The Viral Volunteer

Turning Volunteers into Leaders

As experts on volunteer coordination and management, we at VolunteerSpot are especially intune to "the viral volunteer," or the notion that on average, 1 out of 3 volunteers inevitably becomes a leader and coordinator themselves - whether it is for the same group with which they volunteer, or another facet of service pertinent to their lives.

An inspiring reality, the viral volunteer takes their experience of service in volunteering at their child's school, at a community nonprofit and likewise, and transfers it to the other areas of their lives - leading a Scout troop, coordinating with their faith group, managing team parents, and rallying their own group of community members searching to make a difference.

3 Top Qualities of the Viral Volunteer:

1. They recognize the need. A common saying goes, a volunteer doesn't ask should or shouldn't they help, they ask when. The viral volunteer recognizes the constant need in their lives for people of service - for tasks as simple as contributing to the class party or group potluck, to more involved jobs like committing to build houses, managing online support for organizations and more. The ever-present need for help becomes less of an obligation for a viral volunteer, and more of an everyday occurence - the persistent voice that says 'where am I needed' and 'how can I help?'

2. Their talents are appreciated. The best way to guarantee returned volunteer commitment to your group or cause is to prioritize volunteer appreciation. Viral volunteers are the helpers-turned-leaders who have been recognized for their contributions and consistently affirmed of their good work. A little appreciation goes a long way in showing volunteers that their unique contribution is special, and viral volunteers are ready to spread the love when they become leaders too.

3. They are in tune to what volunteers are looking for. The beautiful thing about volunteers growing into leadership roles is that their very recent volunteer experience gives them a fresh perspective on what volunteers need and want out of service, what encourages them to participate, and what makes them come back in the future. Whether it's the convenience of signing up from their smartphone, dance breaks at volunteer events, free food, wrap-up sessions after service projects, you name it, what a volunteer loved in that role helps them create similar opprotunities as a leader for their own volunteers.

Are you a viral volunteer? Tell us where you volunteer and lead over on facebook!