Managers of volunteers can benefit from the wide range of experience, information and expertise shared in these resource documents from parks agencies. They range from partnering agreements and volunteer strategy and policy to volunteer manuals and surveys.

International Parks Volunteer Network at the Healthy Parks Healthy People Congress 2010

Sjaan Field, Chair Parks Volunteer Network

The Parks Volunteer Network, auspiced by Parks Forum, displayed a poster at the Healthy Parks Healthy People Congress in April.

A common issue encountered by Parks Volunteer Network members is how to attract a broad representation of the community to participate in volunteer programs, specifically, how to attract Indigenous, young and multicultural volunteers.  The poster highlights practical ways park agencies can overcome barriers including communication, motivation and lack of time that affect participation from these demographics.

At the Congress poster session delegates spoke with Sjaan Field, Chair of the PVN and Margaret Jones from Parks Forum about establishing engaging programs to attract and retain volunteers.

A Congress delegate from the Bunya Mountains in Queensland spoke of challenges encouraging Indigenous volunteers to his programs as he believes many people expect to be paid.  However, after inviting young Indigenous people to a site, providing lunch, a guided walk and sharing stories, the volunteers developed a deeper connection with the place, which contributed to a sense of ownership.  Adventure and food are excellent enticements to an initial visit and after the event, volunteers felt comfortable and safe with others in this environment. This often leads to a stronger desire to return.  During the activity it is important to ask volunteers the types of activities they are interested in doing, to ensure that the organisation is offering appealing and engaging activities.

It was a most rewarding experience to convey the Park Volunteer Network’s programs and purpose and to share experiences stories with other managers of volunteers.

Links to:

Conservation Volunteers Australia.

Conservation Connect – Volunteer Projects

Risk Assessment Handbook

In Safe Hands Toolkit

Certificate 1 in Active Volunteering

Capability Statement

Parks Victoria

Volunteer and Friends Information Kit

Lee Valley Regional Park Authority

Lee Valley Regional Park Authority Volunteer Policy         Please scroll to the middle of the webpage

Lee Valley Regional Park Authority Strategy 2007 to 2017  
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Investing in Vounteers 
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Lee Valley Regional Park Enquiry and Registration Form

Lee Valley Regional Park Corporate Volunteer Information

Lee Valley Regional Park Volunteer Newsletters and Newsflashes

Lee Valley Regional Park Handbook and Information Pack