June is the month when we send a Big Shoutout to our hardworking volunteers.

Volunteer South community connector Steve Baker says the month is about “celebrating the efforts, contribution and selflessness” of local volunteers.

“Those often-unsung heroes in your local community.” 

The initiative is a nationwide celebration, and Volunteering New Zealand  has ideas on its website of how you can honour the volunteers within your organisation or community.

“You could also shout your volunteers a morning or afternoon tea, or browse through the number of graphics and templates that Volunteer NZ has made available for businesses and volunteer-involving organisations - for use on your organisations’ social media page.”

Businesses are also invited to partner with Volunteering NZ to further help to establish a national culture of appreciation to encourage volunteers in the community, while also inspiring the younger generation to carry the torch.

“Always remember, we don’t need to wait for National Volunteer week, or Big Shoutout month, to celebrate volunteers, it’s more about creating a culture of appreciation all throughout the year, Steve says.

This year, Volunteer South kicked off a Celebration Stories Competition in advance of Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu – National Volunteer Week (June 16-22). 

The theme for the week, this year, is Whiria te Tangata - Weaving the People Together.  

“This celebration was just another way to help organisations to, in short story form, tell the way volunteers help to weave the people together in the community.”

Steve encourages people to acknowledge volunteers in the coming week, and to inspire the community with their volunteer activities, pictures and stories this volunteer week.

To find out more about Steve's role with Volunteer South and how to become a volunteer yourself read: Volunteer roles rewarding for both sides