2GP UPDATE Newsletter
Issue II - 1st October 2005
Welcome all to the second edition of Give and Gain newsletter update. We endeavor to continue to provide you with more useful information related to volunteering and employment work.
 The 2GP team has come a long way! Established at the start of the year as a temporary project by a group of enthusiastic students, we are now an official non-profit organization recognized by the Australian Government. 2GP has contributed to many events such as our Push Start Info Session, Make Poverty History Workshop, Christmas Cheer Program, and continuous efforts finding voluntary work for individual students. We now have a new website, go to www.giveandgain.org.au
Review of Christmas Cheers Program
 After one-week promotion, 2GP volunteers got ready to begin their voluntary action. Christmas Cheers Program is a regular program of Salvation Army Doveton Community Service Center that supplies Christmas gifts for children from disadvantaged families in Doveton. When a child selects a gift, it seems a simple and always happy process. However, from sorting all kinds of donated gifts to categorizing them for different age groups, there are many tasks. 2GP enjoyed the rewarding experience of sorting toys into sections. 
During the tasks, the cooperation between volunteers worked very well with work made easy and fun. During lunch the community manager shared her knowledge and experience with us. We can imagine the happiness and the surprise when those children get their gifts during Christmas time come on volunteers, devote yourselves to making a difference!
Volunteer Opportunities
 Red Cross
Community Programs Leader
Programs include the following:
- Juvenile Justice Sporting Programme
- Food Rescue Program
- Homework Support Program
- Refugee and Asylum Seeker Youth School Holiday Program
Contact person: Lisa Baker (State Volunteering Coordinator)
Email: lbaker@redcross.org.au
Phone: 03 8327 7700
Murray Marathon - Camp Management Team Member
- Community Action School Speaker.
- Friends Teen Mentoring - Volunteer Mentor
Website: http://www.redcross.org.au/vic/vic_supportus_volunteers.htm
Salvation Army
Volunteer Opportunities
- Typing, clerical, mailroom team, research, shop attendant, gardening, accompanying aged care clients on excursions, bus driving, emergency services, playing music.
Website: http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/volunteer
Contact Details: Glenyse Guinan
Tel: (03) 9521 2770
Fax: (03) 9521 142
Email: Glenyse.Guinan@aus.salvationarmy.org
Oxfam
Oxfam Shops volunteer opportunities:
Oxfam Trading is currently looking for volunteers to assist with day to day duties:
- Customer service/sales, Unpacking stock/filling, Housekeeping
Website: http://www.oxfam.org.au/getactive/work/volunteer/index.html
Other Volunteering Organization:
Amnesty International:
http://www.amnesty.org.au/helpingai/volunteer
World Vision:
http://www.worldvision.com.au/aboutus/volunteer/register.asp
As long as you can work as part of a team, perform with confidence and want to have fun and meet new friends, join the volunteer group!!!
A Personal Trainer and Logo Designer
After two weeks, there were a total of up to 18 logo submissions. A logo was finally chosen on the 17th September at the "Give and Gain" committee meeting, however the voting for this has been extremely tight, and finally came down to two logos. Chris Spencer's design (no 16.) has however been chosen amongst other submissions including logo no 7, another tight runner that had a futuristic feel that was orange in colour.
 Chris says that he tried to create a logo that was "synonymous" with 2GP by creating a logo that incorporated the sense of "giving" whilst also maintaining a sense of simplicity, clarity and interest from all elements involved; for example he designed the text of 2GP in such a way the hand had become part of the 'P' and text of 'Give and Gain', so synonymous with 2GP, clearly stood out.
Chris Spencer is currently completing a double degree in Commerce and Business (marketing) and communication at Monash University Berwick. He works full time as a personal trainer for the Australian Institute of Fitness and enjoys Digital Design and photography.
Chris Spencer is also a Commonwealth Games volunteer, and in this way "Give and Gain" would like to thank him for his generous contribution to our organisation and his own contribution as a volunteer to in our society.
Search Tips - Interview Skills
Before the interview
- Know the position in detail (What skills make you a suitable applicant, what you would enjoy the most, where you see your career heading in taking up the position?).
- Read about the potential employer and the position you are applying for. Such knowledge is a good indication to employers of your enthusiasm and commitment.
- Prepare several questions for the end of the interview. Again employers will see that you have seriously considered the position to be appropriate.
- Find out about the details of what sort of interview (panel, one-on-one, group interview, etc.) and who the interviewer(s) will be along with their position(s) and their contact details.
- Bring a copy of your resume or any other materials employers ask for (passport photos, photocopy of academic transcript, etc.).
- Dress appropriately (no bright colors for men) and arrive on time. 5 minutes early should settle you in. If you are any earlier, wait somewhere nearby. If you are running late, call an interviewer in advance to inform them.
During the interview
- Remember examples to answer questions (When did you have to lead a team? etc).When using examples first explain what the situation was, what you did and then the result of you did.
- If asked about previous employment. don't say anything negative about previous employers. If explaining why you left, don't appear negative.
- Maintain eye contact and clarity of expression and maintain clear and simple communication.
 - Avoid being too casual in your manner but also communicate disarmingly. While you are expected to take the position seriously, employer(s) also want to know what type of person(s) they will work with. Say hello and goodbye to the interviewer(s).
|