Queensland is a vibrant tapestry of diversity, with individuals from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds enriching its social and economic fabric. However, despite this multicultural vibrancy and the growing demand for volunteers, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities remain underrepresented in formal inter-community volunteering.
While the CALD population has grown in recent years, their participation in inter-community volunteering remains disproportionately low. Hence, the title of this article effectively conveys the idea of a significant yet underutilised volunteer resource within multicultural (CALD) communities in Queensland.
This underrepresentation signifies a largely untapped pool of potential volunteers, a resource that could be crucial in strengthening social cohesion and community development.
In 2021, Queensland’s population included 1,170,328 people (22.7%) born overseas, classified as first-generation migrants (Queensland Treasury, 2021). With the emergence of second-generation migrants, this cultural and linguistic diversity continues to expand.
The growing demand for volunteers in Queensland
Volunteering plays a crucial role in building strong and connected communities. Various sectors, including aged care, disability services, disaster relief, and community outreach programs, rely heavily on volunteers to function effectively.
Traditionally, inter-community volunteering has been predominantly undertaken by individuals of European descent who have lived in Australia for generations. With Queensland’s growing population and the increasing needs of various social sectors, the demand for volunteers continues to rise.
For example, the economic value of volunteering in Queensland alone was estimated at over AUD 117 billion between 2022 and 2023 (Volunteering Queensland, 2024).
The untapped potential of CALD volunteers
However, despite the availability of willing individuals for volunteering, CALD communities are under-represented in formal inter-community volunteering. This could be due to motivations, barriers and enablers from both sides.
Despite the challenges, CALD volunteers bring unique perspectives, skills, and experiences that can enrich community programs and make them more inclusive and effective. Engaging CALD volunteers can help organisations build trust and meaningful connections with diverse communities, improving service delivery and engagement.
Encouraging CALD participation in volunteering fosters a sense of belonging, reduces social isolation, and strengthens inter-community relationships. One of the CALD communities who have been active in intra-community volunteering are the members of Islamic communities.
There are about 60,000 residing in Queensland representing over 100 cultural backgrounds. For Muslims, volunteering is consider as a form of charity which from as part of act of worship. Therefore, volunteering is very important for the Muslims.
Importance of volunteering by CALD Muslims
Volunteering in Islam is deeply rooted in a God-centred ethos2. The Qur’an and Sunnah strongly advocate for a culture of volunteerism, urging individuals to willingly share their time, resources, knowledge, and acts of kindness with others.
In Islam, volunteerism is a broad concept encompassing any action done for the benefit of others solely for the sake of God, without any expectation of reward or return from those who benefit. This ranges from simple gestures, such as removing an obstacle from a path, to establishing large philanthropic and charitable organisations.
Volunteerism can be undertaken individually or collectively. Muslims carry a profound sense of responsibility to engage in voluntary acts of goodness or worship. This responsibility is not just a duty, but a commitment to the community, driven by the principle of seeking no personal gain. Consequently, volunteerism is a core aspect of Islamic ethics and practice, forming an integral part of the identity of practising Muslims
Barriers faced by CALD communities in volunteering
Several known factors contribute to the underrepresentation of CALD individuals in formal volunteering roles. Many CALD individuals are unaware of volunteering opportunities due to language barriers, limited outreach efforts, and lack of culturally appropriate promotional materials.
Some CALD community members may feel excluded or hesitant to participate due to past experiences of discrimination, lack of inclusivity in volunteer organisations, or cultural misunderstandings.
Additionally, migrants and refugees often prioritise work, family responsibilities, and settlement-related challenges over volunteering, making it difficult to commit to unpaid community work.
Limited English proficiency can hinder effective communication and engagement, making it challenging for CALD individuals to integrate into volunteering programs that primarily operate in English.
Furthermore, in some cultures, community service is informal and cantered around family and close-knit groups rather than structured organisations, leading to a lack of recognition of formal volunteering as a viable option.
Strategies to enhance CALD participation in volunteering
To harness this untapped potential, organisations and policymakers must adopt inclusive strategies. These strategies are not just beneficial, but they are also urgent.
Tailoring recruitment efforts to address the specific needs and preferences of CALD communities, including multilingual outreach and community engagement, can significantly improve participation.
Providing flexible volunteering opportunities, addressing transportation challenges, and ensuring culturally appropriate training and support are crucial steps in removing structural barriers.
Collaborating with CALD community leaders, faith-based organisations, and ethnic groups to promote volunteering in a culturally sensitive manner will help bridge the gap.
Additionally, offering language support, cultural competency training, and mentorship programs can empower CALD individuals to navigate volunteering roles effectively.
It is imperative for stakeholders, including government bodies, non-profit organisations, and local communities, to work collaboratively. Engage the multicultural community leaders and representative.
This collaboration is crucial to ensure that volunteering is accessible to all, regardless of cultural or linguistic background. Each stakeholder has a unique role to play in promoting volunteering and fostering a more connected and equitable society.
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