In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson invites strategic communications and marketing counselor, Amira Barger for an enlightening discussion on diversity and women in the workplace. They explore the unique challenges faced by women, the role of organizations in addressing systemic inequities, and the importance of advocacy and taking up space.  

Amira shares her personal journey and experiences, offering practical advice for empowerment and the value of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and inclusive leadership. They also touch on volunteer management, burnout, the positive disruption necessary for social change, and strategies for creating a more equitable and supportive work environment. 

Full show notes: 125. Diversity & Women in the Workplace: Claim You Space with Amira Barger 

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson invites Faiza Venzant onto the show to discuss equity tools for nonprofits volunteerism. They highlight the ADEVI project and the Equity to Action Toolkit, which has been designed to integrate more inclusivity and equity into volunteer programs. 

Faiza shares insights from her work and personal journey, including her upbringing and professional experiences that shaped her commitment to diversity and equity. The pair also discuss the importance of understanding volunteer demographics and the need for organizations to actively create inclusive environments. 

Full show notes: 124. Equity Tools for Nonprofits Volunteerism with Faiza Venzant 

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, host Tobi Johnson offers a comprehensive guide on planning successful volunteer events. Tobi shares her insights and favorite tips on how to organize events that engage and bond volunteers, making them feel valued and connected.
Drawing from her experiences attending various events and conferences, she emphasizes the importance of in-person gatherings, setting clear goals, providing great food, and creating a sense of belonging. The episode also covers practical advice on inclusivity, effective invitations, event logistics, entertainment, and evaluating the success of your events. Tune in for actionable strategies to make your volunteer events truly memorable!
Full show notes: 115 - Your Quick Guide to Amazing Volunteer Events

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

Here at VolPro, we’ve been following Beth Kanter for a LONG time – since 2009 when Tobi started her consulting practice (only two years after smart phones first hit the market … and Beth had already been blogging for six years)! 

Beth is an internationally recognized thought leader and trainer in nonprofit tech, digital transformation, and well-being in the workplace. She is the co-author of the award-winning Happy Healthy Nonprofit: Impact without Burnout and co-author with Allison Fine of the bestselling The Networked Nonprofit.

Beth’s first book introduced us to the idea that nonprofit tech was directly linked to the future of sustainability of our space and was the key to unlocking our connections with communities. 

In this week’s podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Beth to the Volunteer Nation to talk about her new book and share more about how nonprofit tech is driving change for today’s volunteer-driven organizations. 

Full show notes: 025-Nonprofit Tech Transformation + Wellness with Beth Kanter - Tobi Johnson & Associates

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

Tobi gets asked all the time about volunteer recognition and appreciation strategies and tips. And while she can (and has!) shared how to write an effective thank-you letter or create an engaging recognition strategy, real volunteer appreciation is about more than that. It’s about creating a well-run program that meets your volunteer’s core needs.  

We need to thank our volunteers for their unique contributions and express our gratitude. But what really keeps volunteers coming back is a well-managed experience where volunteers feel purpose, find community, and get things done. 

Full show notes: 024-The Best Volunteer Recognition is a Well-Run Program

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

Tobi is well-known for her big energy and ability to produce high levels of quality content. However, like many nonprofit leaders, Tobi has struggled in the past with feelings of burnout and loss of energy.   

She started paying attention and investigating what might help get over the hump, and in this week’s podcast, she’s going to be your crash test dummy! She’s sharing what she knows, and what you can do to build back the energy you may have lost over the past couple of years. 

Full show notes: 023-Secrets to Managing Time and Energy

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

Do you celebrate your successes, large and small?  Most people don’t. We tend to minimize or negate our wins and quickly move on to the next thing. 

It can be very easy to only focus on problems, challenges, and goals, but sharing wins with your team reminds both staff and volunteers of all the reasons your organization exists, and all the good your team is accomplishing together every day in big and small ways. 

In this week's podcast, Tobi is leading by example and sharing her most cherished wins from her 30+ years in nonprofit leadership and management!

