Learning Lab is a series of curated professional development opportunities designed to provide volunteer-involving organisations with practical, best-practice frameworks and deeper insights into current issues and sector needs.
Each series focuses on building core capabilities through expert-led, interactive sessions, equipping volunteer leaders with the tools they need to strengthen their programs and lead with purpose.
Series Two will empower volunteer-involving organisations to confidently measure and communicate the meaningful impact of their volunteer programs by using existing data effectively and crafting compelling stories that engage funders, stakeholders, and communities.
This series is hosted by Volunteering Queensland in partnership with the Institute of Community Directors Australia, and Dr Ruth Knight.
About this series
From Impact to Inspiration: Measure, Share, Empower.
This two-part online series will help volunteer-involving organisations strengthen how they measure and communicate the true impact of their volunteer programs — even on a tight budget.
Ideal for volunteer managers and teams ready to capture meaningful outcomes and share their volunteer stories with confidence.
Part 1: Impact Evaluation Essentials
Wednesday 4 March, 10am-11.30pm
Delivered by the Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA), the best-practice governance network for the not-for-profit sector.
ICDA provides practical training, tools, and resources to support strong, effective community organisations. This session explores how to use the data you already collect to evaluate outcomes, demonstrate success, and guide better decision-making.
Part 2: Storytelling for Impact
Thursday 2 April, 10am-12.00pm
Facilitated by Dr Ruth Knight, the Development Manager for Yalari who provides education and leadership development to Indigenous young people from regional and remote Australia. With over 30 years of experience working within the nonprofit sector, from grassroots community initiatives to national organisations, Dr Knight specialises in outcomes measurement, storytelling, and building high-impact cultures in the not-for-profit sector.
This practical session will show you how storytelling can boost volunteer engagement and recognition—without a big budget or marketing team. You’ll discover how to:
- Share stories that showcase and celebrate your volunteers’ impact.
- Build trust and credibility with volunteers, staff, and the wider community.
- Craft simple, compelling narratives that attract new volunteers and keep your current team motivated.
- Foster a storytelling culture within your organisation.
- Navigate how and when to use AI
You’ll leave with practical tools and confidence to start sharing stories that inspire and sustain a thriving volunteer community.
1 CPD point is awarded for attending each session
Find out more about the CPD Program here
Location
Online
Online joining instructions will be provided via email prior to the session.
Register Now
The Learning Lab Series has been made possible with funding from the federal Australian Government’s Department of Social Services VMA program.