Shows
Volunteer Nation161. Leadership Principles for Sparking Change – Part 2 with Jenni FieldIn this powerful follow-up episode of The Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson continues her insightful conversation with Jenni Field, diving deeper into the leadership principles that drive meaningful change, especially for those managing volunteers. Together, they unpack the nuanced differences between authenticity and vulnerability in leadership, highlighting how empathy, flexibility, and consistent action can earn trust and credibility with both volunteers and colleagues. Tobi and Jenni also offer guidance on recognizing signs of credibility challenges and what to do about them. Whether you're a seasoned leader or new to volunteer management, this episode is full of...2025-05-0841 minVolunteer Nation160. Leadership Principles for Sparking Change – Part 1 with Jenni FieldIn this episode of Volunteer Nation, Tobi Johnson sits down with leadership and communications expert Jenni Field for an insightful conversation about what it really takes to lead with credibility in the nonprofit world. Jenni shares practical, research-backed strategies for building trust, fostering supportive team cultures, and leading with clarity—especially during times of change. Drawing from her extensive experience and her latest book, she unpacks how values-driven leadership can guide organizations through uncertainty and strengthen internal culture. This is part one of a two-part series you won’t want to miss! Full show no...2025-05-0143 minVolunteer Nation159. How to Hire a Future Proof Volunteer CoordinatorIn this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson breaks down exactly what it takes to hire a future proof volunteer coordinator who can lead with confidence and adaptability. Given how vital this role is in representing your organization and engaging your volunteers, hiring the right person matters more than ever! Tobi walks you through 8 essential steps to build a strong hiring foundation. From understanding volunteer coordination best practices and deciding if the position should be paid or volunteer, to writing a compelling job description and offering a fair wage. She also dives into how to a...2025-04-2445 minVolunteer Nation158. Nonprofit Capacity Building with the Community Foundation for a greater RichmondIn this episode of The Volunteer Nation Podcast, host Tobi Johnson sits down with Diana Villarreal and Gail Cavallaro from the Community Foundation for greater Richmond to explore how strategic volunteer engagement is shaping the future of nonprofits. Diana and Gail share the foundation’s mission and walk us through its inspiring history, along with the wide range of programs designed to support nonprofit growth at every level—from individuals to entire networks. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, volunteer manager, or simply passionate about community building, this episode offers valuable insights into what’s possible when phi...2025-04-171h 06Volunteer Nation157. A Fresh Take on Volunteer Position DescriptionsIn this episode of The Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson challenges the status quo of traditional volunteer position descriptions. She explores why the standard, task-heavy approach often falls flat and shares how a simple shift in language and structure can dramatically improve volunteer recruitment. Tobi introduces creative alternatives—like adding impact statements, showcasing team values, and sharing volunteer testimonials—that speak to both the hearts and minds of prospective volunteers. You'll also hear practical, easy-to-implement tips, such as renaming your descriptions to "Volunteer Opportunities" and reframing responsibilities as meaningful accomplishments. If you’re looking to attract...2025-04-1027 minVolunteer Nation156. People-first Leadership & Strengthening Teams with Dr. Rob LionIn this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson invites Dr. Rob Lion onto the show to discuss people-first leadership and fostering stronger collaboration between paid staff and volunteers. Dr. Rob Lion is a professor, consultant, and principal of Black River Performance Management, who shares expert insights on creating a human-centric organizational culture. Together, they explore key strategies for effective communication, trust-building, and conflict resolution—essential elements for nurturing a supportive and engaged team. The conversation also highlights actionable steps that volunteer coordinators can take to enhance volunteer engagement and make a lasting impact from their pos...2025-04-031h 10Volunteer Nation155. Entitled or Exploited? Part 2 Volunteer Responsibilities AND RightsIn this episode of Volunteer Nation, host Tobi Johnson dives deep into the ethical and fair treatment of volunteers. She introduces the Volunteer Bill of Rights, outlining ten essential rights every volunteer should have, from being valued and trained to working in a safe environment. But rights are only part of the equation. Tobi also explores ten key responsibilities volunteers should uphold, such as committing to the organization’s mission and respecting boundaries. This insightful conversation highlights the importance of mutual respect and accountability, aiming to build a positive, inclusive, and productive volunteer culture. Don’t miss this...2025-03-2742 minVolunteer Nation151. Reimagining Nonprofit Membership & Volunteer Engagement with Alice GlennIn this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson is joined by Alice Glenn, President of the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI). Tobi and Alice delve into innovative approaches to nonprofit membership and volunteer engagement, particularly within associations, chapters, and membership-based nonprofits. Alice shares insights into developing volunteer leadership pipelines and modernizing governance models. She emphasizes the importance of aligning volunteer experiences with personal skill development and community impact. They also explore