Full show notes:  022-My Fave 6 Nonprofit Leadership and Management Wins

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

A lot has changed in the last two years, and there are likely a lot of reasons why volunteers have not yet returned to your organization. Questions of safety, fear about getting back out there after so much time has passed, doubts about skill and the continued ability to contribute…it can feel like a lot to unpack and attempt to resolve.  

However, there are some simple actions you can take to engage volunteers who may have lapsed in service. In week’s podcast, Tobi examines the top reasons why volunteers may be hesitant to return to service and how volunteer leaders can help them overcome those doubts in a compassionate and confident way. 

Full show notes: 021-Engage Volunteers with a Win-Back Campaign

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

Online volunteering has some unique challenges, especially in the areas of community and retention. However, those opportunities can provide great satisfaction and purpose if you approach them the right way.

Tobi takes a look at current trends for online volunteer opportunities and gives you 10 tips to make your job posts more effective, productive, and attractive to potential recruits.   

Full show notes: 020-How to Design Irresistible Online Volunteer Opportunities

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

Originally used by businesses to improve customer service, journey mapping can also be applied to improving the volunteer experience of onboarding, training, and serving within your organization.    

Journey mapping is a way of becoming a more purposeful architect of the volunteer experience. The process starts by identifying the key steps in your process and when you are most likely to lose volunteers. 

In this week’s podcast, Tobi breaks down the steps to create the ideal journey map for your volunteers, and explains how this map can improve the overall volunteer experience for your team. 

Full show notes: 019-Improve the Volunteer Experience with a Journey Map

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

As effective as email is for communication, it lacks the immediacy and relational feel that instant messaging can give. Email inboxes have a way of accumulating inbound messages, and important information can sometimes get lost in the digital clutter.

In this week’s episode, Tobi shares how her team at VolunteerPro has been implementing tools like Slack for a couple of years, why they are an improvement over email or text messages in some situations, and how to effectively use them to help remote volunteer teams stay in touch.

Full show notes: 018-How to Use Slack to Strengthen Volunteer Teams

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

After 30+ years working with nonprofit organizations and more than a decade of nonprofit consulting, Tobi Johnson knows a thing or two about the sector.   

It hasn’t always been an easy road, and in this week’s podcast, Tobi shares her wisdom and some hard-won lessons from along the way with these top 12 nonprofit leadership tips.   

Full show notes: 017-My Top 12 Nonprofit Leadership Tips Learned the Hard Way

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this week’s podcast, Tobi chats with Joan Garry, founder of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab, on the topic of nonprofit boards.  

This unique subset of service-minded leaders is often overlooked when discussing volunteers. Tobi and Joan take a closer look at the specific needs of this group and share some action steps to diversify and strategically fill your own nonprofit board with the right people for the job.     

Full show notes: 016-Nonprofit Boards with Joan Garry

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson discusses the findings from the Volunteer Management Progress Report. This is part two of a two-part series focusing on volunteerism statistics for 2024, offering insights on the internal support within organizations for those leading volunteers.   

Tobi highlights the importance of leadership support, the challenges faced by volunteer managers, and the correlation between leadership backing and volunteer manager job satisfaction and retention. The episode emphasizes the need for a pro-volunteer culture to boost organizational sustainability and community engagement. 

Full show notes: 114 - Volunteerism Statistics for 2024: Insights from Our Latest Research - Part 2 

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

Take a moment to think about your current online volunteer postings. Do those postings share the inspiring mission of your organization? Do they include photos of happy volunteers in action, and share why the posted opportunity is needed and important?  

Or do your posts simply list the shift, the day, and the duties, hoping that somebody out there just really wants to come work for free?

When you take the time to consider how you are messaging your volunteer opportunities, you can better see ways to more effectively recruit volunteers online by building a sense of vision and value.   

In this week’s podcast, Tobi welcomes guest Jennifer Bennett from VolunteerMatch to discuss effective strategies for recruiting volunteers online, and what to do if your current online recruiting efforts are being met with the sound of chirping crickets.

