Quiet Voices, Lasting Change: The Power of Listening in Volunteer Engagement

I’ve been involved in leading volunteers and volunteer engagement for almost 25 years. A lot has changed in that time but much, I fear, has not.

I’ve been reflecting on how and why things have changed. It seemed to me that it was only a few key voices were being heard, and it was those voices that drove the changes necessary to keep volunteering impactful and sustainable amidst new challenges. These were the people we listened to, who inspired us to change and adapt to meet what volunteers needed and wanted.

Then I started seeking new voices. I followed people on Twitter (now X), requested connections with people on LinkedIn, started reading articles and research about volunteering and attended training delivered by colleagues from right across the world.

That’s when I realised it wasn’t just a few loud voices leading the way—it was my narrow focus on familiar voices that made it seem that way.

In reality it’s often the tiny, gentle voices with the skill of deep listening that drive real change. It’s the quiet conversations and actions that build momentum for change.

What voices do you hear?

How can you broaden the stories you are exposed to?

And how can you raise your own voice?