PS – best of luck to the new CEO!

“With the announcement of the resignation of our highly regarded CEO Adrienne Picone, the Board of Volunteering Australia have commenced a campaign to recruit our next national leader for Australian Volunteering.’

Now this is a big statement found on Volunteering Australia’s Website. Finding the next CEO for this organisation will be challenging enough but looking for the next “national leader for Australian Volunteering” will be a mammoth task.

So, onto the site that is advertising this position and my Norton is already blocking it!

But onto Pro Bono Australia where I do find the ad

“To be considered for this role you will need to be a dynamic leader, with the ability to engage and develop lasting, positive relationships with passionate stakeholders at a national level, including partners, members, government, private organisations, community and Foundation Members (State/Territory peaks).

Your commercial and business acumen will ensure the successful delivery of key objectives whilst growing strategic partnerships that encompass revenue generation and organisational growth, to the benefit of both members and stakeholders.”

In my humble opinion this could be the template for several bland CEO positions.  Its almost a copy and paste.

“An in-depth knowledge of driving national strategy across a federated model “I mean really. This will rule out countless could be CEOs for this organisation.

I was hoping to see the following

·         In a post COVID world you will lead…

·         Your thorough experience in volunteer management excellence will equip you …

·         Your honed advocacy and activist skills will lead…

·         Your ability to rethink leadership in a new reality will…

·         Your emotional intelligence and intellectual honesty will…

·         Your demonstrated passion for volunteerism will…

Why am I writing this? No – I am not going for the role. No- I did not ever go for the role.

But I want better for volunteerism in Australia. I have criticised ads for volunteer management roles in the past.

Before we can have a national leader of volunteering enshrined in a role we need an organisation that leads with confidence and assurance and bravery in this new era.

 Volunteering does not need to kowtow to anyone.  We make an enormous difference in Australian life. We deserve more respect and it is in the interest of stakeholders to develop excellent relationships with us.

No more the poor cousin Volunteering Australia.

PS – best of luck to the new CEO!

Imagine the Australian Volunteering Party!

Is there an opportunity here with over 5 million people volunteering in Australia? Imagine a party with these main aims?

The establishment of a 5 day week hot line - 1800 volunteer - to give advice to volunteers on their rights and responsibilities and an advice line for those who manage volunteers.

Seed funding for the establishment of a professional volunteer management association with funding for staff and resources and a volunteer advocate office.

Campaign for more funding for Volunteering Australia and state peak bodies given the economic benefits of volunteering to Australia.

Campaign to establish the V Card for volunteers. A card that will contain all probity for volunteers for a time period to stamp out repeat probity and administrative burden for charities.

Campaign for free public transport for volunteers on the day they volunteer making volunteering more inclusive for communities.

The establishment of the National Volunteering awards broadcast on TV networks during National Volunteer Week.

Government recognition of International Volunteer Management Day.

Funding for the accreditation of organisations on the National Standards on Volunteering with a quality Mark being granted to organisations that comply - Accreditation to last 3 years.

The designation of International Volunteers Day as a national public holiday - a day to encourage full time workers to give the day volunteering. Or replacing the Queens birthday holiday with this when we become a republic! 

A campaign for a National Minister for Volunteering.

To hold a national forum on the future of volunteering involving community groups, the public and private sectors.

The establishment of the office for first peoples volunteering giving a voice to the traditional owners of the land on community giving.

A campaign to make volunteering more inclusive to all parts of society.

The establishment of volunteering and community service in the school curriculum.

Establishing a campaign where all MPs perform 2 volunteering days per term.

The elevation of Volunteer Management as a degree and a career pathway.

The reintroduction of the Australian Journal on Volunteering.

A day of remembrance for all volunteers who have lost their lives while on volunteering duty.

Better laws enacted to protect the rights of volunteers especially in regards to sexual harassment and bullying.

The establishment of a National Youth Council on Volunteering.

The registration of a political party in Australia would take 500 signed up members. Does an appetite exist for this? Over to you.