Australia has a 64-year history of utilizing volunteers in its aid program that has inspired similar programs in New Zealand, Canada and the United States, according to the Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Concetta Fierravanti-Wells.
Still, the Australian Volunteers for International Development program is just a small piece of Australia’s aid program, and the value — both for volunteers and developing country partners — has not been widely discussed. A new annual conference is hoping to change that, bringing rigor, innovation and inspiration to the program.
On Dec. 3 and 4, returned volunteers gathered in Melbourne for their inaugural event, Valuing Volunteers — Bridge Builders and Change Makers. Devex was there, speaking to experts, officials and volunteers. Here are five key takeaways.