Philip Searle
My Story
Volunteering is not about helping a community - it’s about belonging to a community.
My family has always been heavily involved in their community and it only seemed natural for me do the same. When I was younger I used to help out with phone-a-thons and charity collections within my religious community. This soon grew and I began helping with the promotion and organisation of various community events. I soon realised, however, that there was a second community I belonged to which I had neglected.
In June 2011, I began a 6-month leadership program run by Family Planning Victoria for the GLBTIQ community, Q&A2011. Part of the program involved mentored sessions. I was privileged that my mentor, Greg Adkins, was, and still is, heavily involved within the community. He stood as my inspiration to get involved and see how I could contribute.
Getting involved with VAC/GMHC
Within days of my first mentored session I made contact with Shane Kelly from VAC/GMHC. I still remember that first meeting - I was so nervous. I had no idea what to expect and knew very little about the organisation. But Shane was fantastic. He explained to me what VAC/GMHC does, how they came about and what they stand for. I have to admit though, I was utterly confused with all the acronyms Shane mentioned: VAC/GMHC, PLC, PKC, PLWHA, GLBTIQ, WAD, AGLA, HALC... But now, each acronym means something to me. They are each a pillar of our community: responding to our diversity and contributing to our needs.
My first week at VAC/GMHC was nothing like I expected. I was sent to the basement (a.k.a. the dungeon!) to search for old documents. It was quite a symbolic task as I had the opportunity to learn more about the history of the organisation. As I explored the tunnels and endless rooms stacked to the ceiling with old files, I used the opportunity to do my own research. I read through old annual reports and publications and I immersed myself in history. It was a fantastic opportunity and an amazing start to my volunteering.
It didn’t take long before I moved onto reception. It's here that I set up the office for the day, monitor the safe needle exchange program, sort through mail, transfer calls and help with day-to-day operational needs. I also spend time upstairs helping with administrative tasks, packing safe-sex packs, preparing and selling ribbons for World AIDS Day and other tasks. The VAC/GMHC team is very supportive and there isn’t a moment that I don’t feel appreciated! They’re forever thanking me and other volunteers for our contribution and we are very grateful for the opportunity they provide us.
More recently, I’ve started volunteering with the Outreach program, run by Tex McKenzie. Outreach allows me to act as a resource for patrons at sex-on-premise venues who have questions regarding safe-sex practice, STIs and HIV/AIDS. My initial interest was in learning more about these issues, but now, through volunteering I have a wonderful opportunity to share my knowledge. I also like to think that our presence serves as a reminder to the patrons to hold true to their values, as there may be times of vulnerability where one compromises their usual practice to satisfy others.
Throughout my time at VAC/GHMC I’ve learnt that volunteering is not just about helping others, it’s about helping a community. To me, this place is a community hub. It’s a source of community support providing recreational, educational, health and social relief. It’s a place where men, women, transgender and anything in between can belong. VAC/GHMCis a hub where I belong and so can you!
