What are effective ways to encourage volunteers to take on leadership roles?

When I first started volunteering, the person I was working with showed me the ropes by breaking down the business analysis process and gradually assigning me tasks that I could handle. This helped me gain confidence and eventually take on more responsibilities. Now, when I work with new volunteers, I use the same approach of exposing them to what I do and helping them build confidence. When they feel comfortable with smaller tasks, they celebrate that win and they can take on bigger challenges.

Creating a sense of ownership within the organization for volunteers to connect emotionally and enabling them to deliver superior work. Also provide volunteers with opportunities to grow via customized training and coaching.

Anyone who takes the time to volunteer for a nonprofit organization is already a leader. They may not think of themselves as such, but they are setting an altruistic example for their community. It takes passion and enthusiasm to give of your time and talents - qualities inherent in many successful leadership roles. The key is to help those volunteers see themselves in a different light.

Make their nonprofit leadership relevant to other aspects of their professional (and perhaps personal) lives!! How will their experiences enhance their lives? That's a key to recruiting and retaining leaders - especially volunteers!

Mastering Smart Delegation for Volunteer Leadership Looking to cultivate leaders among your volunteers? Smart Delegation is your tool. Here's a quick guide: ?? Why: It's a low-risk way for volunteers to try out decision-making. ??? How-To: Pick a Task: Important, but not mission-critical. Set Rules: Define scope and deadline. Choose Wisely: Match task with a potential leader. ?? Watch: Observe their problem-solving and team engagement. ?? Next Steps: Use outcomes to delegate more complex tasks progressively. ?? Balance: Keep tasks manageable to avoid burnout. ??? Review: Post-task, discuss wins and learning points. Smart Delegation helps you get the job done while building the next generation of leaders.

Don't forget the power of a handwritten note! Whenever I'm on a business trip, I make sure to send a postcard to our most dedicated volunteers to say I'm thinking of them while I'm away and that we wouldn't be able to attend the conference without their help.

Encourage volunteer leadership with one simple question: What do you imagine we could do with (name an area of the organization they are passionate about)? You have just helped them unlock a dream/vision. If their vision aligns with the organizational vision, give them authority to be responsible to create what they imagined. Start small (tiny!) and empower and equip them. As they learn to lead, ask the same question for larger and larger areas of the organization.

It is important to reflect on how your actions and the culture of your organization are shaping not just the outcomes of your projects, but also the personal and professional growth of those who join your cause. Are you providing opportunities for volunteers to challenge themselves, to innovate, and to take ownership? Are you encouraging them to think critically, to collaborate effectively, and to embody the values of leadership in their everyday roles? The real impact of your work lies not only in the immediate results but in the long-term legacy you're building.

Encouraging volunteers to take on leadership roles can be particularly effective when they are given the chance to lead initiatives that resonate with their personal passions. For example, a volunteer passionate about community gardening might be an excellent candidate to organize a fundraiser for a new green space initiative. This approach not only provides a platform for the volunteer to engage with an issue they care deeply about but also challenges them to develop and apply their leadership skills in a meaningful context. To support this volunteer, the nonprofit could provide financial resources and a structured framework for planning and executing the fundraiser, including timelines, budgeting guidance, and fundraising targets.

In addition to elevating a volunteer's capacity in the service realm, consider additional leadership opportunities within your organization (board member, employee, etc.) and create clear pathways to each. Your organization's volunteer roster is made up of talented and passionate people who are committed to your mission, so creatively leveraging that relationship from a leadership perspective is win-win.