Volunteer Voices Crew
What is the Volunteer Voices Crew (VVC)?
The VVC exists to amplify the diverse tūao/volunteer voices and perspectives across Orange Sky in Australia and Aotearoa. Its purpose is to ensure the volunteer program recognises and reflects the diversity of our communities, and that on-the-ground experience shapes how we support friends.
The Crew is guided by PATH, our four key principles:
Practical - grounded in real-world, on-shift insights
Advisory - providing thoughtful, values-driven guidance that informs (not dictates) decision-making
Transparent - open kōrero/conversation and clear follow-up on what will progress, what won’t, and why
Holistic - considering the full volunteer journey, with a focus on inclusivity, connection, and continuous improvement
NOMINATION PROCESS & FAQS
⭐Nominate yourself or a volunteer you know here! ⭐
Who can be nominated?
Any current volunteer in Australia or Aotearoa. We're looking for a diverse mix of roles, services and shift types (laundromats, vans, pods, indoor laundries, etc.), locations (metro, regional, AU & NZ), as well as different lengths of service and experiences.
Who can put someone forward?
As Volunteer Leaders, you are the knowledge-holders in your services. Your insight will play a key role in identifying volunteers who could be valuable members of the Volunteer Voices Committee. Volunteer Leaders are invited to submit nominations - either for yourself or for any volunteer in your service. You may also like to share this with your Team Leaders so they can put forward nominations too
When are nominations open?
Nominations open Fri 12 Sept and run for two weeks, closing Fri 26 Sept.
How do nominations work?
The nomination form will be sent to Volunteer Leaders. Leaders can nominate themselves or another volunteer, and can choose to share the form with their Team Leaders. The form won’t go to every volunteer just yet - this first round is focused on Leaders/TLs helping us put together the core crew.
Why can’t every volunteer nominate right now?
To keep things simple for the first crew, we’re starting with Leaders as nominators. This helps make sure we get a broad mix of volunteers across roles, services, and locations. Once the core crew is set up, there will be more ways to get involved - including Expressions of Interest for a rotating group and possibly direct nominations from all volunteers in the future.
What’s the rotating group?
Alongside the core crew (6-8 volunteers), there will also be a rotating group (4-6 volunteers). These spots are for volunteers who can bring experience or expertise to particular topics - so the right voices are always at the table. We’ll build this group together with the core crew once it’s up and running.
What’s the time commitment?
Core members commit for 12 months, attending quarterly meetings (usually weekday evenings across AU & NZ) and giving ad-hoc feedback when needed.
Rotating members have a more flexible term, providing input on specific topics or agenda areas. Between meetings, feedback may also be gathered through quick check-ins or short surveys.
What happens after nominations close?
All nominations will be reviewed in late September, and final crew decisions will be made by Fri 3 Oct.
How will I find out the outcome?
Everyone who is nominated will hear back directly. After that, we’ll announce the full crew across Orange Sky so everyone knows who’s involved.
Where can I learn more?
What Guides Us document (our version of a terms of reference) has all the details on the purpose, structure and principles of the VVC.
If you’d like to check it out, or if you have any other questions, just email us at volunteer@orangesky.org.au or volunteer@orangesky.org.nz!