Written by the Community Committee The Community Committee would like to get IH involved in a Long Term Volunteering opportunity. Throughout the semester, we have been discussing and reviewing various options which focus on using different skills and helping different areas of the community. The Community Committee have ranked these as the top three opportunities and now we want to hear which one YOU would most like to get involved with. The aim of this volunteering project is for IH to support an organisation long-term, in the hopes of making a continual difference in a specific area of the community we live in. There will be an online poll on the Facebook page soon, so please read these descriptions and vote for your favourite! Things to consider: what interests you, how much training is required, commitment required.
Fitzroy Soup Van
https://www.vinnies.org.au/page/Find_Help/VIC/Food/Fitzroy_Soup_Van/
What?
The Fitzroy Soup Van is a service which serves a warm meal to the Fitzroy community seven nights a week. They typically support those who are facing financial difficulties and those who are homeless, but the service is open to all.
Why?
It is estimated that there are currently 105,237 people in Australia who are homeless on any given night. In Victoria, there has been a 20.7% increase in homelessness since 2006.
Commitment?
Possibly a training and information session before starting, then a group of IHers to go every week on a rotational basis. This means if you volunteer for this, you will not be required to go every week, but at least a couple weeks per semester.
Where?
They have soup vans in multiple locations, but the closest to us is at Flinders Street Station from 8.45-9.00pm every night.
Lentil as Anything
http://lentilasanything.com/
What?
Lentil as Anything is a chain of vegetarian restaurants that operate on a pay-as-you-feel model (no prices on the menu – you just pay what you feel like!). The payment goes towards running costs and then towards community outreach programs. We can volunteer by busking in the area every couple of months to raise money.
Why?
Brings people together regardless of financial situation. It’s about fostering an environment of inclusion not exclusion, and being able to advocate for the disadvantaged by managing all resources responsibly.
Commitment?
One night every few months
Where?
Abbotsford or Footscray
AMES
http://www.ames.net.au/
What?
Helps new and recently arrived refugees and immigrants to settle in Victoria. We would be volunteering to teach English over a period of 6 months to new arrivals. Volunteer tutors help clients learn English for everyday activities such as using public transport, shopping, paying bills, study options etc. They also help them understand Australian culture.
Why?
To help refugees and migrants settle quickly into the community, and to make them feel welcome.
Commitment?
An initial, comprehensive training program. Previous teaching experience not required. You will need to commit to a few hours every week for 6 months. We will not be able to rotate.
Where?
To be announced!
