Volunteering ACT and the Australian Institute of Project Management team up to increase skilled volunteering in the ACT
Last night members of Volunteering ACT and the Australian Institute of Project Management gathered at the National Press Club to launch an exciting new program the “Skilled Community Network Program.”
This program marks the start of a partnership between Volunteering ACT and the Australian Institute of Project Management to increase skilled volunteering in the ACT. The program links up not for profit organisations with certified project managers (sourced through the AIPM membership) to work voluntarily on projects. It essentially provides a pool of volunteers with high level project management skills for not for profits to tap into.
“This program will build the capacity of the not for profit sector. Research suggests that while 12% of volunteers are engaged at a level of their expertise, there is more we can be doing to encourage this further. Through this program we are seeking to leverage off the generosity of skilled Canberrans to ensure a sustainable future for all not for profits” said Maureen Cane, CEO of Volunteering ACT, “with over 90 people attending the launch of this program last night it demonstrates that there is significant interest from all parties involved.”
David Bryant, President of the ACT Chapter of the Australian Institute of Project Management said “Our members are always looking for ways to engage in the community and give back. This partnership with Volunteering ACT is a natural way to ensure the skills of our members can be used to enhance the not for profit sector locally. It is an added bonus that through the structured program our members will also gain professional development points – a true win-win for all parties.”
ACT Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Community Services Andrew Barr, who officially launched the program, welcomed the partnership saying there are a range of benefits from this initiative for the community sector in the ACT.
“The Skilled Community Network Program will build the capacity of the community sector by providing volunteers with further opportunities to apply their skills and acquire professional development and find pathways into community involvement. It will also help companies meet their corporate social responsibilities.”
With the program launched, Volunteering ACT’s members are being invited to submit projects they are seeking voluntary project management assistance with and through this partnership the AIPM will source a project manager with the appropriate skills.
“We look forward to seeing the fantastic results of this mutually beneficial partnership and sharing the successes with the community” said Maureen Cane, CEO of Volunteering ACT.
Volunteering ACT and the Australian Institute of Project Management