Full show notes:  015-Recruiting Volunteers Online with Jennifer Bennett

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

We are definitely at a crossroads in the volunteer management sector. The last two years have taught us that some of our established ways of thinking, recruiting, and serving as volunteers are no longer sustainable for the future growth and health of volunteerism.

Faced with this realization, and recognizing the opportunity such a transitional moment presented to change course, five organizations in the UK recently combined their efforts and knowledge to spearhead the creation of the Vision for Volunteering.

This report is an aspirational manifesto on what volunteering could be, and it shares a bold volunteer vision for the future if we all made the commitment to embrace change and take intentional action in the areas of awareness, appreciation, equity, power, inclusion, collaboration, and experimentation.

This week, Tobi welcomes guest Rob Jackson to discuss the Vision for Volunteering report and the long-term sustainability of volunteer programs.

Full show notes: 014 - New Volunteer Vision with Rob Jackson

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

The pros of volunteer word-of-mouth are pretty obvious. It’s free, and your volunteers are doing the work of spreading the word and recruiting their friends to your cause.  

But…have you considered how it might affect the diversity of your team?   

People tend to spend time with others of similar interests and at the same stage in life. So volunteers naturally recruit more volunteers that are like themselves. This isn’t necessarily a problem, but it can result in a lack of diversity or worse, the idea that only a certain kind of person can volunteer at your nonprofit. 

In this week’s podcast, Tobi takes a look at volunteer word-of-mouth recruiting, and how this powerful tool is working all the time on behalf of your organization (for good or not-so-good).

Full show notes: 013 - Is Volunteer Word of Mouth All It's Cracked Up to Be 

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

This week Tobi is getting real with some stories from her early days of volunteer training and some of the things she wishes she’d known back then. From the days of forgetting an extra lightbulb for the overhead projector to now, Tobi’s sharing her nine biggest early mistakes so you don’t have to make them, too.  

 
From forgetting to focus volunteer training on...you know, the volunteers, to automatically assuming "training" is the solution to every problem, Tobi relates her Hall of Shame moments (with a cringe and some laughter) to help others along the way.

Full show notes: 012 - Training Volunteers What I Wish I'd Known

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

While diversity, equity, and inclusion are familiar terms in weekly meetings and corporate goal setting, the reality is much more complex. It takes intention and effort to do them well, and it is incredibly easy to get them wrong.  

Well-meaning initiatives for inclusive volunteering can backfire when organizations are not truly prepared to welcome differences, receive contributions from new voices, and allow input from diverse perspectives.

This week’s podcast is Tobi’s manifesto on the idea of inclusive volunteering, and she is taking an unflinching look at what “inclusion” can really look like in the workplace.   

Full show notes: 011 - Is Your Org Ready for More Inclusive Volunteering? 

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

Service learning can be one of those hard-to-define concepts in volunteer management, and it definitely has its own set of challenges and benefits. In this episode, Tobi welcomes guest Brian Halderman for a deep dive into what service learning is and how it can benefit your organization. 

Tobi and Brian discuss the history of service learning along with the changing face (and names) of this field of work. Some might call it community-engaged learning, while others call it critical service learning, student service, or something else entirely. 

Whatever label you use, Brian gives you some common identifying features to help define the purpose of service learning and better understand the kind of value this type of service can provide to your organization.

Brian also examines the differences between successful and unsuccessful service-learning partnerships with specific research, tips, and examples from his own experience, and shares some effective ways to approach educational institutions to explore potential partnerships. 

Full show notes: 010 - Service Learning with Brian Halderman

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

Do your coworkers understand and celebrate the value of volunteers within your organization? If the recurring questions we receive here at VolunteerPro are any indication, the answer may be “not yet.” 

We often see comments in the Volunteer Insiders (our free Facebook group) and in our VolunteerPro Premium Membership community that are tinged with a little bit of frustration.  Leaders of volunteers want to know how they can bring their co-workers along, the ones who don't understand the value of volunteers, treat them as second-tier help, or are downright resistant to having them in their departments. 

