Volunteer Nation – Details, episodes & analysis

In this inspiring episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson celebrates International Volunteer Managers Day with special guest Nicole Smith, Executive Director of Alive. Together, they dive into this year’s powerful theme — “Be Bold and Make Change.” 

Nicole brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation, sharing what it really takes to lead boldly in today’s volunteer management landscape. From strategic advocacy and clear communication to accountability and continuous improvement, she offers practical wisdom for leaders who want to make a lasting impact. 

Tobi and Nicole also get real about common challenges like imposter syndrome, the importance of self-care, and how to manage upward effectively within organizations. 

Full show notes: 187. Bold Leadership – Celebrating IVMDay with Nicole Smith 

IVMDay - Episode Highlights 

• [00:29] - Celebrating International Volunteer Managers Day 
• [02:32] - The Importance of Bold Leadership 
• [06:42] - Challenges and Ethical Considerations in Volunteerism 
• [14:47] - Nicole's Journey into Volunteer Management 
• [23:56] - Calculated Risks and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 
• [32:14] - Reflecting on Past Achievements 
• [36:20] - Managing Upward and Advocating for Volunteers 
• [41:35] - Skills for Bold Leadership 
• [46:44] - The Importance of Strategic Planning 
• [52:53] - Delegation and Self-Reflection 

Helpful Links 

• VisionWeek 2026 
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #136: Getting Back to Neighboring with Breauna Dorelus  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #101: Tap the Power of Psychological Contracts with Pam Kappelides 
• Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection Book 
• Leadership and Self-Deception: The Secret to Transforming Relationships and Unleashing Results, 4th Edition Book  
• Points of Light Making Purpose Possible Initiative  
• Global International Volunteer Managers Day Site  
• ALIVE International Volunteer Managers Day Page (with playlist!) 
• AL!VE National Summit on Volunteer Engagement 
• Find Nicole on LinkedIn  

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 breaks down one of the biggest pitfalls in volunteer planning: confusing strategy with tactics. She explains why a plan that’s just a long list of tasks will never move your mission forward and what to do instead. 

If you're ready to shift from “busy and reactive” to “focused and strategic,” this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable guidance. Plus, Tobi introduces Vision Week 2026, a hands-on, five-day planning experience designed to help you confidently create your annual volunteer engagement plan with expert support! 

Full show notes: 186. Strategy vs Tactics - How to Include Both in Your Volunteer Planning 

Strategy vs Tactics - Episode Highlights 

• [01:35] - Why Solid Planning Matters 
• [03:10] - Strategy vs. Tactics Defined 
• [06:15] - The Risk of To-Do-List Planning 
• [07:20] - Aligning Volunteer Engagement with Organizational Goals 
• [12:20] - Real-World Example #1: Improving Program Outcomes 
• [15:45] - Real-World Example #2: Growing the Volunteer Base 
• [18:40] - Real-World Example #3: Boosting Staff Buy-In 
• [22:10] - What Strategic Volunteer Engagement Really Means 
• [24:00] - Why People Avoid Planning 

Helpful Links 

• VisionWeek 2026 
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #134: 8 Annual Planning Mistakes & How to Avoid Them  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #82: Nonprofit Strategic Planning for 2024 in 3 Simple Steps 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #168: Note to Nonprofit Execs – Supporting Volunteers is Everyone’s Job 

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 dives into the 7 common rookie mistakes non-profits make when managing volunteers and shares practical strategies to help volunteer managers reduce stress and rediscover the joy in their work. 

Tobi highlights the power of maintaining a positive mindset, setting clear boundaries, and focusing on community-building over paperwork. She also shares actionable tips for creating effective systems for delegation, engaging episodic volunteers for long-term impact, and prioritizing warm, relationship-driven recruitment strategies. 

Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer manager or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights to make volunteer management more effective and more enjoyable. 

Full show notes: 177. Manage Volunteers Like a Pro: 7 Rookie Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 

Manage Volunteers - Episode Highlights 

• [03:45] - Rookie Mistake #1: Not Minding Your Mindset 
• [07:53] - Rookie Mistake #2: The Department of One Mentality 
• [13:00] - Rookie Mistake #3: Choosing Paperwork Over People 
• [16:39] - Rookie Mistake #4: Not Building a Community Before Asking for Volunteers 
• [22:41] - Rookie Mistake #5: Not Setting Clear Boundaries 
• [26:39] - Rookie Mistake #6: Focusing on Cold vs. Warm Recruitment 
• [28:27] - Rookie Mistake #7: Not Building and Documenting Clear Systems 

Helpful Links 

• Volunteer Management Progress Report 
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab 
• Volunteer Management Fundamentals Live! 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #003: Moving From a Scarcity Mindset to Abundance 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #168: Note to Nonprofit Execs – Supporting Volunteers is Everyone’s Job  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #164: Moving from Volunteer Compliance to Building Your Nonprofit Community 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #002: How to Recruit Volunteers by Building a Following First 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #126: 8 Ways to Empower, Not Rescue Nonprofit Employees & Volunteers 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #86: Converting Episodic Volunteers into Long-term Supporters 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #046: Save Time with Better Volunteer Management Systems  
• ChatGPT (great for developing volunteer policies and procedures) 

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  reviews the history and impact of the Volunteer Management Progress Report, a global state-of-the-industry survey spanning 9 years and encompassing insights from leaders of volunteers across 36 countries.

