Workshop
Inclusion matters: diversity in volunteering
Ruth Osborne, Volunteering Tasmania
A resilient and thriving volunteer program is diverse and inclusive of people from all backgrounds and abilities. According to the last census, 20% of Tasmanians were born outside Australia. By embracing diversity and inclusion, your group can benefit from the unique skills and ideas that each individual brings.
In this workshop we will be using a simple framework to brainstorm ways to recruit and retain volunteers from culturally diverse backgrounds. It will help improve your cultural competency by addressing some common misconceptions and biases, while providing practical tips for engaging people from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Volunteering Tasmania is working on a program to build capacity of organisations to provide inclusive and accessible volunteering opportunities, and to identify and break down barriers to volunteering for designated priority groups. The program is funded by Australian Government Department of Social Services.
Ruth has extensive experience supporting and leading Landcare groups and has worked in natural areas management and conservation in Tasmania for over 20 years.
Her strong desire to make a positive difference in the world also saw her spend 4 years volunteering in Nepal, working on agricultural and environmental projects. Combining her skills in community development with her passion for equity and inclusion, Ruth embarked on a career change five years ago and joined Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania. She now works at Volunteering Tasmania where she coordinates state-wide projects to support a more inclusive and accessible volunteering sector. By creating spaces where everyone is welcomed and valued, we are working together towards a more just and equitable society. A passionate advocate for community led change, Ruth also leads climate action and sustainability initiatives in her local community.