Lack of support and buy-in from paid staff is actually one of the top five challenges cited by leaders of volunteers each year in our Volunteer Management Progress Report. It is a pervasive concern for many, and it’s not something we can wave a magic wand at and solve overnight.  

The good news: changing the viewpoint of your coworkers and executive leadership to help them see the value of volunteers definitely won’t happen overnight, but it CAN happen with intentional relationship building and influence.  

In this episode, Tobi shares five steps for building that relational influence so that, as a leader of volunteers, you can effectively advocate for your team, collaborate to place volunteer talent within your organization, and get the respect and support your volunteers deserve.   

Full show notes: 009 - Helping Nonprofit Employees See the Value of Volunteers

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

It is a common occurrence in sports: an athlete who seems to constantly struggle on one team gets traded and suddenly becomes a high-scoring star player. People are surprised by the perceived turnaround of the athlete but in reality, it is evidence of the importance in finding the right team to maximize your knowledge, skill, and talent.

That’s what this week’s episode is all about. More specifically, it will help you answer the question: what team should the volunteer manager or volunteer services department be on? In other words, where should volunteer services live on your org chart?

Full show notes: 008 - Where Should Volunteer Services Live at Your Nonprofit

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

This week we’re talking about “community capital,” the incredible unique value that every volunteer brings to the organizations in which they choose to serve.   

It’s easy to see volunteers as simply an extra pair of helping hands, but they are so much more! Each volunteer carries within them a lifetime of experience, education, personal and socioeconomic background, and relationships. These all combine to create a unique worldview and a powerful singular value called “community capital.”

 In this episode, Tobi explores the true value of volunteers from all walks of life through the lens of this community capital and invites you to consider how the contributions of individual volunteers benefit the community as a whole.

Full show notes: 007 - The Power of Volunteers as Community Capital

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

This week we’re talking about how to show appreciation for your team with a 4-Part Power Thank You letter for volunteers.

When we talk about volunteer appreciation, so often we think of banquets, branded gifts, or fancy plaques. However, appreciation doesn’t have to cost a dime, and we shouldn’t wait until an annual banquet to celebrate our volunteers and their service to our programs. You can show gratitude for your team every day with a simple thank you letter for volunteers. 

Many volunteers don't want nonprofits to spend limited resources on plaques, pins, or slick email campaigns. Volunteers don't really want stuff, but they do want to be acknowledged, and it’s important to cultivate a culture of appreciation.

There's an abundance of research that tells us this. Gratitude boosts optimism and resilience. Expressing and experiencing gratitude gives us greater tendencies towards positivity. Gratitude and respect in the workplace can help workers feel embedded in their organization, welcomed and valued. Research shows that gratitude creates more gratitude, and even inspires more giving. 

Writing thank-you notes may seem daunting at first, but it’s easy once you get started. In this episode, I give you a simple but effective 4-part template to use when expressing your own powerful thank you to volunteers, as well as easy ways to implement an intentional culture of daily appreciation within your organization. 

If you're a nonprofit leader, volunteer coordinator or a volunteer yourself, we hope this podcast will help you acknowledge the efforts of volunteers, both large and small. There is power in positive feedback. Show volunteers you believe in them in words and actions, and create a grateful, happier, and more productive workplace as well.

Full show notes: 006 - The 4-Part Power Thank You Letter for Volunteers

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, host Tobi Johnson delves into volunteerism statistics for 2024, sharing insights from the latest Volunteer Management Progress Report. Tobi discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on volunteer capacity, the challenges of recruitment and retention, and provides a detailed look at trends in active volunteer numbers and volunteer hours.   

Additionally, Tobi highlights the importance of understanding organizational goals and progress in volunteer engagement, offering a comprehensive analysis of the current state of volunteerism. Key findings include the average number of active volunteers, monthly volunteer hours, the role of volunteer coordinators, and the need for evolving volunteer engagement strategies to address ongoing challenges in the sector to better manage their volunteer programs. 

