The quiet power of volunteers

I’m currently working with a local SCIO which, with the exception of some fantastic staff, is nearly entirely run by volunteers.  And I'm again reminded how some of the most strategic, high-impact work I've ever seen has been done by volunteers.

Not just helping hands - steady hearts when things get tough.
Not just support roles - essential roles that take over their lives.

From on the ground to boardrooms, from events to governance, volunteers are often the ones holding the values of an organisation in place.

And yet, they rarely ask for credit.
They show up early (at 6am daily to make scones!). They stay late. They care. They do what needs done, and get it done.

As someone who’s worked across strategy, leadership and public engagement, I think we underestimate what volunteers represent:

👉 Trust
👉 Belonging
👉 Purpose made visible

If you're building a strategy, designing a campaign, or navigating change, ask what your volunteers already know.

They’re often closest to the community you serve and the culture you want to create and protect.

To every volunteer I’ve worked with, learned from, and leaned on (probably in the thousands) thank you.

You are the heart of so much impact and I see you.