Read to Lead: The Ultimate Book List for Volunteers and Changemakers

Volunteering is often described as an act of the heart, but the most effective service engages the head just as much. Whether you are a weekend warrior at a local food bank, a non-profit manager trying to herd cats (aka coordinate volunteers), or someone dreaming of joining the Peace Corps, there is a book out there that can sharpen your perspective.

We’ve rounded up a list of essential reads that range from deeply moving memoirs to practical guides on effective altruism. If you’re looking for inspiration or a roadmap for your next chapter of service, start here.

1. For the Soul: Memoirs that Move You

These books remind us why we show up in the first place. They are the stories of human connection, resilience, and the sometimes messy reality of trying to help.

"Little Princes: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal" by Conor Grennan

If you only read one memoir on this list, make it this one. Conor Grennan didn’t start out as a humanitarian; he started out as a guy who wanted to travel the world and volunteered at an orphanage in Nepal to impress people. What he found—trafficked children who weren’t actually orphans but had been stolen from their families—changed the trajectory of his life.

• Why read it: It’s honest, funny, and devastating. It strips away the "white knight" complex and shows the real grit required to solve actual problems.

"The Third Wave: A Volunteer Story" by Alison Thompson

When the 2004 tsunami hit Southeast Asia, Alison Thompson didn’t wait for an invite. She flew to Sri Lanka with no plan, just a desire to help. This book chronicles her experience running a makeshift field hospital and managing a chaotic influx of volunteers.

• Why read it: It captures the raw, unpolished side of disaster relief. It’s a testament to the idea that you don't need permission or a specialized degree to make a massive difference—you just need to show up.

"Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion" by Father Gregory Boyle

Father Boyle founded Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world. This collection of essays is a masterclass in empathy.

• Why read it: It redefines what "service" means. It’s not about "saving" people; it’s about standing with them at the margins so the margins get erased.

2. For the Mind: The Philosophy of "Good"

Passion is fuel, but strategy is the engine. These books challenge you to think about whether your helping is actually helpful.

"Doing Good Better" by William MacAskill

This is the manifesto for the Effective Altruism movement. MacAskill challenges the traditional way we think about charity. Instead of just following our hearts, he argues we should use data and reason to determine where our time and money can do the most good.

• Key Takeaway: Sometimes the unsexy cause (like deworming initiatives) saves more lives than the flashy one. This book will change how you donate your time and money forever.

"Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success" by Adam Grant

Wharton professor Adam Grant breaks people down into three categories: Givers, Takers, and Matchers. He uses rigorous research to show that while Givers are often at risk of burnout, they are also represented disproportionately at the top of the success ladder.

• Key Takeaway: You don’t have to choose between being successful and being a volunteer. Grant offers strategies on how to be a "productive giver" without letting others take advantage of you.

3. For the Hands: The Practical Guide to Management

If you are the one holding the clipboard, organizing the schedule, or running the non-profit, you need tactical advice.

"Volunteer Management: A Strategic Approach" (2024 Edition) by Jaclyn S. Piatak and Jessica E. Sowa

This is a brand-new, comprehensive academic look at the field. It moves beyond simple tips and tricks and looks at volunteerism through the lens of human resource management and organizational strategy.

• Why read it: If you are a volunteer coordinator, this is your new textbook. It covers recruitment, retention, and the tricky legalities of managing a modern volunteer workforce.

"The Volunteer Management Handbook" by Tracy Daniel Connors

Considered the "bible" of the industry, this is a dense, reference-style book. It’s not a beach read, but it is an indispensable resource for anyone setting up a formal program.

• Why read it: It has templates, forms, and policies for everything from liability waivers to recognition ceremonies.

4. For the Traveler: The Global Perspective

For those who want to pack their bags and serve abroad.

"River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze" by Peter Hessler

Before he became a famous journalist, Peter Hessler was a Peace Corps volunteer teaching English in Fuling, China. This isn’t just about volunteering; it’s a deeply observed portrait of a community in transition.

• Why read it: It captures the loneliness, the confusion, and the slow-burning rewards of long-term service in a culture that is not your own.

"Volunteer Vacations" by Bill McMillon

If you can’t commit two years to the Peace Corps but want to do more than sit on a beach, this guide is a classic resource for short-term opportunities. It catalogs organizations that facilitate "voluntourism" (scientific expeditions, trail building, teaching).

• Why read it: It helps filter the reputable organizations from the scams, ensuring your vacation time actually contributes to a real cause.

Final Thoughts

Reading about volunteering is the easy part—it’s the safe harbor before the storm. But hopefully, one of these books sparks a flame. Whether it’s the data-driven logic of Doing Good Better or the emotional gut-punch of Little Princes, let these stories push you out the door and into your community.

Happy reading (and helping)!