As we step into 2026, many of us are quietly scanning the horizon for resolutions that actually matter: ones that make a difference in the world, that build community, and are strong enough to last. If you’ve ever felt the urge to start something positive in your neighbourhood but weren’t sure how to go about it, you’re not alone.
Trash Hero chapters (volunteer groups) begin with a simple formula: local people who care, meeting regularly to clean up, connect, and grow their community in the process. The background knowledge, planning and campaign skills can all be learned along the way. The one thing that can’t be taught is your connection to your home.
Before you commit to anything, a great first step is to identify and recognise your own abilities. Leadership in volunteering comes in many forms, and the strongest teams start when different strengths click. Our short quiz, below, can help you recognise your natural leadership style – and the kind of founding team you might one day build around it.
Mostly As – The Networker
You know people across different local circles – parents, sports teams, local cafés, market stalls, Facebook groups – and naturally connect them. You build trust by knowing who to call and who to introduce.
Movements start with connection, and you already have that. A chapter started by you will feel like a community project from day one, not a solo mission.
Mostly Bs – The Organiser
You turn ideas into action by planning the schedule, surveying the location, sorting the equipment, and making roles clear so others can join in easily. Your leadership isn’t loud, but it’s effective because people always know where to be and what to do next.
You’re also reliable and good at simplifying complexity, which makes volunteers feel more confident. A chapter started by you will build the structure so others can show up with ease.
Mostly Cs – The Motivator
You inspire action by making it feel personal and possible. You are able to rally people without guilt, and you can transform a hesitant “maybe” into an excited “why not?” with just a few words. This is more than just hype – you help people believe in their ability to make a difference together.
You’re especially good at celebrating small wins, which keeps people engaged for the long haul. A chapter started by you will feel purposeful, hopeful, and energising – even on rainy days.
Mostly Ds – The Collaborator
You turn one-off action into something steady and lasting. You listen well, remember details about what people need, and make sure all volunteers feel valued and supported. You help teams stick together, grow sustainably, and avoid burning out.
You’re also the person who notices quieter or new people, and gently brings them in without making it a “thing”. A chapter started by you will grow steadily, kindly, and with real staying power.
Recognise yourself?
If any of these leadership styles resonated with you, that’s great. But it’s important to remember that no style is inherently better than any other, and that strong volunteer groups are rarely built around one perfect leader. They’re built by teams of people with complementary skills, who care about the same issues and share a commitment to do something about them.
And this is exactly how Trash Hero chapters begin. Whether you’re a Networker, Organiser, Motivator, or Collaborator, you already hold one of the essential ingredients – and your founding team might be closer than you think (get your friends to take this quiz!). And whatever mix you end up with, we can help.
If 2026 feels like your year to turn “someone should do something about plastic pollution” into “let’s do something together”, all you need to do is gather your people and head to our “start a chapter” page or contact us. If you decide to go ahead, we’ll guide you through launching your first cleanup and beyond.
We built our global movement this way, with volunteers learning and growing as they go. No perfection required, no solo heroics, just people who care about their place, showing up for it. Could this be you?
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