Meet Renee, a Volunteer Manager at Foodbank Victoria whose leadership blends clarity, purpose, and connection. In this Share Your Story – Volunteer Managers Edition feature for International Volunteer Managers Day (IVMDay), Renee shares how bold leadership means empowering volunteers to understand the ‘why’ behind their work, fostering pride, ownership, and deeper commitment to the mission of feeding communities in need.
Sometimes you have to put on a milk carton to get the job done!
With 500 volunteers across 4 sites and 3 remote programs, my role covers many facets of the volunteer experience –managing logistics, communication, and engagement that requires decisiveness and clarity in the decisions we make.
My role is both strategic and hands-on—balancing operational excellence with people-centred leadership to ensure volunteers are supported, valued, and impactful.
Why Bold Leadership Matters in Volunteer Management
Bold leaders articulate a compelling vision that inspires volunteers. At Foodbank Victoria, where volunteers are essential to feeding thousands of people, strong leadership ensures everyone understands the why behind their work—fostering deeper commitment and pride in the roles they carry out.
A time you stepped outside your comfort zone to lead change
When I commenced at Foodbank Victoria, the volunteer program was highly restricted, offering limited opportunities for engagement. Upon reviewing the program, I identified the need for greater flexibility, inclusivity, and growth. Through planning and collaboration, we introduced new roles and initiatives that expanded volunteer opportunities across multiple sites and new programs. This transformation not only increased participation but also diversified the ways volunteers could contribute, creating a more dynamic, accessible, and impactful program that is more closely aligned with the Foodbank’s mission.
One Piece of Advice for Fellow Volunteer Managers
Bold leaders empower the volunteers they support – never be scared to push the boundaries to make your volunteers feel valued and that they belong.
View the full collection of our Share Your Story series and be inspired by the many ways Volunteer Managers are boldly leading with courage, care and creativity.