She delves into key trends from past reports, the push for diversity, equity, and inclusion planning, correlations between resources and capacity,  the increasing tech-maturity of multi-generational volunteer managers, and more. Listeners are also encouraged to participate in the 2024 survey as we explore the ever-evolving landscape of volunteer management and the vital role it plays in organizations worldwide.

Full show notes:  087. Volunteer Research: Sector Trends & Our Latest Survey 

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, host Tobi Johnson talks about the challenge of retaining episodic volunteers who step up to help during the holiday season but often disappear afterwards. Tobi shares a 4-part culture of commitment formula that sets the stage for deeper levels of commitment, discusses the importance of creating a purposeful onboarding plan even for one-time volunteers, and gives strategies for delegating, leading with ease, and using storytelling to share volunteer results.

Tobi also delves into the concept of journey mapping, exploring the volunteer experience from start to finish, and poses insightful questions to help you assess and improve your volunteer strategy. Join us for an insightful discussion on how to keep episodic volunteers engaged and turn them into long-term supporters.

Full show notes:  86. Converting Episodic Volunteers into Long-term Supporters

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 Volunteer Nation host, Tobi Johnson, dives deep into the art of goal-setting. She shares practical tips and real-life examples to inspire and guide you in establishing meaningful and impactful volunteer goals for your charitable cause, membership, or movement.

The episode is a must-listen, even if you didn't attend our recent VisionWeek strategic planning bootcamp event. Remember, it's never too late to set meaningful goals for the year ahead. Regardless of whether you participated in VisionWeek or not, the insights shared in this podcast episode can provide valuable guidance and inspiration as you chart a course for volunteer success in 2024.

Full show notes:  85. BIG Volunteer Goals for 2024 – Four Examples

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.

Our host, Tobi, is joined by the incredible Advita Patel, an expert in internal communications and inclusive workplaces. Together, they discuss the challenges faced by the voluntary sector when it comes to building an inclusive culture and volunteer environment and unravel strategies to overcome them. From understanding knowledge gaps to fostering belonging and diversity, Tobi and Advita provide valuable insights and actionable advice for leaders and organizations looking to revolutionize their communication and create cultures of inclusion. 

If you're interested in revolutionizing your organization's communication, promoting belonging, and thriving in the workplace, Advita's business, Comms Rebel, can provide valuable insights. She is also the co-founder of A Leader Like Me, empowering underrepresented women and building their confidence in the workplace.Get ready for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation that will help you build an inclusive culture at your volunteer organization.

Full show notes:  84. Building an Inclusive Culture at Your Volunteer Organization with Advita Patel

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 and guest Alyson Gallaher dive into the world of corporate-nonprofit collaborations. They shed light on the changing dynamics of corporate partnerships, emphasizing the importance of understanding community needs and advocating for change. They discuss the significance of demonstrating impact, preparing for successful partnerships, and building lasting relationships with corporate partners for mutual benefit. Tune in as they share practical insights, discuss the value of effective volunteer experiences, and provide tips for engaging volunteers and corporate networking. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, a corporate professional, or a volunteer enthusiast, this episode will provide valuable strategies for creating impactful collaborations and maximizing the benefits for both parties involved.

Full show notes: 83. Make the Most of Corporate Partnerships with Alyson Gallaher

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 new year brings fresh possibilities and a clean slate - what will you do with it?  Not sure? In this episode, Tobi shares how to create a vision for the future, backed up by clear blueprint for success with her signature READY, SET, GOTM nonprofit strategic planning process. 

She also invites listeners to ditch uncertainty and build a plan to create a clear path to the goals you seek by joining us for VisionWeek 2024 - November 13-17, 2023. You'll learn our streamlined process for creating a plan to engage volunteers in 2024 in just 5 days. She will walk you through this process in detail and  you'll have time and space to network with others who are also planning their best year ever.

Full show notes: 82. Nonprofit Strategic Planning for 2024 in 3 Simple Steps

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, sits down with Kivi Leroux Miller, an expert in nonprofit marketing to discuss  the importance of collaboration between volunteer services and nonprofit marketers, offering practical insights and tactics for fostering effective partnerships. Tobi emphasizes the crucial role of marketing in volunteer recruitment and highlights the need for collaboration between these two essential teams.

Full show notes: 81. How Vol Services & Nonprofit Marketers Can Work Together with Kivi Leroux Miller

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.