This year is a very exciting year for the Green Connections program. After the success of different program formats such as the 6 week school volunteer program trialled in 2009, we are expanding these programs in 2010 to include more groups and locations.

In response to your requests, this year also sees the creation of opportunities for all our supporters to be involved through the introduction of Community and Family Volunteering days.

Further details on all of these programs are below.

School Volunteering Program
In 2009 we saw the launch of our 6 week School Volunteering program that focuses on a different element of the environment each week including a Sea Search session. We had great feedback from the program and in 2010 we are expanding to include more schools. Sessions generally run from 9:30 – 3:00pm in parks within close vicinity to the school. Environmental education is provided throughout the day. The focus, however, is on volunteering within the community and empowering the student through showing them how they can be custodians of their local environment. We also continue to offer our one day school volunteering program.

Community Volunteering Days
This year we will be running several Community Volunteering Days where we will be running the Green Connections program in a metropolitan park accessible by public transport. This is your chance to get out and get your hands dirty in one of many wonderful parks in metropolitan Melbourne. Where we can, we try to work with Friends groups, so that if you love the experience you can continue to help out. Keep an eye on our website for upcoming dates and activities.

Family Volunteering Days
Instil the wonder of learning about nature in your children. Family Volunteering Days are all about working together as a family to help out in a community park. The focus will be on learning about planting and the park ecosystems through participation. Full instruction and support is provided in a relaxing and fun environment. The morning volunteering session will be followed by a nature treasure hunt and then some time out as we relax for a picnic lunch together in the park. Keep an eye on our website for upcoming dates.

Corporate Volunteering
Our Corporate Responsibility program continued to grow in 2009. We are already booking up fast on our day volunteering program for the start of planting season in April.

Further to our day volunteering programs, we have some exciting projects available in 2010 through our Parks Partnership model. The Park Partnership deepens the involvement of businesses in the community by companies selecting an ongoing project to participate in and support. The projects are community focussed and often involve Friends groups or other community groups. Where possible, we connect you to a park close to your location. If you really want to build a strong connection to your community, this is the one for you.