Volunteering often begins with Plunket
All volunteers deserve a pat on the back this week (subs 7 – 13 March) to celebrate Volunteer Awareness Week, says Kaye
Crowther, New Zealand president of Plunket.
As one of the largest volunteer organisations in the country, with eight thousand volunteers, Kaye Crowther says Plunket
is likely to be the first organisation where new mothers give a helping hand.
“They are then on their way with a career in volunteering as they follow their children’s development from Plunket to
playcentre and kindergarten, school, sport and other activities. Volunteering is a New Zealand tradition.
“Volunteers are a hugely valuable resource, but are often forgotten by policy and decision makers. If it wasn’t for
volunteer mums, many organisations and activities, particularly those involving children and families, would struggle to
survive,” says Kaye Crowther.
“We depend on our volunteer support to deliver well child health services effectively. High quality volunteer training
is a crucial part of our education strategy. Our volunteers work alongside paid health professionals as a team,
providing a broad range of services and support to families.”
Last year Plunket appointed 18 Volunteer Service Leaders (VSLs) to further strengthen its volunteer network and ensure
all health and safety obligations are met.
“Our VSLs are responsible for volunteer operational activity in their area, including playgroups, Car Seat Rental
Schemes, new mothers’ support groups, parenting education classes and crèches. They also offer volunteers support in
setting up procedures, offer training in health, safety and employment issues and help deal with any problems volunteers
may encounter,” she says.
Plunket also operates a Volunteer Education Programme which encourages personal growth and development and helps build
self-esteem and confidence. Topics covered in the first of three training levels include time management, communication
skills, delegation, stress management and planning.
Levels two and three train volunteers in specific tasks, including the Car Seat Rental Schemes, committee roles and
annual appeal co-ordination.