Definitions and Principles of Volunteering

Volunteering is an activity which takes place through not
for profit organisations or projects and is undertaken:

• to be of benefit to the community and the volunteer;

• of the volunteer’s own free will and without coercion;

• for no financial payment; and

• 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; and

• Volunteering promotes human rights and equality.

W: www.volunteeringaustralia.org