National Youth Volunteer Week

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About National Youth Volunteer Week

In 2026, National Youth Volunteer Week will run from 10–16 August 2026.

National Youth Volunteer Week is an opportunity to acknowledge the impact that young people make through volunteering.

National Youth Volunteer Week spotlights and celebrates youth-led volunteering efforts, highlighting the personal and collective impact of service, and connecting young people with opportunities to lead, grow, and give back.

We invite all education providers, volunteer organisations and students across the country to participate in National Youth Volunteer Week.

Get involved
Two student volunteers holding shovels, on the sand dunes of a beach.

2026 Theme: Your Year To Lead

In 2026, National Youth Volunteer Week aligns with the International Volunteer Year for Sustainable Development, joining a global movement that celebrates the power of volunteering to strengthen communities and create positive change.

Leadership isn’t defined by age or title. It begins with taking action, contributing your ideas, supporting others and making a difference.

Through volunteering, young people are shaping stronger communities, building connections and driving positive change in ways that matter to them and those around them.

The power of young volunteers

  • 78
    %
    of young people under 25
    are involved in some form of volunteer work in Western Australia.
  • 15
    to 24 year olds
    in Australia are more likely to volunteer
    than those in other age groups, for fewer hours.
  • 28
    %
    The rate at which having poor mental health is reduced
    For a child if they’re involved in volunteering before the age of 13.

Why volunteer?

Volunteering is a great way to take action on a cause you care about while building skills and experiences that will help you on your pathway to finding future employment.

  • Meet new friends and be a part of a community
  • Learn new experiences and gain new skills
  • Help an organisation or cause you’re passionate about
  • Add experience to your resume
  • Build confidence and communication skills
  • Volunteer with friends
  • Keep mentally and physically healthy
  • Give you a purpose
  • For a challenge
Start volunteering

How can organisations get involved?

  • Say thank you
    Recognise the contribution of a young volunteer with an award, certificate, social media post, or a thank you. Let them know how they have contributed
  • Invite young people into decision-making
    Ask young volunteers for their ideas. Include them in planning meetings, campaign activities or organisational conversations.
  • Host an event
    Organise a morning tea, networking event, volunteering activity or celebration to recognise young volunteers and connect your community.
  • Create opportunities for young people
    Promote volunteer roles that are designed with young people in mind. Use welcoming, inclusive language that focuses on the impact they’ll make.
  • Share Your Story
    Feature a young leader from your organisation on the national map. Visit the Volunteering Australia website to share their story with the country.
  • Advertise your youth-friendly volunteering roles
    List your youth-friendly roles on VIKTOR and tag them in the youth category so they also display on Yvolunteer.org.au.

How can young people get involved?

  • Learn more about volunteering
    Visit YVolunteer.org.au to learn the benefits of volunteering, how it can boost your employability, as well as choosing the right role for you.
  • Find a cause to contribute to
    Search online with YVolunteer.org.au to find a volunteer role where you can make a difference.
  • Create your own project
    Have a solution to a problem that society is facing? Be a trailblazer and plan a social impact project that you can implement in your own community.
  • Share Your Story
    Add your story to the national volunteering map! Head to Volunteering Australia’s website to share yours today.
  • Participate in the social media campaign
    Has volunteering changed your life? Share your experience online and inspire your fellow students to give volunteering a go.

Volunteer Stories

Volunteering allows you to try a diverse range of experiences, from animal welfare to mental health services. Find out what volunteering is all about by listening to other people’s experiences.

2026 National Youth Volunteer Week Resources

How to get involved

National Youth Volunteer Week is coordinated and delivered nationally by Volunteering Queensland and supported by Volunteering Australia and all State and Territory Peak volunteering bodies.
Four volunteers wearing vests, holding up donated items
Good Sammy volunteers give back by helping to reduce waste, sorting donations to be sold in op shops
University volunteers clean up the coast at Volunteering WA’s annual Inter-University Challenge