the crucial role of advocacy and cross-sector partnerships in addressing community needs, highlighting practical strategies for effective volunteer-fueled advocacy, and share gu...2025-02-2759 minVolunteer Nation150. Launch a Community-based Advocacy Program in Six StepsIn this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi focuses on nonprofit advocacy, emphasizing the importance of advocacy in uncertain times. Tobi outlines a detailed six-step plan to launch a community-based advocacy program, tailored for organizations that rely on volunteer and community support. She discusses the importance of defining goals, recruiting and training the right volunteers, providing necessary tools and resources, and recognizing and retaining advocates. Tobi also shares the EPIC communications framework from Results.org and encourages nonprofits to take decisive steps to educate and mobilize their communities for advocacy, ensuring their vital role in society i...2025-02-2052 minVolunteer Nation149. Nonprofit Advocacy Strategies – A ChecklistIn this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, host Tobi Johnson provides an in-depth discussion on nonprofit advocacy strategies. Tobi talks about the immediate need for nonprofit advocacy and shares five key strategies to effectively engage in advocacy efforts. These strategies include public awareness and education, media and digital advocacy, grassroots mobilization, engaging policymakers without lobbying, and legal and policy advocacy. The episode emphasizes the importance of involving volunteers in advocacy efforts and provides practical tips on how to engage and train volunteers as advocates!Full show notes: 149. Nonprofit Advocacy Strategies – A Checklist ...2025-02-1337 minVolunteer Nation146. Expanding Volunteer Jobs to Be Done at Your NonprofitIn this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi dives into the art of expanding volunteer roles within nonprofits. Inspired by a recent workshop, she breaks down the essential steps to designing an effective volunteer program that truly meets organizational needs. From setting clear volunteer goals to brainstorming new roles, aligning with volunteer interests, and collaborating with colleagues, Tobi shares a practical, step-by-step approach to unlocking the full potential of volunteer talent. Full show notes: 146. Expanding Volunteer Jobs to Be Done at Your Nonprofit Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nat...2025-01-2329 minVolunteer Nation145. Build Your Program with the NEW VolunteerPro Volunteer Impact Lab!In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi introduces the newly rebranded VolunteerPro Impact Lab, a community dedicated to supporting volunteer-driven organizations in their program development and assessment. Tobi discusses the enhancements and features of the platform, including the Volunteer Strategy Success Path model, assessment tools, and various training and coaching resources aimed at helping organizations build, grow, and scale their volunteer programs effectively. She also shares insights into strategic visioning, program development, recruitment, retention, and leadership phases crucial for successful volunteer engagement! Full show notes: 145. Build Your Program with the NEW VolunteerPro Volunteer Im...2025-01-1627 minVolunteer Nation143. 3 Big Problems with Your Volunteer Recruitment FlyerIn the first episode of 2025, Tobi shares her insights on developing an impactful volunteer recruitment flyer. She discusses common problems, such as lack of audience targeting, incomplete journey planning, and ineffective distribution strategies. Tobi provides practical tips for creating flyers that resonate with specific audiences, plan the entire volunteer journey, and enhance personal connection through trained outreach teams. You’ll also learn about essential flyer content, including goals, impact statements, and the application process, to ensure a cohesive and engaging volunteer recruitment strategy! Full show notes: 143. 3 Big Problems with Your Volunteer Recruitment Flyer Thank...2025-01-0218 minVolunteer Nation142. Our Top 6 Volunteer Nation Podcast Episodes from 2024In this holiday-themed episode of The Volunteer Nation Podcast, host Tobi Johnson shares the top 6 Volunteer Nation Podcast episodes from 2024! Themes include transitioning from doer to nonprofit leader, transforming volunteer leadership, successful volunteer coordination, effective volunteer management, boosting volunteer signups, and volunteer retention strategies. As we come to the end of the year, we want to say thank you for tuning in and continuing to support us. Wishing you all the very best for 2025! Full show notes: 142. Our Top 6 Volunteer Nation Podcast Episodes from 2024 Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nat...2024-12-2631 minVolunteer Nation141. 8 Ways to Build Capacity with Volunteer TeamsIn this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi shares 8 practical ways to build capacity with volunteer teams. These include leadership development, community engagement, program development and evaluation, and technology and data management, among others.Tobi also offers advice on setting up and managing volunteer teams, from using advisory groups to building data and reporting teams. The episode aims to help volunteer leaders maximize their organization's impact by effectively engaging and managing volunteer teams! Full show notes: 141. 