Meet Cindy, a Site Co-ordinator at Zara Clark Museum – National Trust of Australia Queensland whose leadership reflects strength and commitment to community. In this Share Your Story – Volunteer Managers Edition feature for International Volunteer Managers Day (IVMDay), Cindy shares how dedication, connection and care are helping sustain volunteering in regional Queensland, ensuring local history and heritage continue to thrive.
Why Bold Leadership Matters in Volunteer Management
I’m not sure I’d term it bold leadership, as much as dedicated leadership… the volunteering landscape has changed significantly over the last 10 years as a generation of people dedicated to bettering their local communities begin to age out of volunteering programs.
Unfortunately, we aren’t seeing their replacements come through in the numbers needed to sustain many small local community groups. Having dedicated leadership demonstrates consistency and offers security in uncertain times when volunteer numbers are reducing, basic costs for running are going up, and competition for funding amongst community groups in small regional centres is increasing.
Being a dedicated leader shows existing volunteers we’re serious about the future of our group and potential new volunteers that they can sign up to support a long lasting cause.
Proudest Achievement as a Volunteer Manager
My proudest achievement is knowing that the effort I am making now should secure the future of the Zara Clark Museum for many years to come.
One piece of advice for fellow Volunteer Managers
Become an extended family… enjoy the long chats and morning teas! Volunteers are looking for ways to connect and if we foster an environment that encourages them to build connections beyond the work they do in a space they’ll want to spend more time in it.
View the full collection of our Share Your Story series and be inspired by the many ways Volunteer Managers are leading with courage, care, and creativity.
