I was on a call yesterday with members of the Volunteer Manager Professionals of Canada (VMPC). Something one of the participants said got me thinking. Her organisation had just finished an event to supply winter clothing for new emigrants to Canada. She said that the volunteers got such satisfaction and joy from seeing the gratitude of the clients that she thought she would do a shift herself next time. I hope she does. When leaders volunteer, good things happen.
Here are a few reasons why I believe leaders of volunteers should volunteer themselves.
Build understanding of the volunteer experience.
One of the biggest benefits of us volunteering is the chance to better understand the experiences of those we lead. By being a volunteer ourselves, we can see the world from their perspective, including the challenges and rewards they face.
I volunteer at our local therapeutic riding association. To see the strength and confidence grow in children and adults living with disabilities when they interact with the horses gives me a joy and a satisfaction that I don’t get anywhere else.
Gain new ideas for your own program.
When leaders volunteer for a different organisation than the one they work for, the fresh ideas they pick up can be eye-opening. It’s easy to think that the way you do things in your organisation is the only way, or the only good way. When we volunteer in different organisations, though, we gain first-hand experience in how other processes can work – or don’t work. We can even learn from bad experiences!
A number of years ago, I volunteered at a local art gallery. I applied, went through the online training, then showed up for my first shift. To be met with a blank stare. The person I was to report to had no idea I was coming and had nothing for me to do. No problem, I thought. It’s the first shift; next shift it will be sorted out. Only it wasn’t. And when I showed up for my third shift, I saw a look of annoyance cross over the person’s face. I spun on my heel and never went back.
In the organisations I work with now, I always emphasize the importance of ensuring that they are ready to appropriately welcome and onboard new volunteers.
Strengthen your community connections.
I’ve always been a big fan of collaboration. Volunteering is one way to build the relationships that allow us to strengthen our networks and, over time, may lead to opportunities to share ideas and resources.
I volunteered to attend a networking event for the riding association. During it, I met the executive director of a women’s shelter. A bit of chatting; a few introductions; some planning, and now our two organisations work together for the benefit of both.
Avoid burnout.
Most of us are passionate about what we do, so we pour ourselves into our work. It’s easy, though, to get bogged down by the day to day routine, and lose the spark that keeps us going. Volunteering is a wonderful reminder of why we got into this line of work in the first place because it connects us closer to the causes that we care about. It brings back our passion, and that passion gives us the strength to power through the parts of our work that are hard.
When leaders volunteer it has a ripple effect.
By being visible and active as a volunteer, even with a different organisation, we send a message to our volunteers that we’re in this with them, not just managing from behind a desk. I’ve shared a few of my stories; imagine sharing your volunteering stories with your team. It bridges the gap between you. They’ll see you as more than just a staff member. You’ll be someone who really gets what they do and values their efforts, beyond just saying thank you.
Volunteering also serves as a reminder that the work we do extends beyond our specific organisations. It’s about building stronger, more compassionate communities. When we actively participate in other causes, we help build a culture of mutual support across all of our organisations.
If you’re a leader of volunteers and aren’t volunteering yourself, I encourage you to consider it. Volunteering puts you back in touch with the core of why we do this work. It enhances your empathy, brings in fresh ideas, expands your network, and, perhaps most importantly, rekindles your passion.
Let’s face it, volunteering isn’t just for those we lead—it’s for us, too.
