Nonprofit leadership author, coach, and expert Tobi Johnson shares weekly tips to help charities build, grow, and scale exceptional volunteer teams. Discover how your nonprofit can effectively coordinate volunteers who are reliable, equipped, and ready to help you bring about BIG change for the better. Rather than continuing to “do more with less,” achieve abundance for your organization by engaging community talent that helps you do more with more. Society is evolving and so, too, is volunteerism. With over 25 years of experience working in nonprofits, public sector agencies, and grassroots campaigns Tobi is known for her modern “big hat” thinking and straight talk about what it takes to achieve success in today’s world. You will learn how to coordinate volunteers, improve the volunteer experience, recruit volunteers, appreciate volunteers, and do it all more efficiently with the right volunteer management software and digital tools. It’s a mix of interviews and solo shows you’re not going to want to miss. So, if you’re ready to ditch the stress and harness the power of people to fuel your good work, you’re in exactly the right place. Hit subscribe and let’s DO this!
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After four and a half years and over 220 episodes, Tobi Johnson is taking her first summer break. In this personal episode, she shares why rest matters, what she'll be working on instead, and how you can make the most of your own downtime.
Tobi also reveals her major book project for volunteer leaders, designed to help volunteers build confidence, reduce stress, and make a bigger impact. Plus, she curates five essential leadership episodes from the archives for you to enjoy during the hiatus.
If you've ever needed permission to rest, this episode is for you.
Summer Break! – Episode Highlights
[00:00] Embracing the Need for a Break
[02:51] Reflecting on Leisure and Work-Life Balance
[06:03] Creative Endeavors and Book Development
[12:11] The Importance of Volunteer Leadership
[18:07] Curated Episodes for Leadership Insights
[29:48] Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Creative Space
$90 for 90 days. The Impact Lab Game Changers Mini-Membership gives you everything you need to complete your volunteer program Mission. Access training, coaching, and community. Change the game.
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.
222. Volunteer Leadership Stories with Catherine Huckaby
Episode 222
Thursday, July 9, 2026 • Duration 01:04:15
Most people don't volunteer because they don't feel ready. But what if that's the myth holding your organization back?
In this episode, Tobi Johnson interviews Catherine Huckaby, author of Nobody Starts Ready, about the power of volunteer leadership stories. Catherine shares real examples of volunteers who started with self-doubt and grew into community leaders—and how their stories can inspire others to get involved.
You'll learn why lowering participation barriers is essential, how storytelling can transform your volunteer recruitment, and practical strategies for attracting and retaining volunteers—including investing in young people aged 15-25. If you're ready to build a volunteer culture where ordinary people become extraordinary leaders, this episode is for you.
Volunteer Leadership Stories – Episode Highlights
[00:00] Welcome and introduction to volunteer leadership stories
[04:51] How Catherine’s journey led her into community engagement
[11:39] The inspiration behind Catherine’s book and key themes
[22:45] Overcoming confidence barriers among volunteers
221. How to Use a Google Grant to Recruit Volunteers with Clay Mansell
Thursday, July 2, 2026 • Duration 55:02
Your nonprofit could have $10,000 a month in free Google Ads, but most organizations miss this opportunity to recruit volunteers.
Marketing expert Clay Mansell joins Tobi Johnson to break down how to access Google Grants, target the right keywords, create landing pages that convert, and work effectively with your marketing team. You'll learn about Google Trends, keyword research, and how to stay compliant so you don't lose the grant.
If you're ready to stop guessing and start attracting volunteers through free advertising, this episode is your roadmap.
Full show notes: 221. How to Use a Google Grant to Recruit Volunteers with Clay Mansell
Google Grant to Recruit Volunteers – Episode Highlights
[00:00]Introduction to Google Grants and Volunteerism
[10:03] Understanding Google Grants and Their Benefits
[19:47] Optimizing Google Ads for Nonprofits
[24:59] Creating Effective Landing Pages for Volunteers
[32:02] Collaboration Between Volunteer Managers and Marketing
[43:55] Optimizing Google Ads for Volunteer Engagement
[49:15]Understanding Audience Language in Marketing
220. Impact Lab POV - Advisory Committees & Shared Power with Breauna Dorelus
Episode 220
Thursday, June 25, 2026 • Duration 01:03:55
Advisory committees often tokenize community voices instead of empowering them. Cause consultant Breauna Dorelus shares how to design role‑specific, behavior‑based position descriptions that build equity, deepen participation, and repair power dynamics.
