What are the capability of todays students & jobseekers?
What are young people looking for?
How do you scope out great cause-driven learning projects?
These key areas remain a mystery for many Non-Profits so they were the focus last week when the Milaana team arrived at Volunteering Gold Coast (VGC) for our very first workshop!!!
The workshop was titled ‘The Future of Student Engagement’ and saw a number of VGC members, young and old, come along 
to hear about the great potential of student interns and how to create projects to train.
It was so inspiring to see such a diverse range of people who all had one common requirement – they want to engage impact interns!
By sharing their stories, engaging in the workshop and talking to each other they were able to scope out potential projects for students that will help their organisations to engage and support bright and big-hearted students in their own career development needs.
The organisations involved were:
Volunteering Gold Coast: Volunteering Gold Coast is an organisation aiming to develop, strengthen and connect the community by achieving excellence in volunteering for the mutual benefit of the individual and wider community. Having had positive experiences with interns in the past, the organisation is looking to bring more student interns to their workplace.
Mudgeeraba Light Horse Museum: Opened in 1980 the museum is a not-for-profit organisation that provides an authentic picture of the Australian Light Horse Regiment’s history. The museum is looking for students to help preserve and keep the ANZAC spirit alive.
Friends of Federation Walk: Friends of Federation Walk is a community group dedicated to the regeneration of the vegetation on The Spit and creating public access for recreation. Geoff Scott from the organisation was interested in marketing students to help spread the good word.
Southern Gold Coast 60 and Better Program: This organisation is encouraging over 60s to enjoy an active social life and to become involved in health enhancing activities. The program already utilises nutrition and dietetic students and is looking for students to help seniors embrace technology.
Boomerang Bags: Boomerang Bags is a not-for-profit organisation, providing free-to-borrow, re-useable bags made from recycled materials to local communities around Australia. The organisation needs student interns to help with marketing, graphic design and business strategy to expand in other communities.
Tackle Youth Unemployment: Tackle Youth Unemployment provides support services and mentoring to youth who are at risk of becoming long-term unemployed. The organisation has a lot of fundraising events that need interns as well as the need for an updated social media and blog presence.
The workshop was a wonderful opportunity to meet inspiring organisations. Here is what they had to say about Milaana:
“I think this a great program that could greatly benefit Tackle Youth Unemployment as a new charity that needs many projects completed as soon as possible so we can focus on our vision” – Donna, Tackle Youth Unemployment
“A safe environment to connect today’s youth with tomorrow’s possibilities” – Tanya, Volunteering Gold Coast
“From go to whoa” – Brian, Mudgeeraba Light Horse Museum
“Appears to be a valuable platform to engage with and recruit passionate and skilled volunteer interns” – Jordyn de Boer, Boomerang Bags
“Hollie was an engaging presenter. It was fantastic to hear the student stories. Very inspiring!” – Ruby, Volunteering Gold Coast
