What Is Our Future Normal? A Vision for Leaders of Volunteers

As we navigate the post-pandemic world, the question on everyone’s mind is: What is our future normal? This is especially pertinent for leaders of volunteers who are at the forefront of shaping the volunteer landscape. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes in how we live, work, and interact, leading to shifts in volunteerism that are likely to have long-lasting effects. For leaders of volunteers, the challenge now is to understand these changes, adapt to new realities, and envision a future where volunteerism continues to thrive.

1. The Shift to Digital Volunteerism

One of the most significant changes brought about by the pandemic has been the rapid shift to digital volunteerism. With social distancing measures and lockdowns in place, traditional in-person volunteering became nearly impossible, forcing organisations to pivot to virtual platforms. This shift has opened up new possibilities for volunteer engagement, allowing people to contribute from the comfort of their homes, regardless of geographical location.

• The Future of Digital Volunteering: As we move forward, digital volunteerism is likely to remain a significant part of the volunteer landscape. Leaders of volunteers must embrace this change and continue to explore innovative ways to engage volunteers online. This might involve creating virtual roles that leverage volunteers' digital skills, offering online training and support, and using technology to connect volunteers with each other and the communities they serve.

• Challenges and Opportunities: While digital volunteerism offers many benefits, it also comes with challenges, such as the digital divide and the potential for reduced social interaction. Leaders of volunteers need to be mindful of these issues and work to ensure that digital opportunities are accessible to all volunteers, including those who may not be tech-savvy. At the same time, finding ways to foster a sense of community and connection in virtual environments will be crucial for maintaining volunteer engagement and satisfaction.

2. Flexible and Inclusive Volunteering

The pandemic highlighted the need for flexibility in all aspects of life, and volunteering is no exception. Many people had to juggle multiple responsibilities, such as work, caregiving, and homeschooling, making it difficult to commit to traditional volunteer roles. In response, organisations have started to offer more flexible volunteering opportunities, allowing volunteers to contribute in ways that fit their schedules and lifestyles.

• The Future of Flexibility: As we consider our future normal, flexibility will be key to sustaining volunteer engagement. Leaders of volunteers should continue to offer a variety of volunteer roles that cater to different availability levels, from micro-volunteering tasks to project-based roles with defined time commitments. Additionally, offering remote and hybrid volunteering options will allow volunteers to choose the mode of engagement that best suits their needs.

• Inclusion and Diversity: The pandemic also brought issues of equity and inclusion to the forefront. As we move forward, it is essential for leaders of volunteers to create inclusive volunteering opportunities that welcome people from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and experiences. This might involve developing roles that are accessible to people with disabilities, creating targeted outreach strategies to engage underrepresented groups, and fostering a culture of inclusion within volunteer teams.

3. The Importance of Volunteer Well-Being

The pandemic took a toll on mental health and well-being, and volunteers were no exception. Many volunteers experienced stress, anxiety, and burnout as they navigated the challenges of the pandemic. As we look to the future, prioritising volunteer well-being will be more important than ever.

• Supporting Mental Health: Leaders of volunteers must recognise the impacts from not just the pandemic, but also the weather events in 2023, on volunteers' mental health and take proactive steps to support their well-being. This could include offering mental health resources, providing opportunities for peer support, and creating a culture of openness where volunteers feel comfortable discussing their challenges.

• Building Resilience: In addition to providing support, leaders of volunteers should focus on building resilience within their volunteer teams. This might involve offering training on stress management, fostering a sense of community and belonging, and recognising and celebrating volunteers' contributions. By building resilience, leaders can help volunteers navigate future challenges and continue to contribute effectively to their communities.

4. Reimagining Volunteer Leadership

The role of a leader of volunteers has evolved significantly in the wake of the pandemic. Traditional leadership models that focus on hierarchical structures and top-down decision-making are being replaced by more collaborative and inclusive approaches. In our future normal, leaders of volunteers will need to embrace these changes and adopt new ways of leading that empower volunteers and foster a sense of shared ownership.

• Collaborative Leadership: Collaborative leadership involves working with volunteers as partners rather than subordinates. This approach encourages volunteers to take an active role in decision-making, problem-solving, and planning, leading to greater engagement and satisfaction. Leaders of volunteers should strive to create an environment where volunteers feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their ideas and expertise.

• Adaptability and Innovation: The future normal will also require leaders of volunteers to be adaptable and innovative. The pandemic has shown us that circumstances can change rapidly, and leaders must be prepared to pivot and adapt to new challenges. This might involve experimenting with new volunteer models, embracing technology, and being open to feedback and continuous improvement.

• Continuous Learning: Finally, leaders of volunteers must commit to continuous learning and development. The volunteer landscape is constantly evolving, and leaders need to stay informed about emerging trends, best practices, and new approaches to volunteer management. This might involve participating in professional development opportunities, engaging with peer networks, and staying connected to the broader volunteer community.

5. Embracing a New Vision for Volunteerism

As we envision our future normal, it is clear that volunteerism will continue to play a vital role in building strong, resilient communities. However, the way we approach volunteerism will need to evolve to meet the changing needs and expectations of volunteers and the communities they serve.

• A Vision for the Future: Our future normal will be one where volunteerism is more flexible, inclusive, and digitally integrated. It will be a future where volunteer well-being is prioritised, where volunteers are empowered to take on leadership roles, and where volunteerism is seen as a dynamic and evolving force for good.

• The Role of Leaders: As leaders of volunteers, you have the unique opportunity to shape this future. By embracing change, fostering collaboration, and supporting your volunteers' well-being, you can create a volunteer programme that not only meets the challenges of today but also thrives in the future.

Conclusion: Building the Future Together

The future normal is not something that will happen to us; it is something we will create together. As leaders of volunteers, you have the power to shape the future of volunteerism, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and vital part of our communities. By embracing flexibility, inclusivity, and innovation, and by prioritising the well-being of your volunteers, you can build a future where volunteerism continues to thrive, making a lasting impact on the world around us.

Speech by Cheryll Martin QSO, Kaiwhakahaere matua I General Manager, Volunteering Auckland
Event: Nov 5 2024, celebrating Leaders of Volunteers, LoVE Awards