In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, you'll learn common pitfalls to avoid, how to move from transactional to relational engagement, and why self‑care and boundary setting matter for long‑term success. If you're ready to become a true community partner, this episode is for you.
Full show notes: 220. Impact Lab POV - Advisory Committees & Shared Power with Breauna Dorelus
Advisory Committees & Shared Power – Episode Highlights
[00:00] Introduction to Advisory Committees
[10:01] The Importance of Community Engagement
[19:58] Misconceptions About Advisory Committees
[29:49]Power Dynamics in Advisory Committees
[39:53]The Role of Self-Care in Community Engagement
[44:53] Navigating Nonprofit Challenges
[49:25] Small Changes, Big Impacts
[59:04] Building Relationships for Advisory Committees
Strong volunteer‑staff relationships don't happen by accident. In this episode, volunteer management expert Corina Sadler shares how emotional intelligence, data tracking, and ongoing coaching can transform tension into teamwork.
You'll learn why volunteer‑staff relations are a long‑term strategic investment, how to mediate conflicts with compassion, and practical ways to build trust across your team. If you're ready to reduce burnout and boost collaboration, this episode is for you.
$90 for 90 days. The Impact Lab Game Changers Mini-Membership gives you everything you need to complete your volunteer program Mission. Access training, coaching, and community. Change the game.
218. The Nonprofit Volunteer Management Skills I Wish I Had When I Started
Episode 218
Thursday, June 11, 2026 • Duration 38:06
Most volunteer leaders learn on the job, through trial and error, and sometimes burnout. But what if you could start with the skills that really matter?
In this episode, Tobi Johnson draws on 25+ years of experience to share the essential skills she wishes she had from day one. You'll learn why self‑regulation and emotional resilience are critical for preventing burnout and leading with clarity. She also breaks down strategic planning that connects program design, metrics, and budgets, including how to advocate for volunteer‑related expenses.
Tobi also tackles change management and influence, especially when you don't have formal authority. Her participatory leadership approach helps you engage stakeholders, manage resistance, and build trusted teams. Plus, she offers a free worksheet to help you develop your personal leadership philosophy.
If you're ready to lead with confidence and create lasting impact, this episode is your toolkit.
Skills I Wish I Had – Episode Highlights
[00:00] Introduction to Volunteer Management Skills
[04:08] Top Nonprofit Volunteer Management Skills
[08:46] Emotional Self-Regulation in Leadership
[12:54] Strategic Planning for Nonprofits
[17:08] Budgeting for Volunteer Programs
[24:10] Change Management and Influence
[31:12] Participatory Leadership and Collaboration
217. What Is a Volunteer? Why It Matters to You Org
Episode 217
Thursday, June 4, 2026 • Duration 38:16
Most organizations see volunteers as free labor. That narrow view hides their true value.
In this episode, Tobi Johnson explains why redefining volunteer roles unlocks hidden assets: relational capital, advocacy reach, donor pipelines, and community credibility. She covers practical steps to write clear role descriptions, reduce staff‑volunteer tension, and stay legally compliant, from U.S. Department of Labor standards to local laws.
If fuzzy definitions are holding your organization back, this episode gives you the clarity and strategy to turn volunteers into your most valuable strategic asset.
What Is a Volunteer? – Episode Highlights
[00:00] Understanding Volunteers: Definitions and Importance
216. Your Quick Guide to Better Volunteer Thank You Notes
Thursday, May 28, 2026 • Duration 31:20
A generic “thanks” isn’t enough. Personalized thank-you notes can transform volunteer retention.
In this episode, Tobi Johnson shares a simple four‑step framework to write meaningful appreciation: specific actions, impact, acknowledgment, and gratitude. She also offers creative ways to recognize remote volunteers, scale appreciation, and build a culture of genuine gratitude.
If you want volunteers to feel valued and stay engaged, this episode gives you an easy, actionable formula for better thank-you notes.
