We connect people to opportunity, community and support
DIVRS is the Darebin Information, Volunteer & Resource Service.
We are a not-for-profit volunteer-powered community organisation.
Our services, programs and information are FREE.
We work with people living, studying and volunteering in Darebin.
how we work
We recognise people’s right to make their own decisions.
Our services are free, confidential, impartial and independent.
MEET THE TEAM
DIVRS Staff
We all work part-time. Together, we add up to the equivalent of 5 full time staff.
DIVRS Committee of Governance
DIVRS Volunteers
Volunteers power DIVRS. We have over 130 volunteers and students working with us and the Darebin community.
We literally could not exist without them.
RESPECT AND LANGUAGE AT DIVRS
At DIVRS, we believe in fostering a respectful, inclusive and caring environment in all our interactions with people. We consider our volunteers, people who participate in our programs or engage with our services, placement students, DIVRS staff and everyone involved in our initiatives as part of one community. Our approach is person-centered, acknowledging and respecting the experiences people have. We provide support by working holistically with each person and meeting them where they are at.
A key aspect of how we use language is avoiding fixed labels for people. We consciously do not use words or phrases such as 'in need,' 'disadvantaged,' 'marginalised,' or 'vulnerable.' We recognise such language can create divisions within our community between those who 'have' and those who 'need.' Instead, we choose inclusive language that promotes unity and shared experiences.
For example, when referring to our food initiatives, we emphasise that we 'share food with people' rather than 'distributing food to those in need.' This highlights the collaborative nature of our efforts and reinforces the idea that we are all part of a caring community. We engage with individuals as 'people', 'community members' or 'program participants' rather than using the term 'clients'. This choice of language reflects our commitment to building meaningful relationships and treating everyone with dignity and respect.
By adopting inclusive language, we aim to create an environment where all people feel valued and empowered. We strive to promote a sense of belonging, recognising the strengths and unique qualities of each person in our community. Through our language choices, we reinforce the principles of respect, inclusivity and care that are integral to the DIVRS Community Development Framework.
OUR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
We take a community development approach to the way we work at DIVRS. We use strengths-based ways of working with people to support people identify and act on the issues important to them and their community. We acknowledge that communities can shape a positive future through connected efforts and sharing responsibility.
Our Community Development Framework supports our generosity of spirit at DIVRS. Being generous with our time, sharing information and collaborating are important to us. It enables us to foster relationships and contribute to positive outcomes for the people and communities we work alongside.
Click the Community Development Framework image to view the framework.
