WHAT'S HAPPENING?
This year we conducted a nationwide survey of our 18000+ volunteers so we could better understand the experiences, ideas and needs of our members. We’re now using the information we've gathered to develop a new strategy for the organisation that will more closely reflect our makeup.
The survey was open for four weeks and was sent directly to all our members as well as publicized on our website and social media channels. Although the survey specifically asked questions relating to our members’ experiences as a Surf Life Saving volunteer, some of the information also forms part of a wider Volunteer SAR Sector Survey. We’ve partnered with four other non-governmental organisations – Amateur Radio Emergency Communications, National Emergency Management Agency, Coastguard New Zealand and Land Search and Rescue.
The survey has now closed and we have collated the responses below in the 2022 Survey Report:
We are now sharing key insights with our members as we work to develop our new strategy:
- Volunteer Strategy Framework
- SLSNZ Member Journey
- SLSNZ Member Journey (Data)
- Volunteer Strategy Session - 2022 Club Chairs Workshop
Other documents regarding the Volunteer Strategy:
- Volunteer Survey Architecture 2022
- Volunteer Survey Three Year Plan
- Voice of Participant Survey 2021
- Women in Lifesaving Report 2020
MEET THE VOLUNTEER STRATEGY WORKING GROUP
GEORGIA MCLAREN, TITAHI BAY SLSC
Why did you join the Volunteer Strategy Working Group?
My role at SLSNZ revolves around the information that we capture in the database for patrolling and membership. I saw value in analysing the information to predict trends and growth in specific areas, so came into the group to add to this space. In my club I am constantly engaged with volunteers and wanted to be able to share my knowledge from these relationships with this working group to ultimately help shape the way we use and look after our most valuable resources - our volunteers.
I’m so excited that we have the capability and people in SLSNZ to drive this project – I think that there is so much that can come from the results and it’s an exciting journey. I hope that members use the survey to express their thoughts, good or bad, and know that their voices are being heard.
PHOEBE HAVILL, ONEMANA SLSC, WHANGAMATĀ SLSC & TAYLORS MISTAKE SLSC
Why did you join the Volunteer Strategy Working Group?
I think it’s really important that our organisation has a great strategy that supports our passionate and dedicated volunteers. So, as some as someone involved in a wide range of volunteer roles in SLSNZ, I feel I can advocate for a range different groups. I’m also super passionate in making sure females are well represented in our organisation, so I hope to be able to be a voice for them too.
SAM BLACKMORE, SPENCER PARK SLSC
Why did you join the Volunteer Strategy Working Group?
I wanted to take the opportunity to ensure our rainbow community are represented in these conversations, and ensure we have inclusive and supportive conversations going forward.
KATE SUTER, SUMNER SLSC
Why did you join the Volunteer Strategy Working Group?
It is an exciting project to be a part of and work alongside some awesome people. I enjoy the idea of being able to develop a strategy that will benefit generations to come in the organization and our local communities. I think it is important we continue to grow as an organization and continue to improve, making sure our organization reflects the communities around us and is reaching the needs of all our members. To be a part of and contribute to this strategy working group is really exciting and I am looking forward to seeing where it takes us.
TALIA COMP, BETHELLS BEACH SLSP
Why did you join the Volunteer Strategy Working Group?
With volunteering being the heart of our organisation, I think it is important to have a strategy that reflects and aims to support and develop the different volunteer streams and reflects the different members of the organisation and the communities they serve.
JACOB GROOM, UNITED NORTH PIHA
Why did you join the Volunteer Strategy Working Group?
I joined Surf Life Saving as an eight year old nipper at Mairangi Bay when I moved to NZ from the UK. I currently belong to United North Piha and owe much of my development to them and Mairangi Bay. I’ve been involved with a variety of different areas in surf from competing and event guarding to instructing and committee work. I currently spend a lot of my time with the PLS crew, out on the RWC, at any of the development camps being run or chairing the SLSNR MDC.
My favourite thing about being part of Surf Lifesaving is the people. I’ve made lifelong friends and refer to the lifeguards in my life as family. I joined the volunteer strategy group to further the already great work being done for membership development throughout New Zealand.
MARILYN MOFFATT, LYALL BAY
Why did you join the Volunteer Strategy Working Group?
Volunteers are surf life saving. Without them we wouldn't exist, be able to patrol, train, compete or run clubs. There have been significant changes in society and the level of professionalism and commitment required to do all these things. I want to see how we can support our volunteers so that they can do the things they love, which will mean a better surf life saving environment that retains people. In particular, I'm on the Group to listen and learn from today's volunteers what they need, not what my generation did or needed.