Volunteering New Zealand (VNZ) is an association of volunteer centres and National Organisations with a strong commitment to volunteering. VNZ was established in August 2001 during the International Year of the Volunteer. Volunteer Centres had lobbied for many years for the establishment of a national body to represent, promote and support volunteering. The International Year of the Volunteer and the recommendations of the Ministerial Reference Group gave impetus to the establishment of VNZ, funding was granted through the Support For Volunteers Fund and the organisation became a reality.
VNZ is the only national organisation in New Zealand that focuses purely on volunteering. It is important that within New Zealand there is an organisation that can be the “voice of volunteering”. One that has the ‘big picture’, that is in a position to liaise, work with, and advise government and that works to ensure that volunteering occurs within a positive environment where it is encouraged and fostered.
VNZ currently aims to achieve its Mission with 2 staff and the work and commitment of its voluntary board and other volunteers as they can be recruited. VNZ encourages the Code of Practice for Volunteers and follows the Code of Practice for Volunteer Involving Organisations.
VNZ is an Incorporated Society with over 60 members, all of which are national organisations or Volunteer Centres. The following excerpt from the Constitution shows the philosophy of VNZ and the objectives. This strategic plan has been prepared to guide VNZ’s Board, staff and volunteers from 2004 to 2009 in achieving these objectives whilst honouring our philosophy.
Constitution Excerpt
1. Preamble
-
1.1 The National body is an association of autonomous and independently organised Volunteer Centres and national organisations strongly committed to volunteering.
1.2 Vision Members are committed to supportive independent communities where volunteering is recognised and respected and advances the common good.
1.3 Defining Volunteering in New Zealand Work done of one’s own free will, unpaid, for the common good.
1.4 Purpose The purpose of the national association is to represent, promote and support volunteering.
2. Name
-
The name of the Society shall be "Volunteering New Zealand Incorporated" hereinafter referred to as "the Association".
3. Beliefs and Values
-
These are the Beliefs and Values that underpin the Objects
3.1 Beliefs
-
3.1.1 In upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and in using the Mäori language with respect.
3.1.2 That volunteering brings a benefit to the individual, group/agency and the wider community.
3.1.3 In the need to raise community awareness of the value and status of volunteers.
3.1.4 In enhancing the value and status of volunteering.
3.1.5 In promoting ethical and effective practice in volunteering.
3.1.6 That volunteering is an activity of free will.
3.1.7 That members have a right to autonomy, including the right to disagree with the Association, while operating within the national framework.
3.1.8 That everyone has a right to volunteer.
3.1.9 That the integrity of volunteering is to be protected by acknowledging volunteering as an end in itself.
3.1.10 In supporting the rights of volunteers through advocacy and the monitoring of the political and social issues which affect them.
3.2 Values
-
3.2.1 Inclusiveness
The Association will consult fully and clearly with the Membership and encourages all Members to be involved with their own Communities.
3.2.2 Excellence
The Association will strive for consistently high standards in all its dealings.
3.2.3 Integrity and Diversity
The Association will carry out its mandate within the framework laid out in this Constitution and with sensitivity for the social and cultural diversity represented in Aotearoa/New Zealand, ensuring that all contributions are fully respected.
-
4.1 To maintain an Association of organisations within Aotearoa/New Zealand and promote volunteering within the guidelines laid out in this Constitution taking especial note of the definitions in the Preamble.
4.2 To establish communication and work with other organisations and individuals as the Association deems fit.
4.3 To provide services and assistance to organised groups including political and other partisan bodies, but at no time to become identified with any political party.
4.4 To undertake activities independently or in conjunction with other organisations.
4.5 To raise the interest and awareness in Aotearoa/New Zealand of the value of volunteering in the community and society at large and strive towards a well-informed public.
4.6 To undertake and promote research and the publication and dissemination of material relevant to the aims of the Association.
4.7 To participate in any other activities which are considered practicable and desirable in reaching the objects outlined above.
4.8 To represent Volunteering New Zealand internationally.
4.9 To undertake all activities for charitable purposes.
Stakeholders
-
In the process of developing this plan the Board identified the following stakeholders:
-Volunteers
-Volunteer Centres and Members
-Government
-Government Agencies
-Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector
-Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector (in MSD)
-Funders
-VNZ Staff and Volunteers
-Community
-National Organisations (non-members)
-IAVE – International Association for Volunteer Effort
-Other International Volunteering Associations
Relationships
VOLUNTEERS: VNZ does not have a direct relationship with volunteers, other than those that undertake assignments for VNZ. The work of VNZ however is for the benefit of all volunteers.
VOLUNTEER CENTRES AND MEMBERS: VNZ brings together in a single network the Volunteer Centres and Members to enhance the environment of volunteering through information sharing, networking and advocacy.
GOVERNMENT: VNZ aims to have positive relationships with Government and its agencies to influence legislation and policy that impacts on volunteers and volunteering.
FUNDERS: By effective delivery of what is agreed to, VNZ aims to give satisfaction to existing funders. By proven performance VNZ aims to attract future funding.
COMMUNITY: Through research, promotion, representation and support VNZ aims to influence the environment to encourage increased volunteer activity in New Zealand by increasing the numbers volunteering, and the organisations – voluntary, corporate and government – that are committed to volunteering. VNZ aims to influence (through dialogue, advocacy, training and education) organisations in the corporate, government and voluntary sectors to apply best practice in their work with volunteers.
INTERNATIONAL: Through international associations VNZ aims to influence the decision making and strategy setting for itself and others (including government) in areas that impact on volunteers and volunteering plus areas that provide the opportunity for the growth of volunteering in New Zealand.
Vision
By 2009 Volunteering New Zealand is the national voice of volunteering in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Mission
To create an environment which supports, promotes, values and encourages effective volunteering by the people of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Areas of Influence
The following areas of influence for Volunteering New Zealand have been identified:
-
Excellence in Volunteering
Research, promote, advocate, and lead in the achievement of excellence in volunteering.
Voice
Be recognised as the authoritative and valued national voice for volunteering.
Relationship Management
Build and participate in positive relationships that support volunteering.
Growth
Promote and support the growth of volunteering in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Strategies
VNZ will establish itself as the national voice for volunteering in Aoteaora New Zealand through the following strategies. When working towards these strategies VNZ will recognise the diversity within Aotearoa New Zealand and those it represents; VNZ will aim to be inclusive and responsive to members in the way it works and will always work to achieve excellence.
-
-Form an effective relationship with Maori to understand and respond to volunteering issues
-Form Key Relationships to be informed and to have a strong political and community voice
-Monitor (and lead) developments in volunteering through alliances and relationships – nationally and internationally
-Support volunteers through achieving legislative and procedural change and standards for the volunteering environment
-Advance the recognition of volunteer contribution
-Promote Volunteering New Zealand and volunteering
-Increase funding with government and obtain non-government funding
-Research to obtain and disseminate information to enhance advocacy for Volunteering New Zealand and volunteering
-Grow the membership
-Support Members through information, guidance and advocacy
Copyright © Volunteering New Zealand 2004. Strategy Plan is published by Volunteering New Zealand. The contents are copyrighted. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written permission of the publisher.