The AVA celebrates National Volunteer Week 2022

With National Volunteer Week (16 - 22 May 2022) upon us, the AVA would like to pay tribute to all the fantastic volunteers that help to keep the AVA the voice of the veterinary profession.

There are four pillars which underpin the AVA: advocacy, education, community and support. These pillars are upheld by more than 300 volunteers spread across various Special Interest Groups, advocacy groups, working groups, committees and the numerous educational and social events that occur throughout the year. Many of these volunteers are veterinarians with invaluable expertise, energy and drive, who still take time out of their busy lives to contribute to the industry.

The past two years have seen veterinarians face unprecedented challenges – the pandemic, natural disasters and staff shortages adding additional burdens to an industry already grappling with mental health challenges. Despite this, vets have shown incredible resilience, lending their skills not just to the AVA but also to the wider community. It’s clear that vets are passionate about making a difference, and volunteering is just one part of this.

Cristy Secombe, AVA Head of Veterinary and Public Affairs, says:

“There is an incredible amount of work undertaken by the AVA to support and advocate for the whole veterinary profession, and it couldn’t be done without the many volunteers that are a part of the AVA. It’s not just their time and effort - it’s also the expertise, advice and feedback they give that is essential to what we do. I’d like to thank them for all they give.”

Volunteering not only has benefits for the individual, but also the industry at large. Our volunteers – the lifeblood of the AVA – allow an incredibly diverse range of individuals to contribute to the organisation, thus helping to shape the future of the profession. Volunteering with the AVA affords vets the opportunity to:

• Contribute to the priorities and programs that support their profession in practical ways
• Be an active part of promoting solidarity across the profession, increasing the AVA’s advocacy effectiveness
• Influence the AVA agenda in advocacy, membership, policy or CPD activities
• Develop leadership skills transferrable to other professional and personal contexts
• Build professional networks beyond local contacts
• Progress towards other leadership roles within the AVA and beyond

The AVA seeks to recognise the contribution of volunteers and members to the association and the profession through our Awards program. If you’d like to find out more about volunteering for the AVA, please get in touch, or visit our Get Involved page.