Volunteering in Indigenous communities
Following the participation of over a million Australians in bridge walks around the country in 2000, reconciliation with Indigenous Australians has become part of the national agenda.
Many of the people who took part in the bridge walks are now looking for other, long-term ways to contribute to reconciliation, including through volunteering.
A number of organisations make it easy for people who want to volunteer in this area:
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Indigenous Community Volunteers (ICV)
(ICV) matches skilled volunteers with short-term projects in Indigenous communities. The aim is to assist community development by providing volunteers who can transfer their skills to people in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations. ICV seeks a range of volunteers including those with business, IT, marketing, horticulture, communication, tourism and trade skills. There is no cost for volunteers: the Foundation covers travel and a basic living allowance. Visit the ICV website for an information pack and application form or phone 1800 819 542.
- Australian Volunteers International
Australian Volunteers International arranges medium to long-term volunteer placements in Indigenous Australia as well as overseas locations. 194 volunteers have been recruited since 1990, sharing a range of skills and learning about Indigenous culture through living in local communities.
People have been recruited for a wide range of professions, including accountants, nurses, child care coordinators, teachers, doctors, administrators, plumbers, book keepers, mechanics, arts coordinators and council clerks.
See the Australian Volunteers International website to learn more or apply.
Reconciliation Australia is the independent, non-profit body established by the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation to provide a continuing national focus for reconciliation after the Council ended its work.
Reconciliation Australia offers a number of ways for people to assist reconciliation in areas such as marketing, IT and general administration. Most are roles that can be fitted into a busy lifestyle.
A current list of volunteering needs is available on Reconciliation Australia's website.
Finally, local reconciliation groups are a way to get involved in community education, publicity and other roles. There are hundreds of local groups around the country. If there is no group in your area, you can establish one. For details, contact Reconciliation Australia or your state reconciliation group.