Gen Y More Likely To Volunteer 11:57am 12.05.08

Worried that Gen Y is selfish? Well, the latest research shows that Gen Y is more likely to volunteer their time for a good cause. Thirty percent of 18 to 24 years volunteer their time, found an ABS survey. This number was only 17 percent in 1995.

According to Helen Souness, marketing director and head of SEEK’s CSR program, the ease and accessibility of the internet is allowing a wider variety of people to look for volunteering options.

“We believe many people would like to do some sort of volunteering activity and contribute something to the community. Let’s face it though, with busy lifestyles a reality for most of us, finding the right volunteering opportunity is a must,” she says.

“We’re hearing stories of many Gen Y volunteers finding opportunities through the site which they would have never otherwise considered, such as a 20 year woman who dedicates time to co-coaching a disabled AFL team.”

Lynda Dave, volunteer co-ordinator for the Children’s Medical Research Unit, is among those finding volunteers online. "The Jeans for Genes campaign is a national one but with our offices based in Sydney it is difficult to find volunteers, particularly interstate. The internet and particularly SEEK Volunteer has been instrumental in putting us in contact with interested people in the Australian community who want to help us raise funds,” she explains. “Each time we submit a volunteer request we get dozens of replies and the majority of them become fantastic ambassadors for the Jeans for Genes cause and volunteer over and over again.”

If you’d like to find out about volunteering opportunities, visit www.seekvolunteer.com.au