Volunteering New Zealand (VNZ) has secured funding to deliver a nationwide programme of work that aims to deliver better volunteering outcomes for recent migrants.
“Volunteering offers refugees and new migrants the opportunity to be engaged and included in their new communities, which can make all the difference in how they feel about arriving in a ‘new home’, ” says Michelle Kitney, General Manager of Volunteering New Zealand.
One of the aims of this programme is to facilitate more meaningful inclusion opportunities for recent migrants within community and voluntary sector organisations. “We want the volunteer recruitment and retention strategies of our sector to work better for new migrants,” adds Kitney.
“Inclusiveness is at the heart of this project and we are aiming to provide unique solutions and opportunities that reflect our collaboration throughout the programme with key partners, stakeholders and members,” notes Kitney
The programme involves three key initiatives:
1. A national migrant volunteer-involvement strategy.
2. A supported volunteering model made available as a national programme.
3. Migrant and community workshops.
Volunteering New Zealand will be working with the wider network of volunteer centres in delivering this programme.
Volunteering New Zealand (VNZ) is an association of national volunteer-involving organisations that have a commitment to volunteering. Their mission is to maximise the impact of volunteering in our communities. www.volunteeringnz.org.nz
