At parkrun, volunteers are at the very heart of what we do. Our community is global, yet it is so local, with a sense of community being formed in hundreds of different locations around Australia.
Research has shown that volunteering is beneficial to health and well-being, improving a sense of belonging, well-being, and self-worth. parkrun enables volunteering to be accessible to so many, and anyone in our parkrun community can feel the positive effects of volunteering.
Varying roles to suit your skillset
There are a variety of volunteer roles that people can choose from. Each role is different, no prior skills or training is required, and they are all fun and social. You can pick which volunteering role suits you best and know what to expect when you arrive.
Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet new people and make friends
When you volunteer at parkrun, you are part of a friendly and supportive group of people. It’s a great opportunity for a laugh and a chat, and there are also roles that allow you to be physically-distanced but still part of a team. At most events, after everyone sets off, there is an opportunity to chat with other volunteers before parkrunners start to arrive back. This is a great time to connect, laugh, and get to know people.
Build your confidence and learn new skills
Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills and gain confidence. You might learn how to use technology when processing results or gain confidence in public speaking by delivering the First Timers Welcome. Volunteering is useful for gaining skills that can be beneficial to employment and workplace settings. Volunteering also gives the opportunity to communicate and interact with different members of the community, which has positive benefits for work and life skills.
When you pop on a parkrun volunteer vest, you instantly become connected to a local, national and global community. That connectedness gives volunteers an instant sense of identity and a feeling of belonging.
If you’re interested in volunteering at parkrun, please contact your local team via their website or their social media channels, or speak to them at the event.
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