Volunteers – Kāpiti’s sustainable workforce

Dictionary.com defines sustainability as ‘the ability to be sustained, supported, upheld, or confirmed’.   A sustainable community then is one whose levels of service to its people can be continuously upheld; even in times of adversity or disaster, citizens do not suffer a withdrawal of benefits.  Who does this job?  In large part, volunteers do!

This month we are launching a new Volunteer Opportunities page to promote opportunities within out district for people to get involved, learn new skills and give back to the community through volunteering. We will particularly be promoting the work of Volunteer Kāpiti.

Volunteer Kāpiti help Kāpiti organisations recruit, manage and retain those all-important volunteers that keep our community's wheels rolling.   They advertise volunteer opportunities for our volunteer-involving organisations, and then connect interested volunteers to those opportunities based on the volunteer’s interests, skills and time availability.   

Volunteering is all about having fun - doing what you want to do, not what you have to do.    A good volunteer role should match your interests, be something you look forward to and help you fulfil your own personal needs, therefore providing the most benefit to others.  There's a place for everyone to volunteer:

• For first-time job seekers and those returning to the workforce, it can be a valuable way to obtain relevant skills, confidence, experience and a current reference for your CV.
• For working people, it can be an opportunity to do something either with family, friends (or both) or by themselves that is fun and a change from routine.  A great way to get to know the community and get more work-life balance.
• For retirees, it can be their next retirement adventure; a hobby that finally turns into a ‘job’. A great way to contribute to the community, feel valued and keep connected with your community.

If you are keen to get involved or want to find out more, then visit www.volunteerkapiti.org.nz or give them a call on (04) 905 8884.