Jaya Manchikanti has been a dedicated volunteer for as long as she can remember. She started by raising funds for the Salvation Army and World Vision in high school. Now, she leads successful not-for-profit organisations. From an early age, Jaya could see that some people were disadvantaged. But she knew things could be different, so she decided to study and work in community development.
Jaya is a testament to the fact that there are many ways to volunteer. She has organised meetings for community development practitioners, formed a group to support women in the Telugu community, and led Monash Lions Club to help local communities.
Jaya founded IndianCare when she saw a chance to reflect the important work in the multicultural sector. She wanted to hear about the issues facing Victoria’s growing Indian community. IndianCare connects people of South Asian origin in Victoria with the welfare services they need. The organisation is approaching its tenth anniversary.
For over 10 years, Jaya has positively impacted communities in Victoria. She uses her skills in community development, relationship building, and listening.
Listen more than you talk," says Jaya about her approach to connecting with people.
Recognising the value in what others say has underpinned her volunteering efforts. This dedication earned her the top prize at the Victorian Volunteering Awards 2021. Jaya received the Volunteering Leadership Award, the Premier's Volunteer of the Year Award, and a $10,000 donation to a not-for-profit organisation of her choice.
Jaya has gained leadership and financial skills from volunteering, even though financial skills aren’t her strong suit. As Jaya says, "That’s the beauty of volunteering. You pick up on a lot of skills."
Give it a go,” says Jaya to anyone considering volunteering. "Pick a cause you’re passionate about and start small if you’re not sure if it’s for you."
In her leadership roles at IndianCare and Monash Lions Club, Jaya feels that any time spent volunteering is valuable.
Volunteering is flexible. You can contribute as little or as much as you like. Even if it’s only an hour a month, knowing you’re helping somehow is good for your health and wellbeing.
Jaya brings a lot of community development experience from her work and current PhD studies. Volunteering lets her be creative and innovative. She uses her community development skills to help others.
She has made great friends by volunteering with people who share her passion for making a positive impact in the community.
I volunteer because it’s enriching, it's meaningful and it’s beneficial to the community."
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