Volunteering Tasmania investigates the true value of volunteering

Yesterday, the State’s peak body for the volunteer sector, Volunteering Tasmania
(VT) released a survey which will feed data into the largest and most robust study
into volunteering that Tasmania has ever seen.

The State of Volunteering Report 2014, will provide a comprehensive view on the
impact of the volunteer sector on our community.

“The economic benefits of volunteering to Tasmania are astounding, but the
complete value to health, wellbeing, and our society overall is far greater than that,”
said acting Volunteering Tasmania CEO, Jill Maxwell.

“Without a solid evidence-based approach, decision-makers cannot give this sector
the credence it deserves,” she said.

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

The research is being managed by local project management firm MMC Link, and
will also include telephone interviews.

In addition to helping the local sector and its stakeholders, the report will also have
the potential to inform the sector nationally and internationally.

In March this year, the Economic Value of Volunteering in Tasmania Report
highlighted that the volunteering industry made an effective contribution of $638.1
million to the Tasmanian economy in 2013.

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.
Volunteering Tasmania CEO, Jill Maxwell