My occupation: Creative Director, RM:Creative (www.rmcreative.com.au)

My responsibilities: I work directly with clients to fulfill their creative and marketing briefs, ranging from branding and identity, print design, website creation to e-communications.

What inspired me to get involved in skilled volunteering: When I was younger, I used to be an active volunteer, getting involved in fundraising events such as the Oxfam Walk Against Want, the World Vision 40 Hour Famine, the Red Cross Calling Doorknock Appeal and the CMRI Jeans for Genes Day. More recently when I found out about goodcompany connecting skilled professionals with community organisations, I signed up immediately as I was keen to help make a difference by using my design/creative skills.

Which organisations have I fulfilled volunteer projects for: Aids Trust of Australia, IDEAS (Information on Disability & Education Awareness Services), Lupus Association of NSW, Quest for Life Foundation

Example of a fulfilled volunteer project with a good outcome : One of the volunteer projects was to develop a new identity system for the Lupus Association of NSW that was modern, vibrant and professional. After several months of collaboration, a new logo design was created and the new branding and identity was successfully launched as part of the Lupus Awareness Month campaign in October 2007. This involved the development of creative material including a poster, a brochure, an invitation to the annual fund-raising Gala Ball and a cover for the auction booklet menu to be handed out at the ball. A style guide was also developed for the on-going implementation of the new branding and identity, including templates for corporate stationery, leaflets, fact sheets and newsletters.

What the community group gained: A fresh, new look and image that will hopefully enable Lupus Association of NSW to more effectively promote awareness of their services to their target audience.

What I got out of volunteering my time and skills: I’ve enjoyed meeting with the various groups and finding out about what they do for the community, and knowing that what I do for them helps them help others.

The main difference between the NFP and private sectors: NFP organisations rarely have the same sized marketing budgets as their counterparts in the private sector, which is why Good Company is so vital for these community groups.

Tips for Community Groups working with skilled volunteers: Share as much information with the volunteer as you can to help them to better fulfill your brief, and give as much feedback as possible at every stage of the process.

Tips for Volunteers working with community groups in skilled volunteering: Get to know the community group as best as you can – meet up with them if possible! Also, be honest about what you are able to do.