Full show notes: 113. Volunteerism Statistics for 2024: Insights from Our Latest Research - Part 1 

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

Think of your nonprofit website like a party and imagine yourself as a newcomer.  Is the party you just entered so chaotic, confusing, and disorganized that you don’t know where to go or what to do?   Or is it so quiet and empty that the only thing you want to do is leave? 

Or perhaps, is it a place where you feel welcomed, know exactly what to do, and were introduced to others? 

This is how your nonprofit website should feel to prospective volunteers. Unfortunately, most nonprofit websites are not optimized to build relationships with visitors and convert them into potential volunteers. 

In this episode, Tobi shares eight mistakes commonly made on nonprofit websites when it comes to attracting new volunteers, based on key assumptions about the audience and volunteers in general. She also offers tips on what to do instead to improve the experience of your website visitors.

The good news is, whether you are the website designer at your organization, or you have input into what's included, this podcast episode will help you design a better experience for the party that people want to attend, stay at, and connect. 

Full show notes: 005 - 8 Ways Your Nonprofit Website is Failing to Attract Volunteers

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode, we’re ditching the spreadsheets and talking about how the right volunteer management software can actually expand your organization’s reach, add value, and maybe even attract new volunteers. 

This week’s guest is Tony Goodrow of Better Impact. With years of experience and a wealth of knowledge, Tony shares nine good reasons to replace your manual scheduling and data tracking with dedicated software, and he addresses how to overcome some of the barriers holding you back from taking that leap. Tobi shares her experience as a local volunteer in her community, and the difference good volunteer management software makes from that perspective.  

We’re addressing budget concerns, fear of change, and what software automation really means for volunteer managers. (Hint: it helps, not hurts!)  

If volunteer management software seems a little scary, or you’ve wondered how to take that next step, this podcast is for you!
 
Full show notes: 004 - Why Volunteer Management Software Matters with Tony Goodrow

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this week’s episode, we’re talking about the scarcity mindset, how it blocks your potential, and how it can affect your volunteer program.  

At nonprofits, a scarcity mindset can pervade how budgets, resources, and staffing are approached. It blocks an organization’s ability to grow volunteer involvement and scale its impact. It can affect our self-care and can result in burnout and turnover.  

Because it is so pervasive, it can also be very hard to pinpoint. It simply becomes part of an organization’s culture and way of being.  It feels “normal.” 

In this episode, Tobi will help you identify facets of the scarcity mindset with a Scarcity Self-Assessment, including nine common ways limiting beliefs might be showing up in your volunteer program or organization.  

She will also give you five practical ways to counteract scarcity mindsets by cultivating an attitude of abundance. Equipped with a fresh perspective and enabling beliefs, you will be better equipped to maximize the full potential of your volunteer team and get greater traction on your big goals. You will transform scarcity into abundance. 

You might recognize some of your own thought patterns in this episode but be encouraged! Moving from a scarcity mindset to abundance is possible, and this episode will help inspire you along your journey.
 
Full show notes: 003 - Moving From a Scarcity Mindset To Abundance

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

Welcome back to Volunteer Nation!  This week we’re talking about how to recruit volunteers to your organization by build a following first.  

In this episode, you'll learn specific volunteer recruitment tips on how to grow and engage with your community. You’ll hear some surprising stats on today’s social media engagement rates (they’re probably not what you thought!) that can help you use your time wisely. 

Also, you’ll get several ideas for list-building “freebies” (or “lead magnets”), and we offer six specific examples of types of freebies you can use pique the interest of potential volunteers and education them about your good cause so that you can recruit volunteers more easily from a ready pool of people who already know, like, and trust you. 

Finally, to help you plan your entire communications strategy to recruit volunteers, we suggest five different types of content you can share with your list on a regular basis t continue to cultivate their interest in joining you during your next volunteer recruitment call to action.

