Cause

Each month we will explore volunteering concepts and issues through the lens of the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement and the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026).

Discover how you can translate your passion into tangible action and become a vital part of creating positive change. This session focuses on the transformative power of volunteer work, using the fight against hunger and the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

We will provide insights into diverse volunteer roles across various non-profit sectors, such as food banks, community kitchens, urban farms, and food rescue organisations throughout New South Wales. Aligned with Australian National Standard 3 (Volunteer roles are meaningful and tailored), we'll discuss the spectrum of ways you can contribute.

Learn how your dedicated efforts can directly help address critical social issues, build more resilient community systems, and make a real, measurable difference in the lives of those in need. Join us to find the meaningful volunteer opportunity that matches your skills and commitment.

Outcomes

• Identify and Differentiate Volunteer Pathways: Participants will be able to identify and describe at least three different types of volunteer roles (e.g., hands-on, logistical, educational) within the non-profit sector (specifically the anti-hunger/food insecurity context), understanding how each role aligns with the goals of the organization and the principles of Standard 3 (Meaningful and Tailored Roles).
• Connect Action to Global Impact: Participants will be able to explain how local volunteer efforts (e.g., at a food bank or urban farm) directly contribute to achieving broader global goals, specifically citing the relevance of their actions to the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) or other relevant SDGs.
• Develop a Personal Action Strategy: Participants will be able to articulate how their personal skills, interests, and availability can be matched to a specific, meaningful volunteer opportunity in New South Wales, enabling them to transition their passion into a tangible and committed form of action.

Meet the Facilitator - Alice Anderson

Alice Anderson (she/they) is a Sector Development Coordinator at The Centre for Volunteering. She has over 10 years’ experience working in the disability sector and over 5 years’ experience in workforce inclusion. She is also a person with learning disabilities: dyslexia and dyspraxia.

Alice holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organisational Learning and Diplomas in Community Service and Business Management. She is passionate about the community services area while ensuring good governance and serves on two boards.

Alice also participates in multiple volunteering roles and believes volunteering is a great way to get involved with the local communities, improve themselves and support causes that they are passionate about.