Skills and talent are abundant within the RizeUp Volunteer team. Opportunities are offered to the volunteers to use their talents and skills towards their passion.
“We have a broad cross-section of volunteers and that's further underpinned by the scope of professions. We have CEO’s, painters, accountants, stay at home mum’s, grant legends. We have enormously successful entrepreneurial people in the team and the thing that connects us together is our shared passion for social justice and altruism. It doesn't matter who we all are, or where we may have come from, our moral compasses are aligned.” Nicolle said.
RizeUp offers its volunteers a unique culture. There is an absence of a hierarchy within the organisation. Every team member is valued equally. “We work hard to see them, to value them, and to make sure they know how they are appreciated. The culture is so important.” Nicolle said.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 57–75% of Australians will experience a potentially traumatic event at some point in their lives. RizeUp has a culture of altruism, empathy, and deep understanding of those who come from a background of trauma. “It is important to keep person centric in your decision making and understand what a trauma informed lens is. We apply this way of thinking to how we approach our day and how we interact with our team. The ultimate goal for me - is for us all to one day live in a society where we look at the world through a lens of kindness, compassion and empathy and we acknowledge the existence of trauma.” Nicolle said.
“I love that there is such commitment across workforces to implement trauma informed frameworks because it really reinforces everything that we do as an organisation. Attaching this lens to the way we work and interact isn’t easy by any means but to be honest the good things in life don’t usually come easily and for any of us to see the shiny silver pot you first must polish it.” Nicolle continued.
Holding almost a perfect score when it comes to the retainment of its volunteers, Nicolle credits this success to being people focused. “See your people, listen, and commit to hearing what they are saying. Get them involved because incredible things can come from just hearing what the people around you have to say.”
The volunteers all share the common goal of wanting to make a difference in people’s lives and each person is ready to work hard when the opportunity arises. “Honestly, we have some of the finest people.” Nicolle said.
By volunteering with RizeUp, there is not only a sense of contribution, but a feeling of being valued.
Nicolle doesn’t take the team, their skills, or their altruism for granted. Every volunteer is unique, but their heart is all in the same place. “I really feel that if someone is gifting their time and their interest with us, that's a real privilege. That's a lovely thing, that people want to join, and they are supporting the cause that you hold dear as well.”
Join the team, it’s easy and rewarding. www.rizeup.com.au/volunteer
