Awards WA provides The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Western Australia. The Award helps young people to find their purpose, passion and place in the world. Over 4,000 volunteers provide support to Award participants, events and skilled projects. They have been a member of Volunteering WA since 2016.
Katie Brown, CEO, Awards WA, speaks about The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in WA, their volunteers, and view of Volunteering WA.
Katie, tell us more about Awards WA, your volunteering programs and impact?
The Award is a global framework for non-formal education, which challenges young people to dream big, celebrate their achievements and make a difference in their world. Through developing transferable skills, increasing their fitness levels, cultivating a sense of adventure and volunteering in their community. It operates in more than 130 countries and territories, helping to inspire millions of young people.
We've got nearly 60 years of experience and our ambition is to make the Award accessible to every 14-24 year old in Western Australia, regardless of ability, experience or culture.
In WA, the Award is operated in 100+ organisations across the State, with over 4,000 young people engaged on a daily basis with their Award journey. Participants are supported by almost 4,000 volunteers and devote more than 23,000 hours annually to volunteering in their community.
We provide the program framework, resources, support, and celebration to all involved in the Award in WA with our small team of 3.2FTE.
What do you value about Volunteering WA?
As you can imagine, with such a small yet dynamic team, we are so grateful for the support and benefits we receive as a member of Volunteering WA. In the past, we have had documents reviewed to ensure compliance and governance, workplace planning review, as well as CRM analysis undertaken by skilled volunteers sourced through their corporate volunteering program. The value add as a member has been far above our annual fee!
Volunteering WA and their amazing staff, provide services and support to ensure their members feel valued, heard and educated.
More about Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
More about Awards WA