Non-formal volunteering occurs in a range of settings, but predominantly transpires in local communities to address specific social needs.

Volunteers are generally community members who come together around a shared interest, and work largely in unfunded, less structured settings.

These volunteering programs are often relatively unstructured and may have only a few defined roles. The activities may be undertaken by whoever has the time and interest. There is unlikely to be a volunteer manager, but may well be coordinators for various activities who organise and support members working with them.

Motivation for joining these community organisations tends to be about sharing experiences or mutual assistance and people are likely to think of themselves as members or friends rather than volunteers.

Some examples of non-formal volunteering include:

• Volunteering for a neighbourhood group.
• Running the canteen for a sporting or recreational group.
• Coordinating the sale of merchandise for a self-help group.
• Volunteering for a specific hobby group.
• Providing services or support through a mutual support group.
• Non-formal volunteering differs from informal volunteering which is a term used to describe voluntary acts of helping and kindness.

These types of programs tend to be organised around volunteer involvement in the delivery of services.

They involve defined supervision structures and the organisation of work into structured roles involving long term, regular attendance. There is often a strong emphasis on policies and procedures and quality management of the services being delivered.

Formal volunteering programs tend to have a business management structure, with managers of volunteers working, resourcing, supervising and checking outcomes.

Some examples of formal volunteering include:

• Volunteering for the library trolley in a large metropolitan hospital.
• Delivering meals to elderly through services such as Meals-on-Wheels.
• Providing activities and outing support in aged care facility.
• Volunteer driver for service organisation.
• Volunteer animal carer for organisations such as RSPCA.
• Volunteering in tourism, museums, large charities and emergency services.

Social action groups are similar to non-formal groups in that people come together around a shared interest, but differ in that social action groups have an interest and passion for bringing about defined changes.

These groups may be relatively unstructured like non-formal groups, but often the need to achieve particular outcomes will drive a level of structure and specific roles. People may see themselves as comrades rather than as volunteers. Some groups have a volunteer coordinator, but volunteers are more likely to work under an activity coordinator in areas of interest and skill.

Social action groups are often driven by the motivation and interests of their volunteers, who are frequently passionate about the cause. Volunteers in social action groups may vary significantly in the amount of time they have available, but are no less committed in bringing about defined social changes.

Some examples of social action volunteering include:

• Volunteering for an environmental group.
• Political lobbying groups.
• Volunteering for a community action group.
• Lobbying for change for a specific target group of people or cause.

Project based volunteering is becoming increasing popular in our contemporary society, reflecting our time conscious, but outcomes-driven way of life.

Volunteers often have specific periods of time available, and therefore seek out volunteer projects that have clearly defined timeframes. Projects are frequently characterised by high levels of volunteer involvement over a short time period.

The focus may be on skills that people have to offer rather than formalised volunteering roles, so it’s common for project-based opportunities to utilise volunteers’ specific skills for projects.

Project based volunteer programs may exist within formal programs, but may also be set up exclusively to deliver a specific outcome, for example a community festival may be planned by a group of interested community members. Project volunteers operating alongside formal volunteers in a specific program, may not be bound by the same parameters as other volunteers.

Individual volunteers may want to develop their own ‘project’ in consultation with the volunteer coordinator. The volunteer coordinator in this situation may require an approach that is characterised by ‘working with’ and empowering the individual, rather than managing. 

Some examples of project volunteering include:

• Volunteering to oversee the plan and construction of a new building.
• Running or assisting a specific event.
• Redesigning the website for an organisation.
• Volunteering to write a marketing plan for a community group.

Project based volunteering is particularly suited to a range of demographics including professionals, students, baby boomers and corporate volunteers.

Governance volunteering is when individuals volunteer as board members or on management committees.

These volunteers provide leadership and direction for the organisation.

Governance volunteers work in clearly defined roles, which are required by the Incorporated Associations Act, 1981 (or other legislative requirements of their legal structure). These volunteers often carry high levels of responsibility and accountability, having specific systems and procedures to follow in terms of transparency and reporting to stakeholders.

Governance volunteers may also be involved in volunteering in other areas of the organisation depending on the size, scope and structure of the organisation.

Some examples of governance volunteering include: 

• Secretary for the local soccer club.
• President of a services club such as RSL.
• Volunteer Treasurer for a mother’s group.

Emergency/Spontaneous

In the wake of a disaster or emergency such as flooding, bushfires and cyclones, volunteers can offer their services to aid in recovery.  Volunteers are usually only required for short amounts of time and only during times of crisis. 

Additional Resources

Full information about the Definition of Volunteering – July 2015

Definition of Volunteering Frequently Asked Questions – July 2015

Definition of Volunteering Frequently Asked Questions Supplement – May 2017

Issues Paper – December 2014 – A sub-committee of researchers on the National Steering Committee, produced an Issues Paper to provide stakeholders with an understanding of the dimensions of volunteering both here in Australia and globally.