National Volunteer Week: Compassionate volunteering in the ASRC’s Legal Gender Clinic

This National Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating the volunteers who help make the ASRC community possible.

Across the organisation, volunteers contribute their time, skills and care to support people seeking asylum to access safety, dignity and belonging. Many of these roles happen quietly behind the scenes, but their impact can be life-changing.

As part of this blog series, we’re spotlighting volunteers whose compassion and commitment help create safer, more supportive experiences for people accessing ASRC services.

Nina has been volunteering with the ASRC’s Human Rights Law Program (HRLP) Gender Clinic since 2023, supporting people seeking protection on the basis of sexuality, gender, sexual violence and family violence. 

Volunteering once a week within the clinic, Nina helps support clients as they access legal assistance, often while navigating incredibly complex and traumatic experiences.

In her client-facing role, Nina brings empathy and compassion to create a safe environment within the Gender clinic. Some clients may be telling their stories for the first time, and Nina’s trauma-informed approach ensures they feel heard and validated. Navigating distressing conversations, Nina strives to provide care and dignity to clients seeking legal assistance. 

Now a leader within the Gender Clinic, Nina helps to mentor new volunteers, sharing her practical knowledge through volunteer training. Developing strategies with other volunteers and staff, she has helped shape an approach centred on agency and kindness. When new volunteers begin in the clinic, Nina provides them with the emotional and professional guidance to grow.

Nina advocates for the wellbeing of staff and volunteers in the clinic, recognising the emotionally demanding aspects of the work they do. She checks in regularly on those around her to foster a culture of support for fellow volunteers. 

Her commitment to volunteering means that clients navigating complex issues receive the support they need and are attended to with empathy and respect. Assisting clients through very difficult times in their lives, Nina exemplifies the importance of leading with compassion and kindness.

If you’re interested in volunteering your time and skills to help create meaningful change for people seeking asylum in our community, learn more about volunteering with the ASRC today.