Several months ago, I was approached by one of our pastors and asked if I would be willing to lead a volunteer team for an upcoming event our church was hosting. The event was a fundraiser for our partner the 410 Bridge, and featured the Daraja Children’s Choir and Love Does author Bob Goff. I was ecstatic! I love leading volunteers! I love the Daraja Children’s Choir! I love Bob Goff!
But what I didn’t love was how the start of the fundraising event was a mere 24 hours after I would land from a 13 hour plane ride. Knowing I would be out of town the week prior to the event, I was forced to decline the opportunity. As I was explaining why I would be unable to lead the volunteer team, my mind began whirling around the names of friends who are incredible volunteers and excellent leaders. I finished the conversation with, “I can’t take on this responsibility, but I know who should!” I immediately recommended Freedom, Kelly, and Molly!
Freedom and Kelly are the first people my husband and I met when we began volunteering at our church. Kelly was a high-capacity volunteer who oversaw the children’s program in which Tim and I got our start as volunteers. Kelly’s husband Freedom is a produce broker and is a master at supplying potatoes, onions, and all kinds of vegetables to people nationwide. As their young children grew older, Kelly stepped out of her full-time volunteer role of leading volunteers, and began leading a small group of middle school girls. When she took on this group, I had just come on staff at the church and was the leader who oversaw this ministry. Freedom and Kelly are incredible volunteer leaders.
Molly graduated from college in May and is pursuing a career in the non-profit sector. Like Kelly, she is a dedicated small group leader for students. Molly is young and bright, and shows keen judgment in approaching projects. As one of my best friends, I’ve learned to lean on her wisdom as it pertains to catalyzing change and mobilizing others.
When I walked into the event venue on Monday night, fresh back from volunteer trainings in Dubai, I was blown away to see my three friends modeling what Darren and Christine had been talking about for the past week. They were well organized in advance, ready to greet and resource volunteers as we arrived. Each volunteer had a specific job description and the information necessary to carry it out. The environment was fun and the mission was clear.
The morning after the event, I received an e-mail from Freedom, with a personalized thank you for volunteering, and a recap of how the mission had been accomplished. I sat back in my chair and thought about how the best leaders of volunteers are those who have experienced being volunteers. Freedom, Kelly, and Molly mobilized piles of people to carry out a big vision. They are rockstar leaders… who volunteer.