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Leading volunteers is not an easy task. It takes a special personality to pull it off in an manner that will suit the needs of the volunteers you will be in charge of and the needs of the organization that so desperately needs their help. Getting volunteers to follow you is probably the hardest part of the job. It's up to you to find the balance necessary to pull it off.

Here are my tips for leading volunteers effectively:

1. Keep in mind that they are volunteers, they don't have to keep this job in order to survive. Therefore, treat them with respect. They aren't there to do every dirty little job that you have to throw at them. Spread around the duties so that everyone shares in it. I know a lot of volunteers that end up doing all the work while others just show up when they think it will be fun for them.

2. Also keep in mind that there should be standards for those volunteers. You can and should expect certain things of your volunteers. If you don't expect anything from them, that is exactly what you will get. I.E. Make a list of requirements and let them know that if they don't fulfill their obligations they will no longer be a member.

3. Show your appreciation for all the hard work they do. People volunteer because they want to help with something they see as a good cause. The only reward they really receive is the appreciation from those serving higher roles and sometimes the community that they serve.

4. Lead by example. This should be in any position of authority that you serve in your life. Not just your job, but also your home and any volunteer work that you do. You can only expect from your staff what you expect of yourself.

5. Keep in mind the qualities of each volunteer that makes them an asset to your group. Their skills will help you distribute the work as it should be. You don't want someone in the kitchen cooking if they burn water when they try to boil it. They may be better suited to be a server.

6. Hold meetings and classes that everyone can attend. Everyone can learn something new that will help in an area that they don't know well yet. Keeping their skills up to date is a vital role for every volunteer. You must learn how to encourage their involvement in this process.

7. Keep your volunteers informed. Calling them at six o'clock to put together a float by eight o'clock isn't going to work. Organization is key. You will need to insure that you inform those volunteers, where possible, of upcoming events and activities. Although this won't work

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