Volunteer Nation

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...

<p>A generic “thanks” isn’t enough. Personalized thank-you notes can transform volunteer retention.</p><p>In this episode, Tobi Johnson shares a simple four‑step framework to write meaningful appreciation: specific...

<p>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.</p><p>In this episode, Tobi Johnson explains why shared...

<p>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.</p><p>In this...

<p>Strengthening volunteer engagement isn't always about doing more with your own program. Sometimes it's about letting go of the need to hold onto every volunteer and instead building connections across your entire...

<p>Effective volunteer training is more than checking a box; it builds confident, engaged volunteers who stay longer and deliver greater impact. Yet many organizations rely on long, one-size-fits-all sessions that...

<p>Volunteer engagement doesn't exist in a vacuum—it's deeply shaped by community values, national infrastructure, and a spirit of collective care. In New Zealand, where over 115,000 not-for-profits operate and most are...

<p>Volunteer engagement doesn’t end when service concludes. In fact, how organizations say goodbye to their volunteers can have a lasting impact on relationships, reputation, and future support. Yet, volunteer...

<p>Leadership in volunteer engagement is not defined by title or workload, but by the ability to influence, align, and inspire others toward a shared vision. Many leaders stay busy managing day-to-day tasks, yet...

<p>Word of mouth is one of the most powerful ways nonprofits attract new supporters, but what if you could harness it more intentionally? Without a clear strategy, many organizations miss the opportunity to turn...

<p>A slow or confusing volunteer application process can cost organizations more than time. It can lead to missed opportunities, frustrated applicants, and fewer volunteers joining your mission. </p><p>In this episode...

<p>Volunteer managers often rely on a mix of spreadsheets, emails, and manual processes to keep programs running. But as volunteer programs grow, those systems can quickly become overwhelming and difficult to manage...

<p>Managing volunteers often means juggling a wide range of responsibilities. From responding to emails and coordinating schedules to planning events and maintaining relationships, volunteer leaders frequently feel...

<p>Strengthening a volunteer strategy is not always about fixing a struggling program. Sometimes it is about preparing a successful program for growth.</p><p>In this episode, Tobi Johnson is joined by Lisa Lopez and...

<p>Volunteer burnout is not always caused by time, workload, or lack of commitment. In many cases, it happens when leaders begin to feel less effective in their roles. As confidence and enjoyment decline, even...