National Volunteer Week 2025
This week, 19-25 May, is National Volunteer Week! Celebrated annually, it’s a chance to recognise the dedication and effort of volunteers all around the country. This year’s theme is ‘Connecting Communities’ which highlights the important role volunteers play in creating connections and strengthening communities.
Here at CMY, our over 450 volunteers are central to our work, and we’re incredibly grateful for their dedication, lived experience, and the passion they bring to supporting multicultural young people. It is their hard work that helps shape the futures of young people and connects them to their own and other communities.
Our volunteers come from all different backgrounds and are involved in a range of activities including consulting with CMY’s leadership, offering support to newly-arrived young people, being co-researchers on research projects, mentoring young people in the youth justice system, and strengthening community connections.
For National Volunteer Week, we asked some of our volunteers what their favourite part of volunteering with CMY is. Here’s what they had to say:
“I really enjoy connecting with the young people and understanding their stories. As a migrant, I can understand how challenging it can be to move to a new country as a young person. That’s exactly why I admire the strength-based approach that Ucan2 utilises in each session. We’re always working on prioritising their strengths and interests. It’s a great opportunity, I would highly recommend it!”
Isabellia, Ucan2 Volunteer
“For instance, some of my fellow researchers and the individuals CMY works with are lawyers, doctors, and academic researchers from all different walks of life. As someone who, comparatively, is just beginning in the advocacy and professional research space, I have a lot to listen to and learn from the people around me.”
Shak, Explore researcher
“The best part about volunteering with WYPIN is the sense of belonging I feel here. My intent when I joined WYPIN almost two years ago was to be part of a community that would create change in today’s society for the future of my younger brothers. Little did I know that coming to WYPIN would mean growing into a family with strangers. Being part of WYPIN I always feel accepted & welcome. Frances definitely creates a safe space for us young people. She offers us trainings that will genuinely better us personally and professionally. Volunteering with WYPIN is something that I know I’ll always enjoy.”
Jenny, WYPIN committee member
“Volunteering with young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds is the highlight of my week. It reflects how I see the world – through listening, curiosity, and respect as we learn from one another. It brings enriching perspective, sparks heartfelt conversations, and reinforces how connection, community, hope, compassion and kindness shape our shared humanity – and how much we all matter to one another.” – Marie, Settling Smarter mentor
“I’ve been an Independent Person (IP) forever (even before YRIPP took over) and I’m grateful for YRIPP”s governance and oversight of the program. I value the recognition they give us as volunteers, the training (and refreshers) and the opportunities to network with other IP’s. I enjoy being able to assist and advocate for young people in police custody and in all my years of being an IP, I can’t recall an instance where a young person hasn’t been appreciative and grateful for me being there with them as an IP.”
Wayne, YRIPP Independent Person
“Volunteering with CMY has given me the opportunity to feel like a greater part of the community. I am always meeting new people and have the chance to participate in workshops and activities I wouldn’t have known to look for without the help and support provided by CMY. Not only do I get to learn about my peers and members of the community, but volunteering with CMY has helped me learn more about myself too. I am comfortable with the person I have grown to be and can always expect change and growth.”
Poppy, Ballarat YAG member
“I would say the best part of volunteering with CMY is the opportunity to connect with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. It’s incredibly rewarding to engage with others who bring unique perspectives and experiences, it creates a strong sense of inclusion and belonging. Being part of such a welcoming and multicultural environment has helped me grow personally and feel more connected to the wider community.”
Angeline, Explore researcher
“As a Ucan2 volunteer, I have formed meaningful connections with young refugees and migrants through sharing experiences and stories. It’s been great to help young people navigate the existing challenges of settlement in Australia. I have also witnessed tangible impacts of the program in helping young people think about education and employment pathways.” – Nusayba, Ucan2 volunteer
“One of the best things about volunteering with CMY is my group WYPIN. I’ve been given the opportunity to experience so many good things, especially things that I never would’ve thought I could experience as a young person. I’m really grateful that we have space to make a positive impact in our community and that I am given the chance for my voice to be heard.”
Mohamed, WYPIN committee member
“The best part about volunteering for CMY is the people I work with. I first joined CMY nearly a year ago, to work on a Podcast project called Thrive Cast as a musical guest and only expected to stick around for a short time at the most, but because of the people I work with, I’ve stayed for much longer. They are people who are consistently hard working, show dedication, persistence, and courage in what they do. They show great kindness, warmth, compassion to the people around them, and I consider it an honour and privilege to work with them.”
Jack, Ballarat CMY YAG member
Find out more about volunteer opportunities with CMY here.