Leaving Voluntary Group (Letter/Email guidance required)

[littlemadangel]

Hi guys
I'm after a wee bit of guidance just here really as I'm not great with these things.
I've been a volunteer in my churchs Childrens Liturgy group from the age of 17, I'm 22 now.

Now I've decided that the next term-April-June will be my last term and I wont be returning in September.
Many reasons really for this, you tend to do a lot of changing between 17-22 and I've just decided its not for me anymore. I have enjoyed it but now I do tend to have a bit of social activity going on at weekends and I dont wanna be restricted to 10.30 Sunday mass anymore. Also the Leader structure has changed a lot recently, the whole focus of the thing has changed, its more focused on the kids "getting something" from it, rather than them enjoying it. And there are also leaders not willing to follow procedure (i.e. 2 leaders at ALL times) and this has also kinda influenced my decision.

And I'd hate to carry on doing something that I no longer feel enthuasitic about.

Anyhow I just dont wanna take off and no-one here from me again. I've decided to do a wee email thing to the group leader just to inform her of my decision and thank her for the experience and what I've gained from the group (if it hadnt been for this, I would have never considered Guides!!)

I just cant think of how to make it flow well and not sound too ott but still seem genuine.

Anyone any ideas??

[DonnaBBH]

I totally sympathise with you I hate having to tell people I cant do things anymore.

Can you start with something along the lines of
It is with regret that I inform you of my decision to leave the group at the end of next term, this decision hant been taken lightly but after a lot of thought and consideration I have decided that for personal reasons I can no longer committ to volunteering with the group.

Go on to say that you have enjoyed your time with them and feel you have gained a lot out of it and how much you will miss it.

Good Luck

[fenris]

I'd suggest that you say that recent changes in the focus and approach of the group, along with you entering a new phase of your life which brings other priorities which will prevent you from giving the group the commiment you feel it deserves, mean that you feel the end of the summer term is the right time for you to move on from the group, and you hope the advance notice will allow them time to find other helpers.

[exile]

I wouldn't explain, just thank for the opportunity to be wtih young people, say that it's led to Guides, Explain that you might be able to help - from time to time (ie vague) and that your last date is:

neat and business like.

[exile]

Actually, I decided that I wanted to add an explanation.

I think sometimes we expect a lot of ourselves when we volunteer. For example, I have 3 fairly large volunteer commitments and 4 - 5 smaller ones as well as a part time job and general taxi duties for the kids. I know I have to drop some of the commitments so that I can do all of the remaining ones well and have time to breathe. I feel that the people i'm going to let down will think that I'm being personal - but I wouldn't worry about a job in the same way.

If you've helped out at children's liturgy for 5 years then you deserve a medal. That's great. But don't worry about moving on. If the recipients get value from the CL, then there will be someone who will come and take over... and if it all stops then either it's something that's run its course or it'll restart quite soon after.... Also, if your life has changed then you shouldn't feel embarrassed about having either time out or giving up. Just because it's an unpaid role, doesn't mean you have to keep liking it or keep doing it. I helped out with Mother and Toddler groups for 4 years but now I don't.... my life is different. Ditto CL.

It's nice to send a note, but don't say you're leaving because you don't like the people you are working with or the way that things are being done. just thank and smile and move on.... Too often volunteers only feel they can go if there's a really big row involved.