Category: Get Involved

  • Get involved with People For Nature

    Get involved with People For Nature

    At People For Nature, we believe everyone has a role to play in shaping a future where people and nature thrive together.

    Whether you have time, energy, skills, or funds to give — there’s a meaningful way for you to get involved.

    Here’s are a few ways you can join our movement:

    1. Become an Ally 🌱

    Allies are people and organisations who participate in one of our workshops, events, or community initiatives. Whether you join a Climate Fresk, Biodiversity Collage, Circular Economy Collage, or one of our nature-based experiences, you are already part of the change.

    No ongoing commitment — just curiosity, open-mindedness, and a willingness to learn.

    🎟️ -> ATTEND A WORKSHOP:

    https://collections.humanitix.com/people-for-nature-literacy-workshops

    2. Become an Ambassador

    Ambassadors are trained and active volunteers who generously contribute their time and energy to support our purpose in their local community and within the organisation.

    From learning and facilitating workshops to supporting events, securing and delivering projects, fundraising, and growing our community, our ambassadors are at the heart of our grassroots power.

    This is a volunteer role and can be as flexible or involved as your time allows.

    As representatives of People For Nature, Ambassadors are expected to comply with our Code of Conduct. Ambassadors are also expected to accept personal accountability for their conduct and contribute to safe, collaborative spaces — whether online or in person.

    3. Join our Core Team 🌺

    Core Team members are committed leaders who help guide the strategic direction of People For Nature. This includes Board Members, Executive Leads, Comms Lead, Program Leads, Regional Leads.

    All team members are required to:

    • Sign and adhere to our Conflict of Interest Policy, declaring any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.
    • Avoid direct competition with People For Nature’s activities.
    • Uphold our values and purpose in all engagements.
    • Adhere to our Code of Conduct, acting with integrity, respect, and accountability.

    This role requires dedication, accountability, and shared ownership of our purpose. Core Team members may hold either volunteer or remunerated positions, depending on the nature of the role and available funding.

    4. Partner With Us 🌻

    Partners are organisations, businesses, educational institutions, and networks that support our Theory of Change through aligned collaboration. This can include financial contributions, pro bono expertise, shared resources, or joint initiatives.

    Partnerships take many forms — from co-hosted events and capacity-building support to strategic programmes and innovation projects — depending on shared goals and impact opportunities.

    All partnerships are established under agreed terms, aligned with project needs and available funding. To ensure clarity, transparency, and mutual commitment, we formalise our collaborations through a partnership agreement.

    We value partnerships grounded in purpose, trust, and a shared commitment to creating meaningful, long-term impact for people and nature.

    Get in touch >

    5. Donate🌾

    Donors are individuals, organisations, or businesses who contribute funds to sustain our work. As a registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, donations to People For Nature are tax-deductible, providing a valuable benefit to our supporters. This status also strengthens our eligibility for grants and funding opportunities.

    Your donation helps us reach more people with climate and biodiversity and other planetary boundaries education, deliver high-impact programs, and grow our team sustainably. Every dollar helps us plant the seeds of change. Regular or one-off donations are welcome.

    To donate, visit https://www.blog.peoplefornature.org.au/donate

  • Our Code of Conduct

    Our Code of Conduct

    Our Commitment

    At People For Nature, we are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and purpose-driven environment for everyone involved — whether you are an ally, ambassador, donor, contractor, partner, or team member.

    This Code of Conduct outlines the principles that guide how we work together to reconnect people with nature and empower meaningful action for climate and biodiversity.

    “As part of People For Nature, I stay grounded in the reality of the environmental challenges we face, but I choose to act with stubborn optimism. I work collaboratively, valuing diverse perspectives and collective intelligence to drive systemic change. I lead with integrity and am committed to openness and transparency in all I do.”

    This code of conduct follows the EIANZ Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.


    1. Respect and Inclusion

    We recognise that protecting nature requires diverse voices and lived experiences.
    We listen deeply, value differences, and co-create solutions grounded in empathy.

    • We respect all people — regardless of background, identity, ability, age, gender, sexuality, race, or belief.
    • We promote an inclusive, welcoming environment where everyone feels seen and valued.
    • We communicate with care and compassion, always assuming positive intent.
    • We tap into the wisdom of communities, scientists, and citizens to protect and regenerate nature.

