How do you help volunteers adapt to change and thrive as a volunteer leader?

1 Communicate clearly and often

One of the most important things you can do as a volunteer leader is to communicate clearly and often with your volunteers about the changes that are happening or expected to happen. Explain the reasons, the goals, and the benefits of the change, and how it affects their roles and responsibilities. Listen to their feedback, concerns, and questions, and address them promptly and respectfully. Provide regular updates and reminders, and use different channels and formats to reach your volunteers effectively.

2 Involve and empower your volunteers

Another way to help your volunteers adapt to change is to involve and empower them in the process. Seek their input and ideas, and acknowledge their contributions and suggestions. Give them opportunities to learn new skills, take on new tasks, or collaborate with new partners. Encourage them to share their experiences, challenges, and successes with each other and with you. Recognize and reward their efforts and achievements, and celebrate their milestones and impact.

3 Support and coach your volunteers

Change can also bring stress, anxiety, and resistance among your volunteers, especially if they feel overwhelmed, unprepared, or unsupported. As a volunteer leader, you need to provide support and coaching to your volunteers to help them cope and grow. Offer them resources, training, and guidance to help them develop their competencies and confidence. Check in with them regularly, and provide constructive feedback and encouragement. Be empathetic and compassionate, and show them that you care about their well-being and satisfaction.

4 Model and promote adaptability

Finally, you can help your volunteers adapt to change by modeling and promoting adaptability yourself. Demonstrate your own willingness and enthusiasm to embrace change, and show your volunteers how you cope with challenges and learn from mistakes. Share your own stories, insights, and tips on how to be flexible and resilient. Cultivate a culture of curiosity, creativity, and innovation among your volunteers, and inspire them to seek new opportunities and solutions. Be a role model and a mentor for your volunteers, and help them develop their own leadership styles.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?