Channelling creativity to give back

From selling bandanas for CanTeen, packing donated toiletry kits for the homeless with Every Little Bit Helps, and caring for rescue dogs at Monika’s Dog Rescue, Kena's volunteer experience are multiple and varied.

But the most rewarding experiences have been in the areas they are most passionate about, with the non-profits the Queer Screen film festival and Story Factory. They say:

When I was younger, I loved coming to see some queer movies that I otherwise would have no knowledge of or access to. So, volunteering for Queer Screen is important because it keeps the accessibility of queer art available.

Organisations like Queer Screen rely on volunteers. From board members to cinema ushers, ticket collectors, guest bloggers, and more, volunteers keep organisations like this running.

Kena’s own volunteer duties included helping out on screening nights at the cinemas, ticket-scanning, ushering, answering inquiries, vote-collecting and general set up/pack down.

Sign up to the SOUL Award (via CareerHub)

‘While I wanted to give back and support queer art, it was also a great learning experience for me. I’m studying Media Arts and Production, so volunteering at a film festival – especially the festivals Queer Screen run, including the Mardi Gras Film Fest – seemed like an amazing place to gain experience, see some behind-the-scenes action in the film world and strengthen my contacts.’

Their other passion project has been working with Story Factory. Story Factory runs creative writing projects for kids with low literacy levels from under-resourced communities.

‘I already tutor English and am passionate about creative writing, so combining those into a role that will help kids of all ages think creatively and improve their literacy seemed like a great opportunity with Story Factory,’ they say.

‘Throughout the term, they complete a series of workshops that results in their own story, or an anthology of poetry that they can hold in their hands and say, “Hey, I made this!”

The projects have a significant impact on the students. It’s incredibly important to foster children’s creativity and allow them a space to express it, and feel confident in sharing whatever stories they like, whether it’s a reflection of their experiences or just an opportunity to be silly and have fun.

The reasons people choose to volunteer are myriad, as are the rewards they reap. For some it offers the opportunity to give back to community, some do it to broaden their social networks and make connections, and look to gain skills or knowledge in fields in which they are interested or may one day work.

Volunteering through SOUL offers all of these benefits, while also building on the experience with courses and workshops to foster social leadership and help students make the most of their community engagement.

‘I won’t be generic and say you meet amazing people when volunteering that could lead to employment, or more importantly friendship, because I’m more of a loner myself.

‘Instead, I think the main opportunities available when volunteering for SOUL are the greater perspectives you have about the world around you, even just within the city you inhabit. Your outlook shifts a little, and you develop a slightly greater appreciation for everything,’ says Kena.

While Kena has been volunteering since high school, they enrolled in the SOUL Award in 2019. So far they have earned the SOUL badge, and are now well on their way to completing the required hours to earn the UTS SOUL Award.

Their advice for other students looking to volunteer?

‘Volunteer in areas that interest you! Don’t feel bad just focusing on a specific area; there is bound to be someone like you who cares just as much for the things that don’t interest you as much. Search for and find something you’re passionate about and that you would enjoy committing to. It’s much more enjoyable and valuable.’

Volunteering can be life-changing. If you are a UTS student and you are interested in finding out more about the UTS SOUL Award, visit our webpage to find out more and sign up to develop your ability to be a change-maker and driver of social innovation.