What does it really mean to volunteer for an association — and how do you make the most of it? In Season 2, Episode 4 of Team Talk: Association Edge, Kelly sits down with Melissa and Eric Lesch for an honest, energizing conversation about the power of association volunteering from both sides of the table.
Volunteering with an association is one of the most underrated career moves you can make. It builds relationships, sharpens leadership skills, and puts you in rooms you’d otherwise never access. But it only works if you show up with intention — and if the association knows how to engage volunteers effectively.
That’s exactly what Melissa and Eric Lesch bring to this conversation. With experience spanning both the volunteer and staff sides of association life, they offer a perspective that’s equal parts practical and inspiring. Whether you’re considering getting involved for the first time or you’re a seasoned volunteer wondering how to go deeper, this episode is packed with insights you can act on.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
Melissa and Eric dig into what makes association volunteering genuinely rewarding — and what gets in the way. They talk about how to find the right fit, how to set yourself up for meaningful contributions, and what associations can do to create volunteer experiences worth coming back to.
The conversation also tackles the dynamics of volunteering as a duo — what it’s like to navigate association involvement as partners, and how shared commitment to a cause can deepen both professional and personal relationships.
Key Takeaways
- Volunteering is a two-way street. The best volunteer experiences happen when both the individual and the association are clear about expectations, goals, and how success is measured.
- Start small, stay consistent. You don’t have to chair a committee to make an impact. Showing up reliably in a smaller role often leads to the most meaningful long-term involvement.
- Your network is your greatest return on investment. The relationships built through association volunteering often outlast any single role or project — and those connections have a way of compounding over time.
Listen Now
This is a conversation worth bookmarking — especially if you’re thinking about how to get more out of your association membership or how to build a volunteer culture that actually retains people.
🎧 Listen or watch on any of the below platforms:
▶️ YouTube: Association Edge
https://lnkd.in/g2SYixUn
🍎 Apple Podcasts: Association Edge
https://lnkd.in/g7-6N3uc
🎵 Spotify: Association Edge
https://lnkd.in/g2nvyq3t
Have thoughts on this episode? We’d love to hear them. Drop a comment below or reach out directly — and if you know someone who’s been on the fence about volunteering with their association, share this one with them.
