Working with an NFP, you are likely already familiar with many of the benefits of volunteering. When we think of the impact of volunteering, most of us typically think of the direct benefits that NFPs provide their communities through their assistance. The increased sense of well-being, self-esteem, and accomplishment reported by many volunteers that are directly involved with helping others also likely springs to our minds when we think of how volunteering benefits both the giver and the receiver.

However, not all of the benefits of volunteering are apparent immediately, either to those that are served by the NFP or the volunteers themselves. One unexpected benefit of volunteering is how it can bring ethnically diverse communities together and allow members to heal from past trauma and division.

Breaking Down Barriers and Healing the Past through Volunteer Work

A prime example of this unexpected benefit was covered in a news article by ABC Australia earlier this year. According to the article, many of Australia’s drowning victims are also migrants. The West Beach Surf Club in Adelaide saw this as an opportunity to assist refugees and others become active members of their new communities and give back while also working to increase beach safety for everyone.

By taking part and giving back to the community, these volunteers are not only learning valuable skills such as how to swim, identify rip currents, and be safe at the beach, but they are also breaking down stereotypes and cultural barriers. As existing members of the community have a chance to interact with the volunteers, bonds develop.

Through their work with the club, the volunteers form connections to others in the community. As they develop new friendships and social ties, racial tensions and the strength of old prejudices are reduced throughout the community, which benefits everyone.

Many of the volunteers who first came to the country as refugees report that their volunteer work has not brought them closer to the community. Many volunteers also say that by giving back to the community, their work has made them feel safe enough to leave the trauma of their past behind them and begin new lives free from fear.

How Your NFP Can Help Break Down Barriers and Build a Stronger Community

NFPs can help to reduce stereotypes and eliminate barriers in their communities by looking for ways to increase the diversity within their pool of volunteers. Seeking practical answers to the following questions can enable your board to get started on thinking about and discussing how to increase diversity at your NFP.

- What steps can your NFP take to reach out to different cultural and ethnic groups in your community when you recruit volunteers?
- Have you searched your NFPs practices and policies and looked for a way to increase gender balance and eliminate other hidden bias?
- Are there ways that you can streamline the application process for volunteers that will make it easier for individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply and qualify?
- What goals and benchmarks can the board set that will guide your NFPs work towards greater inclusion and diversity and measure your NFPs progress?

Do you have a story to share about how your NFP increased diversity? Why not share it in the comments section below. By working together, we can build a stronger, more diverse Australia and world, one community at a time.