Stationery Reuse is an environmentally focused program which facilitates the collection and redistribution of functional stationery to students and operates from the Stationery Reuse Centre (SRCe). The program allows students and organisations to donate accumulated stationery instead of disposing them into landfill, hence reducing waste. Stationery Reuse also run events during the semester raising student awareness of the services provided by the program (free stationery and $1 binding!) and promoting environmental sustainability.  

Ian was naturally drawn to the program with his environmental interests and joined at the beginning of Semester 2 2017. He was selected for the Publicity and Events Portfolio, responsible for external events which promote the program’s services and internal events which engage the program’s volunteers.  

During this first semester, he developed his organisational skills and gained a good overview of the program. He could then build on this the following semester and was able to secure one of the Publicity and Events Co-Leader roles. This role allowed him to focus on more on his leadership skills. 

“As one of the Co-Leaders I ensured that events were run regularly over the course of the semester and led a portfolio to plan these events. This was a bit of a leadership role, where I delegated tasks to other volunteers, monitored their progress and helped them if necessary”. 

For his third semester with Stationery Reuse, he stepped into the role as a Feedback Officer, where he had the opportunity to follow the onboarding and training of new volunteers with his thorough knowledge of the program. 

“Being one of two Feedback Officers, I tried to meet and engage with all volunteers of the program, so I could get their feedback and address any concerns that they might have. I also helped the wider team in trying to maintain the volunteer engagement especially through bonding experiences”.  

From organisational skills when planning and delivering great events; taking the lead and delegating tasks; recruitment and retention knowledge from his on-boarding experience; and customer service from helping at the SRCe – Ian has had a very positive experience and has learnt many valuable skills. He would recommend the program to other students especially because of its clear expectations and plenty of room for development. 

Interested? Read more about the program and sign up to volunteer here.