Volunteer Program

Are you looking for new experiences and challenges? Do you want to meet new people and make new friends? Are you keen to help make events successful and contribute to the Monash graduate student community and beyond? Get involved with our Volunteer Program today!

About the MGA Volunteer Program

Our volunteers are integral to the orientation program, social events and sport groups run by the MGA. As well as keeping the MGA operational, our volunteers are exposed to new experiences and develop skills that will help them in their future careers, including communication, leadership, teamwork and time management.

Volunteering is a great way to meet like-minded people, gain an insight into the work we do and give back to the graduate student community. There are also opportunities to connect to the broader Melbourne community through our Outreach Program.

There are many opportunities to volunteer with the MGA and all current Monash graduate students from all campuses and off-campus locations are eligible to volunteer with us. There are also online volunteering opportunities, so if you are located overseas, we still want to hear from you!

IMPORTANT UPDATE: We are currently not accepting new volunteer registrations for 2023. If you would like to get updates and information to be part of the program in 2024, please get in touch with mga-volunteering@monash.edu

What to expect from the MGA Volunteering Program

We at the MGA recognise how hard our volunteers work. We want to show our appreciation by introducing a new program where volunteers can gain more professional development. The more time a volunteer commits, the more benefits the volunteers can gain. Here is what volunteers can expect when they hit their milestones hours:

  • 1st Event: MGA Volunteer T-Shirt
  • 10 Hours: Exclusive MGA Volunteer Merchandise
  • 15 hours: Food Handling Safety Course or Responsible Service of Alcohol Training
  • 20 hours: Certificate of Appreciation & MGA Volunteer Hoodie
  • 25 hours+:  First Aid Training or Mental Health First Aid Training

We will also hold social events exclusive to the MGA volunteer community throughout the year, as a way for program participants to connect and celebrate with each other.

Log your volunteer hours

After each volunteering role you take part in, we ask that you record your volunteering hours within 24 hours. This is so that the program leader can verify the hours.

Volunteer Resources

Connect to our MGA Volunteer Resources drive to access key resources relevant to your role, as well as to see the photos and videos from volunteer events. You will need to request access and wait until the Program Coordinator adds you to the drive, which will be done in a timely manner.

I have registered my interest. What happens next?

  • Once you have registered to volunteer with us, you can expect to receive monthly emails with the list of our upcoming volunteering opportunities. You will be able to select the activities that you are interested in taking part in.
  •  Next, you will be contacted by email to confirm the events/activities that you have been assigned to. This will include further details regarding tasks and requirements for your volunteer role.
  • When you attend your volunteer role, you will be inducted and briefed by an MGA staff member on your tasks for the session.
  • At the completion of your session, you will be given an opportunity to debrief and provide us with feedback. We are always looking for ways to improve the volunteer experience.
  • When you have completed your volunteer sessions, we ask that you log your hours.

Please note that if the program is at full capacity then you will be notified and added to the reserve list to commence in the following semester.

For any queries regarding the MGA Volunteer Program, please contact:

Volunteer Program Coordinator
Leilani Duong
mga-volunteering@monash.edu

Volunteer Stories

The MGA is fortunate to have a team of phenomenal volunteers that work hard and dedicate a lot of their time throughout the year. Read about our amazing volunteers doing their different roles and receiving awards at our Volunteer Awards Nights!

MGA Volunteer Agreement

As a new volunteer with the MGA, you are joining a highly valued and respected team of students. As a part of your commitment, there are certain rights and responsibilities you need to be aware of and abide by.

You can read the MGA Volunteer Agreement here.

If you have any queries about the agreement, please contact the MGA Volunteer Program Coordinator.

Leilani Duong
E: mga-volunteering@monash.edu

Community Outreach Program

If you would like to connect with the broader Melbourne community and use your skills in new and rewarding ways, then our Community Outreach Program might be for you! We provide opportunities to volunteer with external organisations such as St Kilda Mums, Notting Hill Neighbourhood House, Friends of the Children Foundation and more.

Please register to be a volunteer in 2023 HERE to be the first to hear about all the new exciting opportunities coming up under this program.

Volunteer feedback

 

“Volunteering with MGA has been an incredibly fulfilling experience for me. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by a dedicated and supportive team, as well as other passionate volunteers. The collaborative and friendly atmosphere at MGA has made my volunteer work even more enjoyable.

I appreciated the opportunity to interact with people from different nations and various subject streams. I made friends with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and this exposure to different cultures and perspectives has been invaluable.

This experience has been incredibly enriching and has provided me with valuable skills, memories, and personal growth. I am truly grateful for the chance to be a part of such a wonderful organisation.”

MGA volunteer, 2023

 

“The MGA helped me recover from the pandemic and PhD loneliness through volunteering opportunities and meeting people.

They helped me recover from the trauma of experiencing a house burglary through an emergency grant from their MGA Welfare Program.

The MGA is forever relevant to grad students at Monash!”

Sylvia, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences