Leadership Development · Level 5 · Project 2
Leading In Your Volunteer Organization
How to apply leadership skills in a volunteer setting where authority is earned, not assigned
Speech Timing
Target time for this project: 18–22 minutes
18 min
Green Light
Start of range
20 min
Yellow Light
Midpoint warning
22 min
Red Light
Maximum time
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Take on a leadership role in a volunteer organization (including your Toastmasters club)
2
Identify 2–3 specific leadership challenges unique to volunteer contexts
3
Apply motivational strategies appropriate for unpaid volunteers
4
Document your experience and key learnings
5
Deliver a 18–22 minute speech about volunteer leadership
5 Tips for Success
- ✓Volunteer leaders inspire through mission and relationships, not hierarchy
- ✓Recognition matters enormously — acknowledge contributions publicly
- ✓Flexibility and patience are more important than strict accountability
- ✓Make participation feel rewarding and worth the time investment
- ✓Share both successes and frustrations honestly in your speech