Full show notes: 002 - How To Recruit Volunteers by Building a Following First

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

Welcome to Volunteer Nation!  I’m your host Tobi Johnson and after over 25 years working in nonprofits, public sector agencies, and grassroots campaigns there’s one thing I’ve learned – you can’t go it alone. If you truly want to bring about BIG change for the better, you need a strong, dedicated community in your corner. But it isn’t always easy, is it? 

That’s why I created this podcast. Each week I share practical tips and advice to help your cause, charity, campaign, or company build, grow, and scale exceptional volunteer talent. If you’re ready to harness the power of people to fuel your good work, you’re in exactly the right place.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has had a significant impact on volunteer-involving organizations and on the rates of volunteerism around the world. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. In this episode, I share how sometimes a bad thing can be a catalyst for a better way. I also share eight reasons volunteers are important, if not essential, in today's world.
 
Hit subscribe and join the Volunteer Nation!

Full show notes: 001 - Welcome to the Volunteer Nation Podcast

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson delves into the undervalued yet powerful tactic of running effective volunteer Q&A sessions. Tobi discusses the goals of a good Q&A, including making volunteers feel heard, offering relevant information, and gathering valuable insights.  

She provides practical tips for conducting high-impact Q&A sessions, such as leaving your ego at the door, setting aside ample time, showing empathy, and telling stories. She also highlights when to build Q&A sessions into your volunteer programs and various formats they can take. This episode aims to help organizations engage deeply with their volunteers and enhance their overall experience! 

Full show notes: Episode 112. How to Run a Value-Packed Volunteer Q&A 

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson delves into the vital topic of new volunteer orientation. Tobi offers detailed insights on what to include and what to avoid, ensuring a successful onboarding process that fosters long-term commitment.

She emphasizes the importance of addressing both informational and emotional needs of volunteers, integrating confidence-building activities, socialization opportunities, and inspirational storytelling. Tobi also shares practical tips on avoiding common training pitfalls like information overload and stresses the importance of making confident, unapologetic asks.

Full show notes: Episode 111. New Volunteer Orientation: What to Include, What to Leave Out 

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi explores the use of psychographics over demographics in volunteer recruitment, emphasizing the importance of understanding prospective volunteers' beliefs, values, interests, and attitudes to create more effective marketing strategies.
Tobi shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the power of targeted advertising, drawing parallels to recruiting volunteers who align with an organization's cause, and guides you through creating volunteer personas based on psychographics to improve recruitment appeals.
Full show notes: Episode 110. Using Psychographics to Improve Your Volunteer Recruitment Appeals 

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, host Tobi Johnson discusses the widespread issue of scarcity mentality within the nonprofit sector and how it limits organizations' ability to grow and engage volunteers effectively.  

Tobi emphasizes that this mentality leads organizations to focus on constraints rather than opportunities, hindering investment in volunteers and the infrastructure supporting them. She highlights the importance of viewing spending on volunteer programs as an investment, rather than a cost and shares practical tips on shifting mindset, calling out scarcity when it appears, and ensuring organizations provide sufficient support and resources for volunteers in your non-profit. 

Full show notes: Episode 109. When a Scarcity Mentality Becomes a Habit 

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson delves into the nuanced and often overlooked topic of clearly defining a volunteer and why it matters to be precise. Tobi shares insights into the definitions provided by various authoritative bodies like the Department of Labor in the U.S., the United Nations, and the implications for nonprofits in handling volunteers according to labor laws and tax regulations.  

She also advises non-profit organizations to consult with labor lawyers and CPAs for legal and tax advice to ensure they remain compliant while fostering a healthy, transparent, and respectful environment for all forms of contributors. Tobi shares her top suggestions for how your non-profit can clearly define volunteer roles, the importance of distinguishing between different types of workers, and the strategic communication necessary to maintain clarity and trust.  

Full show notes: Episode 108. Definition of a Volunteer - Why It Matters to Be Precise

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson celebrates National Volunteer Week 2024, and shares insights into the history and significance of volunteerism! Tobi also highlights the challenges facing the nonprofit sector, including a decline in donor contributions, a labor shortage crisis impacting mission delivery, and decreased volunteer rates. 

