When I stepped into my community as a volunteer, I was not only bringing my skills and knowledge, I was also bringing myself. Before I could aspire change or start working on any projects, trust was one of the things I needed to work on building between me and my community because trust is not only a feel-good concept, it is the foundation of sustainable development.

Let’s be honest. A Volunteer can have the best ideas, the most well thought out project plan, or even all the resources they need. But if the community doesn’t trust them, things won’t move. People won’t engage fully, and their project might not achieve the impact they hoped for. That is why taking the time to build genuine relationships, having open conversations, and showing up consistently matters so much. When a community begins to trust a Volunteer, the doors to meaningful collaboration swing wide open.

Trust makes communication smoother. People become more open, more comfortable, and much more willing to share their thoughts, concerns, and even their dreams. When it was finally time to dive into the primary project, I knew I was not doing it alone. I worked alongside the people instead of merely working for them, and that partnership made all the difference.

And here’s the beautiful thing: trust is a two-way street. As a Volunteer, when I started to trust my community, I stepped back and gave them space to take the lead. I let them do the bulk of the work, not because of laziness, but because I believe in their capability. This trust created a deep sense of ownership. The project stops being “yours” and becomes “theirs.” That’s when true sustainability kicks in. The community is more likely to maintain, adapt, and even expand on what was started, long after I have moved on.

The civil rights activist and poet Maya Angelou said “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” And trust? Trust feels good. It feels like respect, like being seen, heard, and valued. That emotional connection lays a foundation that technical training alone cannot match.

So take those extra moments to greet people warmly. Sit with them. Listen without rushing. Learn a few words in their language. Laugh with them. Show up even when there’s no meeting. These little things build bridges, and soon, you’ll find yourself not just working in the community but working with the community.

In the end, trust is not a box you check off, it is a relationship you nurture. And when it grows, it becomes the very thing that breathes life into sustainable development. It’s the secret ingredient that turns plans into progress and volunteers into lifelong allies.