Job, Career or Calling – Signs You Should Pursue Volunteer Engagement

Let’s center on these words and how there are so many diverse perspectives about being in our profession. Where do you see yourself?

Volunteer Engagement, from my perspective and what I hear from others, is often talked about as a tough job. Many across the not-for-profit and other sectors treat leading volunteers as a job, a bundle of tasks. Some organizations don’t formally recognize it, even when there are large, complex, or diverse needs in how the organization connects with the people giving their time, talent, and care.

Maybe right now this is simply your job. And that's okay. Every profession must start somewhere. You learn the work, find your people, develop your practice, and over time, deeper engagement happens. The goal is to engage volunteers well and keep going.

I also hear, mainly from people such as those reading this article, that Volunteer Management is a great and fulfilling career. Challenging in the good ways. Lots of problem solving and creativity, many diverse roles to play and people to engage with; the sky is the limit. There are great networks to grow, communities to explore, and resources for innovation. It is also exciting because no one has perfected or canonized Volunteer Engagement. There are so many ways to do it with excellence and build great volunteering communities. There is a sense of discovery and an opportunity to bring perspectives and inspiration from a variety of communities.

I think many of us are truly grateful we found a career we love. I know I am.

Last year I started reflecting on this work a little differently, and I see others cultivating this mindset as well. They see and live Volunteer Engagement as a calling with deep impact.

• They contribute beyond what personally benefits them. Mentoring others, staying on after a workshop, sharing resources with no strings attached! They invite others to the table (or virtual space) and hang with them; they connect them with others and see that they find their way to growth.
• They innovate and create. Volunteer Engagement is never perfected or even perfectible. They step into new ideas and models, gain insights, build better supports, repair past harms, and bring communities together in novel and meaningful ways.
• They speak up and advocate. They recognize both the moments when their voice is needed and when they should help other voices be heard. They don’t gather people only to enrich their own spaces, but to help our profession progress.
• They support and make space. Letters, gifts, pins, encouraging words, open invitations, and listening ears are integral to their engagement strategy.

...maybe this is simply your job.

...maybe it is already your career.

...maybe you discovered it has become something more.

And if you're ready, there are communities of connection waiting for you.

Wondering how to grow in your career as a leader of volunteers? Reach out and join professional networks! It has been career- and life-changing for me and many of the amazing people in this field.

Your next steps?

• Attend Better Impact’s Volunteer Management Hybrid Conference (VMHC) on October 20, 2026
• Get involved in the International Volunteer Managers Day (IVMDday) celebrations on November 5, 2026
• Join a professional network
  • VMPC (Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada)
  • AL!VE (Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement) - US
  •  AVM (Association of Volunteer Managers) - UK
  • PAVE - Australia
• Join a local professional network
• Attain your Certificate in Volunteer Administration (CVA)

You can chat with me as well; find me at president@vmpc.ca. Don’t hesitate to reach out.

Keep Growing!

Key Takeaways

Volunteer engagement can be a job, a career, or a calling, and every stage has a place in this profession. Volunteer leaders who see it as a calling mentor others, innovate, advocate, and make space for their peers, which helps the whole field grow. With 70% of respondents in VMPC's 2026 National Profile calling it their profession of choice, joining professional networks and attending events is a strong next step.