Tobi emphasizes the promise and impact of an engaged community in supporting nonprofits, how the nonprofit sector can innovate volunteer engagement and the power that volunteerism has on our communities.  

Full show notes: Episode 107. Celebrating National Volunteer Week 2024! 

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson shares insightful tips on how to create smarter volunteer program assessments, without the need for expensive external consultants. Tobi discusses the importance of learning from assessments to grow volunteer programs and shares her step-by-step plan for performing a DIY program audit.  
Tobi also discusses the importance of learning from assessments to grow volunteer programs and shares her step-by-step plan for performing a volunteer program assessment, discussing how to involve your volunteers, the talking points to include and much more.  

Full show notes: Episode 106. Smarter Volunteer Program Assessment 

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi invites Samantha Barlow onto the show to talk about new research on the benefits of volunteering. They delve into the benefits for both volunteers and communities, the evolving role of volunteers, and the success of Human Appeal's volunteer program. 

Key talking points include community volunteering, emotional satisfaction, professional development, and the innovative use of technology. Samantha also shares insights from Human Appeal's recent study and their strategies for volunteer appreciation and engagement! 

Full show notes: 123. New Research on the Benefits of Volunteering with Samantha Barlow 

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi explores the seven habits that make volunteer managers highly effective, inspired by Stephen Covey's famous book 'The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.'  

Tobi emphasizes the importance of mindset, setting healthy boundaries, strategic thinking, knowing your numbers, sharing the workload, dedicating time to work on your program, and continuously learning and growing.  The episode is packed with insights and tips on how volunteer managers can improve their leadership skills and effectively support their organizations and volunteers! 

Full show notes: Episode 105. 7 Habits of Highly Effective Volunteer Managers 

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson discusses the importance of providing a wow volunteer experience. She emphasizes that beyond traditional methods of appreciation, designing a well-run program plays a crucial role in volunteer satisfaction.
Tobi also shares a personal story to illustrate the impact of outstanding service and introduces the 'WOW' acronym to break down the components of a great volunteer experience: Warm, Optimistic, and Well-designed. It’s an insightful discussion that shows you how you can create memorable and exceptional volunteer experience for your organization!
Full show notes: Episode 104. The WOW! Volunteer Experience 

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson discusses how you can create win-win community service projects, and delves into the different types of community service, outlining effective strategies for designing quality projects, and maintaining good relationships with referring organizations. 

Tobi discusses the nuances of managing community service projects, particularly those that are court ordered, the ethical considerations and practical aspects of integrating such projects into volunteer programs, emphasizing the importance of creating a win-win scenario for both the organization and participants.  

Full show notes: Episode 103. Win-Win Community Service Projects

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi shares the 3 keys to an irresistible volunteer offer. Tobi highlights the need for organizations to align with the anticipatory and excited headspace of new volunteers, emphasizing the importance of adding to their experience rather than dampening it. 

Tobi stresses why organizations should be shifting their perspective from organization-centric to volunteer-centric approaches, underlining the transactional, relational, and transformational nature of volunteering and how matching expectations on all fronts can lead to successful volunteer engagement. 

Full show notes: 102. 3 Keys to an Irresistible Volunteer Offer 

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi invites Pam Kappelides onto the show to talk about the power of psychological contracts and its critical importance in understanding and managing volunteer expectations within organizations. 

Their discussion uncovers how mismatches between volunteer expectations and their actual experiences can lead to early volunteer turnover and affect volunteer retention; practical tips for organizations to address and prevent breaches in psychological contracts, as well as how organizations can approach volunteer recruitment and more! 

Full show notes: 101. Tap the Power of Psychological Contracts with Pam Kappelides 

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In the 100th episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson takes a moment to reflect on the journey of creating 100 episodes since its start on April 11, 2022. To celebrate, Tobi revisits some of the past episodes, offering insights and highlights for new and long-time listeners alike.  

