Make it feel like I belong
Watch this: Make it feel like I belong
"A lot of recruitment happens through 'mates' - they all become the same demographic and thought process. It creates a lot of biases."
Why is it important to Make it feel like I belong?
- Traditional, time-consuming volunteer roles and same 'type' of person filling them can deter new volunteers
- A relatable volunteer brand and opportunities attract more diverse volunteers, bringing fresh skills and perspectives
- Clubs need diverse volunteers to attract new members - teen volunteers, for example, can help re-engage peers who've drifted away from sport
- There's untapped potential in new volunteers - students, retirees and those seeking work experience - who don't yet see themselves in sport
- Relying on the same volunteers leads to burnout, stagnant cultures and skill gaps
Tip
Ensure that the imagery displayed within your physical and digital spaces is reflective of the whole of your club, not just particular teams or members.
Extend this consideration to how space and resources are allocated, as this can send clear messages about what is and is not prioritised at your club.
In action: Make it feel like I belong
Understand our diverse communities - Australian Sports Commission
Learn strategies to consciously include everyone and create an environment where the following groups can feel a sense of belonging.Community profile - .id
A one stop shop for info on any community, turning demographic data into actionable insightsInclusivity and diversity - Multicultural Women in Sport
Highlighting the importance of inclusivity and how volunteering can play a role in supporting everyone
Here is your moment to...
Work collaboratively | Try new things | Use data & insights |
|---|---|---|
Promote your club and programs you offer in local multicultural festivals and celebrations | Review your current digital footprint, do you exist in all the places where your desired members are? GenZ - TikTok, GenX - Facebook, GenAlpha - YouTube. If you're not, who can help you get there? | Do you really know your community? Has it's demographics shifted over time? Can you make 'everyone' feel like they belong, if you do not know who 'everyone' could be? |
When done well...
Volunteers need to see themselves reflected and included in sport volunteering. All types of people, whether they are younger, older, passionate about sport, belong to a cultural group, a job seeker or a retiree, need to see that they can belong. Sport volunteering needs to be a place for inclusivity where everyone feels accepted and they have something to contribute and gain.
Want to learn more about the Sport Volunteer Experience Framework?
Have you got a great example of Make It Feel Like I Belong in action?
Share it with the ASC Volunteering team, so we can share it with everyone!