    2. Integrity and Transparency

    We act with honesty and integrity to build trust, strengthen relationships, and align our actions with our mission.

    • We are transparent in our decisions, communications, and use of resources.
    • We declare any potential or perceived conflicts of interest.
    • We uphold the responsibilities of public trust as a values-led nonprofit organisation.

    3. Environmental Responsibility

    We strive to live the change we wish to see — embedding sustainability and regeneration in how we work and what we deliver.

    • We lead by example, making sustainable choices in daily operations and events.
    • We design programs that embed science-based, community-led responses to environmental challenges.
    • We minimise our footprint and maximise our impact — using digital-first communications, reducing travel, and hosting low-carbon events.
    • We champion urban greening, habitat restoration, citizen conservation, and sustainable consumption.

    4. Collaboration and Learning

    We believe transformative change happens when we come together, learn together, and act together.

    • We share knowledge freely and support one another’s growth through collaboration and mentorship.
    • We foster a culture of curiosity, creativity, and continuous learning.
    • We acknowledge contributions, celebrate collective achievements, and give credit where it’s due.
    • We partner with organisations, businesses, and policymakers that align with our mission and values.

    5. Safety and Wellbeing

    We care for one another and commit to safe, supportive spaces — both emotionally and physically.

    • We do not tolerate harassment, discrimination, bullying, or violence of any kind.
    • We support each other’s wellbeing and take action if we witness unsafe, harmful, or unethical behaviour.
    • We approach challenges with care and seek resolution through respectful dialogue.

    6. Responsible Representation

    Whether as a volunteer, partner, or team member, we represent People For Nature with professionalism and care.

    • We only speak on behalf of the organisation when authorised to do so.
    • We use our platforms and influence to uplift others and advocate for a just, regenerative future.
    • We lead by example and align our personal actions with our collective values.

    7. Confidentiality and Data Ethics

    We handle information with care and ensure the trust placed in us is protected.

    • We respect the confidentiality of sensitive information shared internally or by participants.
    • We collect, store, and use personal data responsibly and in line with relevant privacy laws.

    Accountability

    Everyone involved with People For Nature is expected to uphold this Code of Conduct. Breaches may lead to a review of involvement or removal from roles, depending on the severity and context of the issue.


    Raising Concerns

    If you witness or experience behaviour by any member of People For Nature — including Directors — that does not align with this Code or our organisational values, please report it in confidence to a member of the leadership team. We are committed to ensuring all concerns are addressed respectfully, fairly, and promptly.

    People For Nature’s Directors include Certified Environmental Practitioners (CEnvP), bound by the EIANZ Code of Ethics. If you believe that a co-founder or Director has breached this Code, you may lodge a confidential concern directly with the EIANZ using their online complaint form.


    Our Shared Responsibility

    This Code reflects who we are and what we stand for. When acting on behalf of or representing People For Nature, you are expected to uphold this Code and contribute to a culture of respect, care, and collective action for nature and people.

  • Our Team

    Our Team

    People For Nature harnesses the power of people and the strength of collaboration and science to take meaningful steps to create a more resilient planet and sustainable future. 

    We’re on a mission to empower all Australians to actively protect biodiversity and build climate resilience. We champion a citizen-centred approach, empowering communities to take action through education, action and science. Nature belongs to everyone, and we share a collective responsibility to safeguard it for future generations. 

    Founded by three Certified Environmental Practitioners (CEnvP): Audrey Barucchi, Dr Fanny De Busserolles, and Olivia Woosnam, People For Nature brings together a group of like-minded individuals and organisations. Together we’re all working towards the goal of keeping the planet habitable for all. 

    Read on to find out more about the amazing people who are helping us create positive ecological change:


    Meet Our Board

    Kylie Flament | Chair

    Shiva Prasad Bebarta | Treasurer

    Audrey Barucchi | Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Dr Fanny de Busserolles | Co-Founder & Chief Program Officer

    Mylene Turban | Non-Executive Director

    Germain Briand | Non-Executive Director


    Meet Our Team Members

    Olivia Woosnam | Co-Founder (read her story)

    Aye Verckens | Communications Leader (read her story)

    Carole Defago | Climate Fresk Program Lead (read her story)

    Meet Jenni Philippe | Circular Economy Collage Program Lead (read her story)

    Mélanie Ducros | Climate Literacy Facilitator & program lead VIC


    Meet our Ambassadors

    Ambassadors are the heart of our initiative, running workshops year-round and reaching people of all ages, from schools and communities to businesses. Together, we’re helping to bridge knowledge gaps, inspire action, and create a more sustainable future for all.


