From village halls and youth clubs to charities, churches, sports clubs, arts projects and local support services, volunteers help keep people connected and communities moving.
Some volunteers are visible at the front of the room. Others quietly organise, open up buildings, make tea, manage accounts, write funding bids, look after policies or support others behind the scenes. All of it matters.
“By being a volunteer, you are showing leadership. You are giving your time, using your ability to connect, and making a difference in your local area. That is true leadership. Some of the best leaders are the quiet leaders, and for me, everybody’s a leader.”
Volunteering can help people build confidence, share skills, meet others, try something new and feel part of something bigger. For some people, it can open the door to a new career or a new sense of purpose.
“Just give it a go. Don’t be scared. Try something.”
Many volunteers also lead others. They chair committees, coordinate teams, manage risk, make decisions and keep organisations running.
These roles can be rewarding, but they can also feel lonely without the right support. We can help volunteer leaders connect, share questions and learn from one another through our Volunteer Coordinators Network. Our next meeting is at Knaresborough Library on 17 June.
“Sometimes volunteer coordinators are an unpaid volunteer role… and that includes trustees.”
Running a charity, village hall, youth club or community group takes structure, planning and support. Funding, governance, safeguarding, policies, training, volunteer management and long-term planning all matter.
Talk it over with someone who understands community organisations and the challenges you face.
Find grants, strengthen applications and plan for sustainability.
Support with trustees, policies, structures and responsibilities.
Build skills, confidence and practical knowledge for your group.
Connect with people facing similar opportunities and challenges.
Help for people who involve, coordinate or lead volunteers.
Talk through ideas, next steps or problems you are trying to solve.
Celebrate the volunteers who give their time, their skills and their care.
Show the people, places and quiet moments behind the impact.
Recognise trustees and volunteer coordinators who keep things running.
Access our support to strengthen your organisation for the year ahead.
To every volunteer, trustee, committee member, organiser, driver, fundraiser, youth leader, village hall helper and community champion across North Yorkshire: thank you.
