Have you ever stepped into a volunteer role expecting to contribute, only to realize that the experience transforms you just as much as you impact others?
That’s exactly what happened to me. What started as a way to give forward turned into a journey of personal growth, leadership, and invaluable lessons.

Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of serving in diverse volunteer organizations most of which I still continue to serve. Each with a unique mission yet bound by common values.

Organizing community events
(Motto: Together as One)

Leading community gardening initiatives
(Motto: Growing a Green Community)

The 7Cs of Volunteer Organizations

Volunteering is more than just showing up. Successful organizations embody these 7Cs, grouped into three key pillars:

1 Common Purpose & Community Focus (The “Why”)

C1 – Common Purpose: Every great volunteer group has a unifying mission that drives its members. Whether it’s fostering leadership in Toastmasters or building a greener future with Eco Source, purpose is the foundation.

C2 – Community Focus: The heart of volunteering is service—supporting a cause greater than ourselves. The best organizations prioritize impact over individual gain.

2 Communication, Collaboration & Commitment (The “How”)

C3 – Communication: Clear messaging ensures that goals, expectations, and tasks are well understood. Miscommunication can break a team, but open dialogue keeps it strong.

C4 – Collaboration: Volunteers come from all walks of life. Effective teamwork harnesses diverse skills and perspectives to achieve a shared vision.

C5 – Commitment: Passion is great, but consistency is key. Volunteer-driven groups need dedicated members who show up, contribute, and lead by example.

3 Compassion & Celebration (The “Heart”)

C6 – Compassion: At its core, volunteering is about empathy and kindness—toward the people we serve and the teams we work with. Understanding different perspectives makes us better leaders and community members.

C7 – Celebration: Appreciation and recognition fuels motivation. Whether it’s acknowledging a small win or honoring long-term service, celebrating efforts builds a culture of encouragement and gratitude.

My Cherished Lessons: G.A.L.L.O.P. Forward

Leadership in volunteering isn’t about control—it’s about guiding, adapting, and leaving a lasting impact. The lessons I’ve gained can be summed up with G.A.L.L.O.P., because leadership, much like life, is about moving forward with purpose and energy.

G – Growth Requires Patience and Nurturing
Leadership, like gardening, takes time. A single event won’t build a movement, it has the potential to become one. Just as a single seed doesn’t create a forest, it has the potential to grow a forest. Consistent effort yields results.

A – Adaptability is the Key to Success
Things won’t always go as planned. A great leader embraces change, finds solutions, and remains flexible in the face of uncertainty. Adapt and adjust to the environment and people.

L – Listening is More Powerful than Speaking
Feedback shapes great leaders. Understanding others’ perspectives often leads to better solutions than imposing one’s own ideas.

L – Leadership is Temporary, but Legacy is Lasting
Every role we hold will eventually be passed on. The best leaders empower others to step up and continue the mission. Succession planning is leadership in action.

O – Opportunity Lies in Challenges
Every difficulty presents a chance to grow. Rather than seeing obstacles as setbacks, the best leaders view them as stepping stones.

P – People Make the Mission Possible
Organizations don’t thrive because of systems—they thrive because of people. Valuing and uplifting others is the essence of leadership.

The Leadership Rabbit Hole: Learning Never Ends

If there’s one thing my volunteering journey has taught me, it’s this: Leadership is a never-ending journey of learning and discovery.

Much like Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland, you never know what insights await when you step into a new experience. Each role, challenge, and interaction reveals something unexpected, shaping us into better leaders and individuals.

So, the next time you consider volunteering, remember—you’re not just giving your time; you’re unlocking a new chapter of growth, connection, and purpose.

Finally here is my reflection:
Leadership isn’t doing what I can, but it is in empowering others to do what they can.
My success is in making others succeed.

What is a lesson you’ve learned from volunteering leadership?
Let’s keep the conversation going!

About the author:
Kannan Gopal began his Toastmasters journey about a year ago at Mississauga Valley Toastmasters Club in Ontario, Canada. He also serves as the club’s Treasurer and volunteers as an Effective Speaking and Leadership coach for the 800 Black Forest Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadets.

With a passion for storytelling, Kannan crafts speeches that weave life lessons, inspiration, and motivation into every message. His ability to connect with audiences through engaging narratives has shaped his growth as a speaker. This blog is his way of sharing one such realization, and trusting it will offer both insight and inspiration—a read worth your time.

Credits:
Icons – https://www.flaticon.com/
Picture: https://pixabay.com/

Created by Kannan Gopal, Mississauga Valley Toastmasters