Welcome A-Board
Leading The Way

Leadership in the voluntary sector is one of the most challenging, and at times, demanding tasks available for the taking. In the business world, leaders may motivate employees to follow directions with numerous incentives such as salary, bonuses and promotions. Leadership is not so simple in volunteer situations. Leadership in the voluntary sector requires a host of skills to successfully recruit, inspire, motivate and retain its volunteer workforce, the inherent backbone of every not-for-profit service organization.

Seeking a leadership position in your local organization will help ensure its growth and continuity while offering you some personal benefits. Fine-tuning your leadership skills and strategies within the voluntary sector offers the opportunity to gain experience and enhance your personal capabilities while preparing you for potential career opportunities. Leadership positions offer many challenges and rewards. Accept the leadership challenge the next time opportunity comes knocking on your door.

Checklist - Successful leaders:

Promote high expectations and values throughout the organization.

Exhibit a clear vision for the organization while adhering to established organizational plans and goals.

Lead by example.

Are open and responsive to new ideas.

Regard volunteer time as a precious commodity and spend it wisely and skillfully.

Display enthusiasm, respect, sensitivity and flexibility when dealing with volunteers.

Have good listening skills and try hard to understand differing opinions and points of view.

Appear calm, even-tempered and in control at all times.

Learn to delegate tasks to the most qualified candidates.

Pay well in terms of recognition, praise, credit and appreciation

Accept no personal credit for a job well done but rather accept the accolades on behalf of the team.

Motivate volunteers to maximize individual and team contributions.

Win trust and loyalty by being readily accessible and by ensuring their team is well-informed.

Work hard to ensure harmony and cooperation at every level of the organization.

Show a total commitment to their position of leadership and its responsibilities.

by: Heather Harris

Student Writing Contest Winners

Several of you, who submitted material for the two books of selections written by students, have inquired about decisions made. Here are the "Table of Contents" for both books, "The Grocery Cart and Other Stories" and "Worms for Breakfast and Other Stories".

Student Stories - Book One