We don’t often think about belonging to  a Community of Practice in the volunteering space. However, they can be extremely beneficial to a leader of volunteers. Fostering a sense of community and collaboration is essential for professional growth and development, but it also offers a valuable platform to share insights, exchange experiences, and collectively enhance volunteer programs. As you know if you read my blog regularly, I am a huge fan of collaboration between organizations!

Below, I lay out a step-by-step process to establish a vibrant Community of Practice tailored to the needs of leaders of volunteers.

Step 1: Define the purpose and scope of your Community of Practice.

Begin by clarifying why you want to do this. What are you wanting to get out of it? Ask yourself: What specific goals do you aim to achieve through this community? Are you focused on sharing best practices, solving common challenges, or inspiring innovation? Identifying your scope will help guide your Community of Practice’s direction and activities. Also decide if you would like to focus on a particular sector in the space (ie: animal welfare), or a specific geographic location? This will help you with Step 2.

Step 2: Identify potential members.

Reach out to fellow volunteer leaders within your network who might be interested in joining the Community of Practice. Look for leaders who are passionate about volunteer engagement and are willing to contribute actively to the community. Depending on whether you would like to meet in person or online, you may be able to build your Community of Practice into an international community. Or keep it focused on the distinct issues facing your particular area of the world.

Step 3: Work out the logistics with a handful of key people.

Are you meeting online or in person? How often are you meeting? Will the meetings be structured and formal, or ad hoc and informal? Will there be specific roles (ie: someone is assigned to send out the meeting invitations and reminders, or to arrange for external speakers)? Etc. Decide on the basic things that you need to know to get started.

Step 4: Foster open communication.

Encourage a culture of open communication where members feel comfortable sharing their insights and challenges. Set guidelines for respectful discussions, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and valued. Every time someone feels unwelcome or unheard, the community will weaken. Find ways to maintain a positive and inclusive atmosphere.

Step 5: Collaborate on resources.

Let’s face it, one of the primary advantages of a Community of Practice is the collaborative creation of resources. Work together to compile training toolkits, role description templates, and guides that address the common challenges faced by the members. This shared knowledge pool becomes an invaluable asset for all members.

Step 6: Celebrate successes.

We all like a chance to rejoice! Acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of your Community of Practice members. Whether it’s overcoming a significant hurdle or implementing an innovative strategy, recognizing these successes fosters a positive atmosphere and encourages everyone to keep striving for excellence. It also gives other members inspiration, and ideas for improving their own programs.

Step 7: Continually adapt your Community of Practice

As your Community of Practice grows, be prepared to adapt and evolve. As the social impact world changes, the community needs to change with it to stay relevant to its members. Regularly gather feedback to understand what’s working well and what can be improved. Keep an eye on emerging trends in volunteer engagement to ensure your Community of Practice remains valuable to everyone.

It may take some thought, but developing a Community of Practice can pay big dividends.

Creating a vibrant Community of Practice for leaders of volunteers involves a thoughtful and strategic approach. By defining your purpose, selecting the right members, nurturing open communication, and engaging in collaborative activities, you can establish a thriving community that enhances volunteer programs worldwide. Remember, a successful Community of Practice is not only a source of professional development but it is also a place where lasting connections and friendships are forged.

So, gather your fellow leaders and embark on a journey of shared learning and growth. Your group’s commitment to improving volunteer programs will make a lasting impact on countless lives. Let me know how it goes!