No one tells us that volunteering doesn’t have to be a lifetime commitment. We may have taken on a volunteer project or job because of a genuine passion and concern we feel for a cause and, even though we know the time has come to move on, the guilt over abandoning our post can be incredible! It is possible to resign a volunteer job with class and grace, not to mention personal confidence that the organization or agency will survive without you…
If you are considering leaving your volunteer position because you feel underutilized or unappreciated-you might consider having a conversation with a representative from the organization first. The volunteer coordinator, executive director or whoever you report to may be able to find a better fit and a more appropriate job or project for you to work on and you won’t need to resign after all.
If you need to leave your volunteer work because your life has changed, or your interests have changed-there is absolutely no reason to feel guilty. Giving a candid and honest explanation of your life changes and why you can no longer volunteer should be met with understanding. You can either choose to put your resignation in writing-just as you would for a paid position, or often a conversation will work just fine.
If you really want to leave on good terms, you might do a little leg-work and find your own replacement. If you are leaving a committee or board, or a project where success depends on good, reliable volunteers-you may be in the best position to find a great replacement for yourself. After all, who better than you knows what the position requires? While the organization may not act upon your recommendation, offering suggestions for replacements and additional new volunteers may be greatly appreciated, and you can leave knowing that your shoes have been filled.
Consider becoming a donor as you leave your volunteer position. If you still believe in the work and mission of the organization, contributing financially can be an important way to continue your support even though your time is spent elsewhere. You will still have the connection and awareness that you are helping the cause, and the organization will benefit from your continued support.
If you are not available for future volunteer work with the organization and really do want to “retire”-make sure you make that clear when you resign, otherwise you may resent it if you called and begged to come back to work. If you are open to being called back or working on short-term or one-time-only projects, let the organization know so they can add you to their list of occasional volunteers.
It is possible to leave a volunteer position on pleasant terms and without guilt. The organization will actually appreciate a classy exit, as they’ve surely had volunteers simply go A.W.O.L and leave them in need. A little planning and respect, and you’ll be off on new adventures!