    About Our Ambassador Program

    Our Ambassador Program is part of a rapidly growing movement, with ambassadors across the country working to spread climate and biodiversity education, action and impact. Through this program, passionate people are trained and empowered to host workshops that drive meaningful action and understanding of environmental issues.

    If you’re interested in hosting a workshop or becoming an ambassador, get in touch and join us in making a difference!

  • The decline of volunteering and how we can rebuild it

    The decline of volunteering and how we can rebuild it

    Over the past two decades, Australia has witnessed a notable decline in formal volunteering rates, raising concerns about the sustainability of many community services and the overall social fabric. According to the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, formal volunteering participation rates have decreased among individuals aged 15–40 and 41–65, while the rate among those aged 66 and above has gradually increased. 

    Factors Contributing to the Decline

    1. Economic Pressures: Rising living costs and economic uncertainties have led individuals to prioritise paid work over unpaid volunteer activities.

    2. Time Constraints: Modern lifestyles, characterised by demanding work schedules and personal commitments, leave limited time for volunteering.

    3. Shifts in Volunteer Engagement: There is a growing trend towards short-term, episodic volunteering rather than long-term commitments, making it challenging for organisations to maintain consistent volunteer support. 

    4. Perceived Bureaucracy: Some potential volunteers are deterred by the administrative requirements and formalities associated with volunteering roles.

    Implications of the Decline

    The reduction in volunteering has significant consequences:

    • Strained Community Services: charities rely on volunteers to deliver essential services. A decline in volunteer numbers can lead to reduced service delivery.
    • Erosion of Social Capital: Volunteering fosters community bonds and civic engagement. A decrease in volunteerism can weaken community cohesion and social networks.
    • Increased Pressure on Remaining Volunteers: With fewer volunteers available, those remaining may experience burnout due to increased responsibilities.

    Revitalising Volunteerism

    At People For Nature, we believe in the power of informed, committed citizens to drive change. We are more than a charity—we are a movement, a community where people come together to rethink a more “humane” society. Here, we form lifelong connections, support one another, and create small local and tangible impact.

    In the face of declining volunteerism, we’re reimagining what it means to contribute. By making volunteering more flexible and rewarding, we can reignite civic engagement and strengthen our communities.

    Our Ambassador Program:

    Our Ambassador Program empowers people to become leaders in climate and biodiversity education, citizen conservation, and citizen science—creating impact in their communities and organisations across the country.

    What Our Ambassadors Do:

    🌿 Educate & Inspire – Deliver engaging workshops in schools, workplaces, and communities, turning complex environmental science into action. Help create Nature Oasis spaces—restorative green hubs that reconnect people with nature in urban environments.

    🎤 Speak for Nature – Represent People For Nature at conferences and events, pitching bold ideas for climate and biodiversity solutions.

    🧪 Lead Citizen Science – Mobilise communities to take part in conservation projects, gathering valuable data to protect Australia’s ecosystems.

    Why Join?

    ✔️ Professional Training – Gain the skills and confidence to lead workshops, public talks, and citizen-driven initiatives.
    ✔️ National Impact – Help spread environmental awareness and action across Australia.
    ✔️ Lifelong Connections – Join a passionate network of like-minded changemakers.
    ✔️ Flexible Involvement – Choose how and where you contribute, based on your skills and availability.

    By becoming a People For Nature Ambassador, you’re not just volunteering—you’re leading a movement.

    Together, we can turn the tide on declining volunteerism and imagine a society where people and nature thrive—driven by the collective power of citizens who care.

    Join us. Learn, inspire, and create change. 🌏💚


    References:

    The Decline of Formal Volunteering in Australia (2001–2020): Insights from the HILDA Survey; Rong Zhu – September 2022

    Key Statistics about Volunteering in Australia: The General Social
    Survey 2020 and the Household Impacts of COVID-19 Survey,
    Volunteering Australia

    Five Forces that are Changing Volunteering in Queensland, Volunteering Queensland

    Community events cancelled, emergency services stretched as volunteer numbers fall; Regional social affairs reporter ABC News Erin Parke