Your First Step: Volunteering for a Better World

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).

In this session we will demystify the volunteering process, from finding the right opportunity to understanding what to expect. Discover how your time and skills can directly contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, whether it's supporting local communities, protecting the environment, or advocating for social justice.

You'll be provided with practical tips on identifying your passions, matching them with suitable roles, and navigating the application process. Learn about the diverse range of volunteering opportunities available and how you can make a tangible difference in creating a more sustainable and equitable world, even with just a few hours a week.

Outcomes

• Identify steps for starting your volunteering journey through matching personal skills and passions to different volunteering roles.
• Gain an understanding of the relevance of volunteering within a broader context by exploring how different volunteer roles contribute to both the principles of the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement and the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Learn the mutual benefits of volunteering to volunteers, organisations and the community.

Presented by 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 Services 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 local communities, improve themselves and support causes that they are passionate about.