During one of my first volunteer events with the United Nations Association of Australia, my dress tore and I was stuck with no idea how to fix it — that was until a fellow volunteer handed me a pin and showed me how to secure it. I suppose this seems irrelevant to my work, but her simple gesture reflects a larger truth about volunteering: it’s about resourcefulness, adaptability, and the support of a community that’s always ready to lend a hand.
For me, volunteering started as a way to give back, but it became much more. It’s given me confidence in standing up for others, taught me skills that I continue to use in all aspects of my life (like safety pinning!), and opened my eyes to experiences and perspectives I might never have encountered otherwise in a school setting. Whether it’s writing a letter for Amnesty International’s Write for Rights campaign, running a ‘discobility’ disco for young people with disabilities, or listening to someone’s personal lived experiences, I have the opportunity to contribute to something larger than myself.
One of the most immediate benefits of volunteering has been building my confidence and learning practical skills. My work with Amnesty International and the local council’s youth advisory group taught me how to engage in political discourse, advocate for issues that matter, and lead meetings with people from all walks of life in a respectful and impact-driven manner. Speaking to rooms full of adults was intimidating at first, but I learned to present my ideas with clarity and conviction, skills that I used at school but also in my other jobs and positions.
Beyond skills, volunteering has transformed the way I see the world. Before I started, I knew of social justice issues but didn’t know how to act on them. That changed as I was able to work with volunteers from diverse backgrounds who exposed me to stories and realities we don’t usually encounter in our day-to-day life. While volunteering with the United Nations Association of Australia, I worked alongside refugees displaced from their home countries due to war and conflict. Talking to people allowed me to understand how difficult it is to rebuild your life when the odds are stacked against you, but also the invaluable contributions of activists, volunteers and support organisations all around the world.
My experience of volunteering was greatly enriched by meeting people from different age groups, walks of life, and a diverse range of lived experiences. As a woman of colour, volunteer spaces have been places where I’ve felt welcome, heard, and included. I’ve met people who share my passion for social justice and who’ve taught me everything from community organising to practical life skills. After all, learning happens often in the most unexpected ways.
Of course, volunteering has had its challenges. There are always so many things you wish you could help with and address, and many of them will take years and years to fix. Early on, I found myself taking on too many projects while having to also balance schoolwork and my own wellbeing. This year, during Year 12, it was even more difficult. Fortunately the great thing about volunteering is that you can set your own schedule. I learned to prioritise tasks, and ask for help when I needed it, finding ways to manage both my academic and volunteer roles and improve my organisation skills along the way!
Recently I’ve noticed that there are barriers to volunteering — many young people want to get involved but don’t know where to start. I know this because I’ve been in that position myself — unsure of where to begin, what skills were needed, or whether I’d even be welcome in the space. The best way to find an opportunity near you is to head to volunteering.gov.au, where you can search for organisations which align with your passions and interests.
Volunteering has offered me leadership opportunities, allowed me to champion social justice causes, and showed me that even small actions can have a big impact. I have a significantly greater understanding of the world, a stronger sense of self, and a deep connection to my community. I am more confident, informed, and empathetic because of it, and it has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life.