National Volunteer Week 2008

National Volunteer Week is currently on, running from the 12-18 May. The ARU encourages Rugby Clubs to acknowledge their volunteers . This is a great time to start thinking about nominating a volunteer for the ARU 2008 National Volunteer Program. Australian Rugby recognises the efforts and skills of volunteers and the Volunteer Recognition Program is an effort to encourage and lift the profile of Community Rugby volunteers.  The program's objective is to reward those volunteers who have contributed to the development, promotion and/or advancement of Rugby Union within Australia.

The following judging criteria are to be used in the selection of the National Volunteer:

• Significant contribution to the sport of Rugby
• Innovation and leadership
• Demonstration of Community Rugby participation
• Meeting an identified Community Rugby need
• Meeting an identified region/zone, state or national Rugby need
• Contribution of best practice principles
• Contribution to Rugby within their State/Territory Union up to and including July 2008.

The Volunteer Recognition Program in 2007 took on a new, more exclusive approach which will continue in 2008.  This includes one nomination from each State/Territory Union to attend the John Eales Medal Dinner where the National Volunteer of the Year will be announced. Nominations close 29 August 2008 Click here for more details.

Want to win a Qantas Wallabies Signed Jersey for a Volunteer at your club? 

Community Rugby also wants to hear about the Volunteers that are shaping our game out there and share the stories through Community Rugby E-news.  We would like to profile volunteers from around Australia in our June addition, and encourage Clubs to send in nominations for their volunteers. For details and to enter, please Click Here.