Meet Chloe, a Volunteer Service Manager at RSPCA QLD whose leadership is defined by empathy, recognition, and a genuine commitment to making volunteers feel seen and valued. In this Share Your Story – Volunteer Managers Edition feature for International Volunteer Managers Day (IVMDay), Chloe reflects on how bold leadership means creating cultures of appreciation, building trust, and empowering volunteers to bring their best selves to the cause.
Why Bold Leadership Matters in Volunteer Management
Bold leadership in volunteer management is vital because it creates a culture of safety, support, and recognition. Volunteers generously give their time and energy. It’s our role as leaders to ensure they feel protected and respected in every aspect of their work. Bold leadership also means having the courage to prioritise recognition, making sure volunteers know their contributions are seen and valued. When volunteers feel safe and celebrated, they are more engaged, confident, and empowered to make a real difference.
Proudest Achievement as a Volunteer Manager
As a volunteer manager, my proudest achievement isn’t measured in numbers or outcomes, it’s found in the stories I hear and the smiles I see from our volunteers. For me, the greatest reward is knowing that our people genuinely enjoy their time with us.
Every time a volunteer tells me how much they look forward to their shifts, or shares a positive experience they’ve had, I feel a real sense of pride. It shows that we’re creating an environment where people feel welcomed, respected, and appreciated. That’s what drives me the most, seeing volunteers thrive in their roles and knowing they leave with more than they came with.
One piece of advice for fellow Volunteer Managers
My advice would be to focus on helping your teams and colleagues understand the true benefit of volunteers. Volunteers don’t just fill gaps in service, they bring passion, energy, and community spirit that strengthen the entire organisation. When staff and leaders recognise this, it creates a culture where volunteers feel valued and respected.
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.
