Future Forte Empower Volunteering Program

Future Forte’s volunteering program is where participants gain volunteering experience as a Future Forte team member and receive structured learning and development support. This program is designed for international students and recent graduates* studying in an Australian institution. If you don’t fall within this group but think this program will benefit you, we also welcome you to apply. While there are in-person components of this program that we encourage you to attend, you don’t have to be physically in Victoria or Australia throughout the duration of the program to participate.

*Recent graduates include holders of post- study graduate visas or those within three years of study completion

Join FF Empower Program Today!

What does volunteering mean?

Volunteering Australia defines volunteering as time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain. Community and not for profit organizations like Future Forte are often powered by volunteers.

While volunteering provides substantial benefits to society, importantly it also provides significant benefits to the volunteers themselves. For international students, volunteering allows you to develop practical experience, important soft skills, valuable network and a sense of belonging. With Future Forte, you will be contributing to a real and positive impact by supporting fellow international students and alumni, providing tools and resources for each other, and helping create a sense of community for each other.

The value you will gain

Develop important skills

  • Through the personal and professional development sessions on:

    o   Public Speaking and Confidence-Building

    o   Professional Development

    o   Stress Management & Wellbeing

    o   Leadership and Strengths

    o   Volunteering experience and developing skills in teamwork, communications and knowledge applications from the sessions

Valuable personal and professional network  

  • Engaging with the community of international students, stakeholders, university leaders

  • Networking in events, sessions and the conference

Develop practical experience      

  • Completing and delivering goals with the Future Forte team support

  • Leading groups and working in teams

Community and peer support

  • Monthly sessions, regular team check-ins

  • Future Forte online groups, in-person socials and activities

Key Dates (applications closed)

  • Application open: 6 May 2024

  • Application close: 31 May 2024

  • Outcome announcement: 12 June 2024

  • Program runs: from June 2024 to October 2024

  • Location: Online and In Person Sessions and Activities

What to expect during the Empower Program?

  • Welcome and Kick-Off Session

  • In-person Socials and Activities

  • Be assigned a team based on your interests in supporting Future Forte operations, engagements and the production of the Future Forte Conference 2024

    • Operations and Management

    • Partnerships and Grants

    • Programs

    • Communications & Marketing  

  • Participate in workshops and sessions on developing important soft skills for international students such as

    • Public Speaking and Confidence-Building

    • Wellbeing and Stress Management

    • Professional Development

    • Strengths and Leadership

  • Support in the engagement and growth of Future Forte’s community, newsletter and social media channels

  • Represent Future Forte in events and programs

  • Receive a certificate from Study Melbourne and Future Forte upon completion of the program

*Participants  completing  the  program  will  receive  professional references upon request