What is Skilled Volunteering CNP? Volunteering is a rewarding activity outside of people’s normal lives, with 95% of people saying that volunteering is related to feelings of wellbeing, however only 12% of volunteers are engaged at the level of their expertise. Skilled Volunteering CNP, or Skilled Volunteering Community Network Program, is a program designed to assist community organisations to es
tablish new projects, or improve the management of existing projects, by accessing the skills of a professional on a volunteer basis. Skilled Volunteering CNP originated in Canberra and was created in 2007 by Phil Sealy as part of a networking service that the ACT Chapter of the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) managed in support of local community organisations. The Community Network Program (CNP) aimed at members of the ACT Chapter who were willing to contribute time and effort through pro-bono work towards helping the community, whilst gaining professional development points towards their membership with the AIPM. This program provided the local Not-for-Profit organisations with the recognition and the skilled volunteers to perform work that are generally costly and paid for using funds that would normally be used to help the community. The AIPM provided recognition of Not-for-Profit organisations through their annual Project Management Achievement Awards (PMAA Awards) in a category called the ‘Not for Profit Recognition Award’. This recognition not only promotes the organisation in the community, but showcases their good works and their contributions they make in their community. Today, the CNP has joined forces with each state and territory’s volunteering bodies and formed Skilled Volunteering CNP. This program aims to seek volunteers with specialised skills and experience to participate in projects that can help build the community in more ways than just providing time and effort. It can also provide Not-for-Profit organisations with the recognition that they deserve for the work they do to assist and help the community. Further information
If you would like to investigate the possibility of engaging a professional on a volunteer basis or to discuss joining Skilled Volunteering CNP as a volunteer, then contact us by email at [email protected] or register in the appropriate form in your state or territory.
