VOLUNTEERING TYPES

Volunteering Types



Volunteering Types

Introduction

This paper intends to discuss the different types of volunteering work that is being done within the premises of Australia. The paper will explore all the relevant strengths, weaknesses and applications of different types of volunteering work that are or could be utilized in Australia. Volunteering is basically an activity that is conducted by people with an aim to improve the quality of life of others. Volunteering is considered an important aspect of serving the society which usually provides self satisfaction to the volunteers despite of money in return of their services. Moreover, volunteering projects also increases the weight age of resumes when applying for jobs. Volunteering can take various forms and types. The purpose of this paper is to discuss different types of volunteering work along with their strengths, weaknesses and applications within Australia.

Discussion

Volunteering is essential for the purpose of helping others. A person who usually tends to volunteer assumes some personal benefits as well. Volunteering means a genuine commitment and brings a lot of responsibility for the volunteers. Volunteering in Australia basically is done with the assumption to benefit the community and the volunteers both. Volunteering is done with one's own will and no financial payment is made in return to the volunteer. Volunteering is a broad field. Within Australia, volunteering usually starts with working in the local communities. Disadvantaged people are normally the focus of the volunteering activities (ABS, 1996).

Volunteers are in great demand especially in the times of crisis. For instance, the recent floods in Queensland called for a lot of volunteer work. Volunteering takes different types and special projects are also designed for the purpose of helping the disadvantaged people. All the different types of volunteering have their own strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, the application also differs with the type of volunteering. Different organizations are working for the purpose of gathering all the volunteers together and work for the benefit of the society. The most important thing while considering the volunteering work is the reputation of the organization and the kind of activities it undertakes. The basic types of volunteering within Australia will be discussed in detail.

Short Term Volunteering

This is a kind of volunteering which provides services to the community for short term periods. The type of volunteering usually aims for providing the cultural learning experience to the volunteers and all the related personnel of the volunteering organizations. Usually, short term volunteering is done for both profit and nonprofit outcomes. This type of volunteering certainly makes short term placements involving various intercultural aspects. Moreover, this is a type of volunteering which makes up the majority of volunteering services within Australia these days (Baum et al 1999 Pp. 13-22).

The application of this type of volunteering usually provides volunteer position for a short period of time like from one week to three month maximum. Moreover, this type of volunteering can be done by anyone irrespective of the educational background of the professional ...