What is volunteering?
Volunteering is work undertaken of one's own free will, without monetary reward, for the benefit of the community and is an activity that takes place through a not-for-profit organisation or project. Volunteering is not a substitute for paid work, and should compliment the functions of the paid staff and enhance the quality of service provision. The rewards of volunteering should be mutual.

Volunteering Australia provides the following definition for formal volunteering.

Volunteering is:

• An activity which takes place in not-for-profit programs or projects
• Is undertaken to benefit the community and the volunteer
• Of the volunteers own free will and without coercion
• For no financial payment
• In designated volunteer positions only

Principles of Volunteering

• Volunteering benefits the community and the volunteer.
• Volunteer work is unpaid.
• Volunteering is always a matter of choice.
• Volunteering is not compulsorily undertaken to receive pensions or government allowances.
• Volunteering is a legitimate way in which citizens can participate in the activities of their community.
• Volunteering is a vehicle for individuals or groups to address human, environmental and social needs.
• Volunteering is an activity performed in the not for profit sector only.
• Volunteering is not a substitute for paid work.
• Volunteers do not replace paid workers nor constitute a threat to the job security of paid workers.
• Volunteering respects the rights, dignity and culture of others.
• Volunteering promotes human rights and equality.

For more information on volunteering, visit the Volunteering Australia website. Volunteering Australia is the national peak body for volunteering.