8 Ways to Build Capacity with Volunteer Teams Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Na...2024-12-1924 minVolunteer Nation139. Unpacking Volunteer Retention Issues: A Case StudyIn this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi unpacks volunteer retention issues using a real-life case study from a Reddit post titled 'I'm never volunteering for a food bank ever again.' Tobi reads the post in its entirety and offers a detailed analysis based on research and expert insights. Key points include the importance of person-task fit, managerial treatment, organizational support, and psychological contract theory. The episode also touches on the broader implications of poor volunteer experiences and offers practical strategies for improving volunteer satisfaction and retention! Full show notes: 139. Unpacking Volunteer Retention Is...2024-12-0525 minVolunteer Nation138. Building Community in an Uncertain (and Sometimes Scary) WorldIn this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson shares an insightful discussion from a recent VolunteerPro membership coaching call. The episode dives deep into ways to create safe, inclusive spaces for volunteers, particularly in uncertain times marked by social and political divisions. Tobi emphasizes the importance of building community and acknowledging the non-profit sector's expertise in this area. She highlights how reinforcing norms, establishing rituals, and offering spaces for emotional debriefing can foster a sense of safety and belonging. The episode also includes bonus tips from members on celebrating positive team culture, acknowledging strides in i...2024-11-2844 minVolunteer Nation137. Volunteer Stats, Trends, and Benchmarks We're Researching Right NowIn this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Volunteer Management Progress Report survey. Tobi reflects on the evolution of the survey over the past decade and its significant contributions to the field of volunteer management. This year's theme focuses on volunteer recruitment, aiming to gather detailed data on effective tactics and challenges. Tobi also details the survey development process and emphasizes the importance of participation for generating valuable insights! Full show notes: 137. Volunteer Stats, Trends, and Benchmarks We're Researching Right Now Thanks for listening to thi...2024-11-2146 minVolunteer Nation136. Getting Back to Neighboring with Breauna DorelusIn this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson discusses the concept of neighboring and its importance in building and sustaining volunteer programs with guest, Breauna Dorelus. They explore the idea of neighboring as a verb and its role in countering societal divisiveness, fostering community involvement, and ensuring the sustainability of nonprofits. Breauna shares her insights on dismantling harmful volunteer practices and emphasizes the need for community engagement and the reimagination of volunteerism. The pair also address the nuances of navigating identities in outreach work, the necessity of holding space for community feedback, and the importance o...2024-11-141h 21Volunteer Nation135. How to Use Video Storytelling to Connect with Aaron Walton and Emmanuel LeGrairIn this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson delves into the potent potential of video storytelling in nonprofit and volunteer sectors. Joined by video storytelling experts Aaron Walton and Emmanuel LeGrair, this discussion focuses on how video can emotionally engage viewers, share compelling stories, and ultimately drive volunteer recruitment and donor engagement. They share practical tips for getting started with minimal resources, the importance of authentic storytelling, and key factors to consider when hiring professional production services. They also emphasize the importance of community and innovation in nonprofit work. Tune in for actionable insights on l...2024-11-071h 10Volunteer Nation134. 8 Annual Planning Mistakes & How to Avoid ThemIn this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi explores the importance of annual planning for volunteer services and shares personal experiences of the challenges faced when a plan is absent. Tobi outlines eight common mistakes made during annual planning, such as building a to-do list of tactics rather than a strategic plan, not articulating a clear vision, failing to involve key stakeholders, and not celebrating wins. She also provides practical advice and remedies for each mistake, emphasizing the need for simplicity, accountability, stakeholder involvement, and sufficient resource allocation! Full show notes: 134. 8 Annual Planning Mistakes & Ho...2024-10-3139 minVolunteer Nation133. My Secrets to Building Buy In & Reducing Resistance to ChangeIn this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson delves into her secrets to building buy in and reducing resistance to change within nonprofit organizations. Drawing on her extensive 25-year background in the nonprofit sector, Tobi delivers actionable insights and techniques for leaders of volunteers and nonprofit professionals facing implementation challenges. The episode covers the significance of involving stakeholders in decision-making, the power of maintaining strong leadership relationships, and the necessity of a written plan as the 'language of leadership.’ Tobi shares practical stories and examples, explores the role of safety protocols, metrics, and process simplification, and...2024-10-2436 minVolunteer Nation130. How to Build a Volunteer Plan for 2025In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson provides practical advice on how to build a strategic volunteer plan for 2025. As we approach Q4 of 2024, Tobi discusses the importance of aligning volunteer activities with organizational goals and the need for a clear, concise plan to navigate common challenges like recruitment, retention, and resource allocation. She outlines a three-step planning framework (Ready, Set, Go) and emphasizes the benefits of having a strategic volunteer plan, which includes improved alignment, efficiency, resource management, and impact. Tobi also introduces the upcoming Vision Week, a bootcamp designed to help organizations d...2024-10-0333 minVolunteer Nation129. Paid or Volunteer Role? A Simple ChecklistIn this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi provides a thorough guide on distinguishing between paid and volunteer roles within nonprofit organizations. Tobi offers a simple checklist and key considerations involving legal implications, labor laws, and tax aspects. She also touches on sustainability, efficiency, and the integration