This milestone episode includes a special countdown of the top 10 most downloaded episodes, covering a range of topics such as volunteer engagement, recruitment strategies, and innovative models in volunteerism research.  

Tobi shares key learnings and the impact these discussions have had on volunteering communities, emphasizing the role of volunteerism in fostering connections and community growth. The episode also serves as an invitation for listeners to share their favorite episodes and topics they found most intriguing, fostering a communal spirit of learning and improvement in volunteerism. 

Thank you for your continued support and here's to many more episodes of the Volunteer Nation podcast! 

Full show notes: 100. Fan Faves from 100 Volunteer Nation Episodes 

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation, Tobi discusses how non-profit organizations can utilize psychology for volunteer retention strategies. She explains the importance of using positive social proof and emotive communication to encourage volunteers to keep coming back. 

Tobi emphasizes the need to light up the brain by generating emotions, using clear contrast imagery, visually stimulating content, and focusing on beginnings and endings. She also highlights the two key mistakes organizations make when it comes to volunteer retention. 

Full show notes: Episode 99. Volunteer Retention Strategies - Two Big Mistakes – Part 1

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson discusses the crucial need for organizations to meet the needs of their volunteers in order to sustain their operations. Tobi addresses the common issue of dwindling volunteer engagement, exacerbated by the pandemic, warning that if change is not embraced, organizations risk losing even more momentum and volunteers. 

Within this episode, Tobi also proposes seven pivotal mindset shifts in volunteer management and how adopting these shifts will enable your organization to better align with the expectations of volunteers and provide an effective, meaningful, supportive environment leading to increased volunteer retention and improved mission fulfillment.
Full show notes: Episode 98. How to Meet Volunteer Needs with 7 Solid Pivots

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, host Tobi interviews global change management expert Martin J. Cowling. They discuss the transformative shifts happening in volunteer management, and the need for 21st-century organizations to rethink their approach to volunteers.  

Martin shares his insights on how organizations can better leverage their volunteer talent by selling the impact of volunteering, reconstructing roles for wider engagement, maximizing flexibility, and embracing diversity. He highlights the importance of measuring the impact of volunteering on the individual, the organization, and the community, and calls for a change in the language and outreach methods used to engage potential volunteers. It's an extremely insightful conversation, tune in now!
Full show notes: 97. Transforming How We Lead Volunteers with Martin J Cowling

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode, Tobi discusses how organizations can decide whether a role should be a volunteer, or paid position. She discusses the key differences between volunteer work and paid roles in areas such as legal definitions, pay structures, motivations, behavior, roles, expertise and identity. 

Tobi also emphasizes that the decision must be strategic and respectful to the volunteers, and how roles involving high-risk scenarios or handling of sensitive information may be better suited for paid staff, than volunteers. Tune in to find out how you can ensure you make the right decision when it comes to determining roles within your organization! 

Full show notes: 96. Volunteer Work or Staff Position? How to Decide!

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi invites Ruth Leonard back onto the show and delve into rethinking community involvement, specifically talking about the key themes from Ruth's book, Volunteer Involvement: An Introduction to Theory and Practice. 

The pair explore critical reflections on volunteerism, the importance of redefining volunteer engagement, and practical insights for fostering and managing volunteer relationships. The conversation covers the evolving role of volunteers, barriers to engagement, and the impact of volunteer actions on communities.  

Full show notes: 122. Rethinking Community Involvement with Ruth Leonard

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of the podcast, Tobi shares six tactical strategies to boost volunteer signups. These strategies involve diagnosing what's currently working and what's not, increasing the number of personal asks, tracking and radically decreasing response time.  

Tobi also delves into paid advertising and public service announcements to garner attention, utilizing website pop-ups and banners, and making presentations in places frequented by potential volunteers. Listen to the full episode to find out how you can immediately boost volunteer signups and how to use your volunteer persona to understand your ideal volunteer profile!
Full show notes: 95. 6 Ways to Immediately Boost Volunteer Signups

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.