26/08/2026
Recognising diversity is only the first step towards an inclusive Canberra. Inclusion involves respecting, listening to, and including the diverse range of peoples and experiences that exist throughout Canberra and the region.
Below are some helpful tips to ensure the volunteer program policies and practices are inclusive for volunteers of all abilities and backgrounds!
✅️ Be visually accepting. For example, display rainbow flags, awareness flyers, and messaging around the workspace. This reaffirms the organisation is inclusive and helps members of the community feel safe, seen, and respected.
✅️ Invest in training for staff and volunteers about supporting volunteers from diverse communities.
✅️ Use gender-neutral terms when communicating with volunteers to avoid gender assumptions. For example, use terms like folks or parents, partner, peers, team or ‘all gathered here’ rather than ‘ladies and gentlemen’.
✅️ Avoid misgendering and use a volunteer’s preferred pronouns. If you are not sure, ask if a volunteer has preferred pronouns.
✅️ Always address a volunteer with disability directly - not through a support worker, carer, companion or interpreter. This demonstrates respect to the volunteer.
✅️ Offer information in multiple formats and make sure volunteers have access to information after induction.
✅️ Use multiple touchpoints to give volunteers the chance to disclose disability as there are many reasons volunteers may not disclose at early stages of engagement.
✅️ Be flexible with rosters, changes to preferred pronouns, names, and respect the privacy of each volunteer.
✅️ Ensure accessibility as needed. For example, provide an ergonomic assessment for volunteers with physical disabilities, or add an accessibility widget on your website to support volunteers with vision impairment or dyslexia.
If you would like support with inclusive communications or information on how to make your organisation more inclusive and accessible, please contact us at [email protected] or 02 6251 4060.
