Hi folks – Australia has been celebrating the role of volunteers in the community this week, and I feel honoured to have been asked to present to corporate and non-profit representatives on this very topic. Corporate philanthropy is a topic close to my heart, and through the foundation established by my employer, opportunities to make a difference have been made available to people such as myself.

Having been smart dumb in denial brave stubborn enough to start a professional doctorate last year, with a focus on exploring relationships between corporate foundations and non-profit partners, this is exactly the kind of advocacy I need to be promoting.

So what’s it all about then – From the Volunteering Victoria website:

The focus of the Forum will be on advocating for recognition and support of volunteering and volunteer management. It will provide answers to “How do we become good advocates for volunteering and volunteer management?  What are the skills, methods and means used by successful advocates?  How do you develop an advocacy campaign and motivate others to be involved?”
This forum brings together panellists from volunteer organisations and experienced campaigners who have implemented successful advocacy campaigns in different fields and on various issues. Among the confirmed presenters are:

• Shane Genziuk, Manager, CGU Help Services
• Dionne Kasian-Lew, CEO, The Social Executive
• Zoe Waters, Director, Volunteer Services Department, Barwon Health
• Sylvia Csanyi –Campaign Specialist, Volunteering Victoria

So if you happen to be interested in learning how you can influence the lifting of staff participation through volunteering – book here:

When: 9:30am-11:30am, Thursday 22 May
Where: Village Roadshow Theatrette, State Library, 328 Swanston St, Melbourne
Cost: This event is FREE for members ($33.00 for non-members)