First-of-its-kind study coming to a close

This week, local Volunteer Involving Organisations have been participating in the most comprehensive study in Australia’s history.

Last Tuesday, the State’s peak body for the volunteer sector, Volunteering Tasmania (VT), released a survey which will feed data into The State of Volunteering Report 2014. This report will provide a cost-benefit analysis of the volunteer sector in Tasmania, helping stakeholders to add concrete evidence and data to their funding applications and marketing communications.

“So far, we have had excellent uptake from the sector. However, the higher the participation rates are, the more robust and statistically sound the results will be,” said acting Volunteering Tasmania CEO, Jill Maxwell.

“The success of this study may also pave the way for opportunities into future research about the value of volunteering,” she said.

“We are facilitating this project to provide valuable data to local organisations, funding bodies and decision-makers,” she said.

“We implore organisations to complete the survey by close of business Friday to ensure their details are included in this vital piece of research,” she said.

Volunteering Tasmania has emailed subscribers with a link to the survey. Volunteer Involving Organisations who have not subscribed to the VT database can access the survey via www.volunteeringtas.org.au.

Individuals requiring assistance should contact Volunteering Tasmania on 6231 5550 or 1800 677 895. Volunteering Tasmania (VT) is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to represent the interests of all Tasmanians involved in volunteering through research, consultation, policy development and community relationships. VT works closely with Tasmanian organisations to assist them to build their capacity to recruit volunteers and provide meaningful roles, and to provide professional and effective volunteer management programs. VT also provides information about the wide range of volunteer opportunities available to all Tasmanians, ranging from casual one-off roles to regular positions through Volunteer Connect.
Bonnie Tuttle