The Volunteer is the person who says yes before they have fully understood what they are agreeing to. They raise their hand in meetings. They reply to emails asking for volunteers. They take on tasks that nobody else wants. They are essential to the functioning of the organization. They are also frequently overcommitted.
Identifying characteristics
- Has more action items than anyone else in the meeting notes
- Is the first to respond to requests for help
- Has difficulty saying no, even when their plate is full
- Is frequently asked to take on tasks because "you're so good at this"
- Is aware that they are overcommitted but continues to volunteer anyway
Why they volunteer
The Volunteer volunteers for several reasons. Some are genuinely enthusiastic about contributing. Some find it difficult to say no. Some have learned that volunteering is rewarded in their organization. Some are trying to demonstrate their value. Some simply care about the work and want it done well.
All of these are understandable. None of them are sustainable at high volume.
The organizational role
The Volunteer plays an essential organizational role. They take on the tasks that would otherwise go undone. They fill the gaps. They keep things moving. Without them, many organizations would function significantly less well.
The risk is that the organization learns to rely on the Volunteer's willingness to absorb work, which reduces the pressure to address the structural reasons why the work is not being done by the people who should be doing it.
How to work with them
If you are asking the Volunteer to take on something, be honest about the scope. "This will take about four hours" is more respectful than "it's just a quick thing." They will say yes either way. At least they will say yes with accurate information.
The appreciation: The Volunteer's contributions are often invisible because they are absorbed into the normal functioning of the organization. Make them visible. Name them. The Volunteer will continue volunteering regardless. But they will feel seen, which matters.