Mark Trevaskis

My responsibilities: The prime role is leadership, but I’m also involved in fundraising, HR, managing finances and training.

Our team: We have four employees and more than 170 volunteers in New South Wales and Victoria.

Our greatest challenges: Shifting people’s views towards social inclusion of those who have an intellectual disability. We have to walk the talk by including those with this problem in all aspects of our organisation. It’s a constant challenge to rethink and create new ways to do this. Like many other small non profits, we struggle with fundraising and building awareness.

How we manage skilled volunteers: Listening to them is the key, then respecting each person’s contribution and focusing on their strengths.

Tips for working with skilled volunteers: Acknowledge their views, skills, and commitment. Make time to have some fun too.

What I find most rewarding: Seeing people have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Acceptance and inclusion is so important to us all, and we help to provide this for people with an intellectual disability. There is nothing like having a great friend.

What drew me to Best Buddies? The opportunity to work positively with people from all walks of life. I feel very lucky to work with such a creative, committed and fun team.