Full show notes: Episode 216 - Your Quick Guide to Better Volunteer Thank You Notes
Volunteer Thank You Notes – Episode Highlights
[00:00] - Introduction to the importance of volunteer thank you notes
[06:30] - The transformative power of the right thank you note
[13:49] - Recognizing all volunteers, not just stars
[20:32] - Connecting volunteer efforts to organizational impact
[25:15] - A quick four-step framework for crafting your message
$90 for 90 days. The Impact Lab Game Changers Mini-Membership gives you everything you need to complete your volunteer program Mission. Access training, coaching, and community. Change the game.
215. 5 Ways to Boost the Fun Factor for Community Volunteers
Thursday, May 21, 2026 • Duration 34:15
A volunteer program without joy can lead to burnout and turnover. But adding fun doesn't mean being less professional; it means building a genuine community.
In this episode, Tobi Johnson explains why shared experiences and fun are essential for retention. She shares a story from a recent informal gathering with her own volunteer team and introduces the concept of edutainment, learning combined with entertainment. Tobi also previews the Volapalooza Festival, designed with a music‑festival vibe to engage volunteers.
She then offers five practical ways to boost the fun factor: invite volunteers to co‑create the culture, design for social connection, use themes and festival energy, create joyful moments, and make experiences shareable.
If you want to move beyond bureaucracy and build a volunteer culture people actually enjoy, this episode gives you simple, actionable ideas.
Fun Factor – Episode Highlights
[00:00] The Fun Factor in Volunteering
[02:31] Planning and Hosting a Volunteer Gathering
$90 for 90 days. The Impact Lab Game Changers Mini-Membership gives you everything you need to complete your volunteer program Mission. Access training, coaching, and community. Change the game.
214. Defending National Service & Community Resilience with Kaira Esgate
Episode 214
Thursday, May 14, 2026 • Duration 01:13:42
Advocacy for volunteerism can't wait until a crisis hits. Sometimes the crisis arrives without warning, and the relationships you've built with policymakers determine whether your program survives.
In this episode, host Tobi Johnson welcomes Kaira Esgate, CEO of America's Service Commissions, to discuss sudden funding cuts that threatened AmeriCorps. Kaira shares how grant terminations and staff reductions halted community projects and upended service members' lives. She also highlights the successful bipartisan advocacy—lawsuits and congressional support—that ultimately restored funding.
If your organization depends on public funding or grants, this episode is a powerful reminder: proactive advocacy and long‑term relationships with elected officials are essential to protecting the programs that hold our communities together.
Community Resilience – Episode Highlights
[00:00] Introduction to Advocacy in Volunteerism
[05:19] Kaira Esgate's Journey in National Service
[12:50] Understanding AmeriCorps and National Service Landscape
[18:05] The Crisis: Funding Cuts and Their Impact
[31:24] Mobilization and Advocacy Response
[47:43] Ongoing Advocacy and Political Landscape
[51:37] Lessons Learned from Advocacy Efforts
[01:01:00] Future of National Service and Community Impact
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$90 for 90 days. The Impact Lab Game Changers Mini-Membership gives you everything you need to complete your volunteer program Mission. Access training, coaching, and community. Change the game.
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.
$90 for 90 days. The Impact Lab Game Changers Mini-Membership gives you everything you need to complete your volunteer program Mission. Access training, coaching, and community. Change the game.
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.
$90 for 90 days. The Impact Lab Game Changers Mini-Membership gives you everything you need to complete your volunteer program Mission. Access training, coaching, and community. Change the game.
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.
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.
$90 for 90 days. The Impact Lab Game Changers Mini-Membership gives you everything you need to complete your volunteer program Mission. Access training, coaching, and community. Change the game.
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.
$90 for 90 days. The Impact Lab Game Changers Mini-Membership gives you everything you need to complete your volunteer program Mission. Access training, coaching, and community. Change the game.
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.
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.
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.
Join States for Service, ASC’s privately funded policy coalition working to advocate for federal and state policies that improve access to national service and volunteer engagement resources.
Write an op-ed, submit a letter to the editor, or post on social media. ASC’s communications toolkit provides resources for all of these and more.
$90 for 90 days. The Impact Lab Game Changers Mini-Membership gives you everything you need to complete your volunteer program Mission. Access training, coaching, and community. Change the game.
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.
