Esha: Delighted to have you here Danielle and for taking your time out. We’ll begin with a little introduction. Firstly can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
Danielle: I am a uni student currently in my third year studying a Bachelor of Communication (majoring in Digital and Social Media/Strategic Communication) at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). In my spare time I like to write and read and generally enjoy the concept of storytelling – which kind of ties into my studies with communication. In terms of how my hobbies and interests tie into my role as a volunteer at BoxHead plastics, I like that BoxHead is a not-for-profit organisation and that they are giving back to the community.
Esha: Wonderful! Second question, what made you want to volunteer at BoxHead Plastics?
Danielle: To be honest, it was part of my academic credit and internship which is the main reason for me volunteering at BoxHead. But I particularly like it because of the fact that it’s not-for-profit, making it different unlike other organisations. Considering the fact that it is an organisation that has less resources but is willing and determined to make an impact.
Esha: Why are you volunteering in the role that you are – do you take a passion in climate change, activism or purely for professional experience?
Danielle: A lot for professional experience, but at the same time I want to be in a role where I know that the organisation is doing good and making a positive change in society. At BoxHead it’s incredible how they are involved in recycling, reducing waste and landfill. It’s a positive experience because I’m volunteering for a good cause.
Esha: Which value or activity at BoxHead plastics interests you most – recycling, marketing, etc?
Danielle: Marketing and social media just cause that’s what I’m studying and I naturally have an interest for those kinds of things. Marketing is also most useful to the organisation, as a core part of the organisation is recycling, they both work hand in hand. Because marketing is key to promoting the cause of organisation; donors also know where their money is going.
Esha: What do you find most rewarding about volunteering?
Danielle: Generally with volunteering it’s usually because I’m either connected to the people at the organisation or I see value in the things they are doing and their mission. I like that volunteering means that you can practise your skills but also for organisations that might not have as many financial resources to employ people. It’s rewarding to work as a team, but also contributing to the mission and the value of the work the organisation is doing.
Esha: What advice would you give anyone who wants to promote social change around them or get involved in volunteering?
Danielle: Just go for it, if you don’t try you don’t know. With BoxHead I learnt so much about recycling and climate and just stuff I didn’t know. So it’s a learning opportunity – just go for it!
Esha: One thing that you’ve learned specifically from volunteering with BoxHead Plastics?
Danielle: Both contextual information about recycling but also skills for my professional career pursuits – I didn’t know a lot about automotive plastic waste before, how little of it is being recycled and how much goes to landfill. Learning how to create marketing material but also feedback which helps in the creative process which is helpful in the professional sense.