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Volunteering in all its forms is a crucial part of life, connecting and building community networks. It is these strong community networks, alongside strong personal (friends and family) and governance networks (people's connection to decision making institutions) that fosters community strength.
The benefits from participating in a volunteering capacity, not only includes personal benefits such as providing self confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging, evidence shows that community networks develop broader benefits for the community. These include acceptance of diversity, feelings of safety, and reinforcement of social norms and behaviours that reduce crime, violence and decrease community disharmony.
The Swan Hill Rural City Council as an organisation is committed to encouraging volunteering by its involvement in the Volunteer Support Program. This program provides an exciting opportunity to support, extend and sustain volunteer participation. In particular, the creation of new partnerships and networks between and within local government, local community groups and businesses are encouraged to support the identification of needs and sustainable solutions through either:-
- Developing new and innovative initiatives in volunteering;
- Connecting people who have never volunteered before, in roles and sectors that have not engaged volunteers before, while
- Supporting established services.
There is increasing evidence that communities with high levels of volunteer participation and active social networks have better economic outcomes, higher education achievements, improved community safety, better experiences for families and children, and better health and well-being in general.
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