of volunteers into organizational frameworks, advocating a balanced approach to distributing tasks and avoiding burnout! Full show notes: 129. Paid or Volunteer Role? A Simple Checklist Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and re...2024-09-2634 minVolunteer Nation127. Volunteer Centric, Community Centric, Organization Centric: What's the Difference?In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi delves into the different approaches to volunteer engagement: volunteer-centric, community-centric, and organization-centric. Tobi provides insights on the significance of each approach, their benefits, and challenges, while sharing practical tips for balancing these orientations within nonprofit organizations. Through analyzing search trends, real-world examples, and thought exercises, this episode aims to help nonprofits create an effective strategy for engaging and retaining volunteers, ensuring community involvement, and maintaining organizational sustainability! Full show notes: 127. Volunteer Centric, Community Centric, Organization Centric: What's the Difference? Thanks for listening to this epi...2024-09-1234 minVolunteer Nation126. 8 Ways to Empower, Not Rescue Nonprofit Employees & VolunteersIn this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi shares the 8 ways to empower, not rescue nonprofit employees and volunteers. She discusses the importance of coaching skills for nonprofit professionals who work with volunteers, highlighting key lessons and frameworks that help improve performance. Tobi outlines how nonprofit organizations can effectively support their teams without resorting to 'rescuing' them, enabling real growth and transformation by focusing on fostering accountability, reframing mindsets, and enhancing leadership skills. Full show notes: 126. 8 Ways to Empower, Not Rescue Nonprofit Employees & Volunteers Thanks for listening to this episode of the Vol...2024-09-0541 minVolunteer Nation125. Diversity & Women in the Workplace: Claim You Space with Amira BargerIn 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 m...2024-08-291h 04Volunteer Nation124. Equity Tools for Nonprofits Volunteerism with Faiza VenzantIn 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 fo...2024-08-221h 09Volunteer Nation120. 10 Volunteer Interview Questions for a Perfect MatchIn this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson shares 10 volunteer interview questions for a perfect match to ensure a good fit between the volunteers and the organization's roles, tasks, and mission. She emphasizes the significance of understanding volunteers' motivations, skills, and values to enhance retention and create an enjoyable volunteering experience. Tobi also highlights the benefits of conducting tours, making interviews conversational, and how you can involve volunteers in the process! Full show notes: 120. 10 Volunteer Interview Questions for a Perfect Match Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation pod...2024-07-2530 minVolunteer Nation119. Volunteer Manager Salary & Career Paths with Megan VixieIn this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, host Tobi Johnson interviews Megan Vixie, Chief Engagement Officer at Beach Cities Health District, about volunteer manager salary levels and career paths. They discuss the importance of volunteerism, Megan's journey in volunteer engagement, and the professional career pathway survey conducted by the Association for Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE). The pair explore strategies for negotiating salaries and benefits, the importance of professional development, the creation of a job leveling document to advocate for volunteer engagement professionals, as well as highlighting actionable insights for both volunteer managers and organizational l...2024-07-181h 00Volunteer Nation118. 8 Ways to Make Volunteering Experiences Much EasierIn this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi shares eight practical ways to make volunteering experiences much easier! She addresses the post-pandemic challenges of re-engaging volunteers and emphasizes the need for convenience and efficiency. Tobi covers topics such as running a more efficient program, improving contact methods, offering baby steps for new volunteers, and incorporating surprise and delight elements to keep volunteers engaged and satisfied. This episode provides actionable insights to reduce barriers and improve volunteer retention for your non-profit organization! Full show notes: 118. 8 Ways to Make Volunteering Experiences Much Easier Thanks for...2024-07-1142 minVolunteer Nation117. Beyond the Big Help Out with Ruth Leonard & Rob JacksonIn this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi offers a unique format as she travels to England to present a workshop with the Association of Volunteer Managers, sponsored by Team Kinetic. The workshop, titled 'Beyond the Big Help Out: How to Recruit Your Volunteer Dream Team with a Solid Plan for Action,' focuses on volunteer recruitment, creating volunteer personas, and effective messaging strategies. Tobi shares insights from participants and hosts a debrief session with Ruth Leonard and Rob Jackson. Key discussions include the universality of volunteer management challenges, the importance of people-focused approaches over processes, a...2024-07-0442 minVolunteer Nation116. New Ways of Thinking About Volunteer Data & Tech with Chris MartinIn this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, host Tobi Johnson is in Manchester, England, speaking with Chris Martin from TeamKinetic. They explore new ways of thinking about volunteer data and tech, covering topics such as the role of AI, open data, reusable personal credentials, and techniques for efficiently tracking volunteer hours. Chris shares his journey from being a physical education teacher to becoming a tech entrepreneur, detailing how TeamKinetic aims to simplify volunteering through innovative technologies. The discussion highlights the need for the volunteer sector to adopt advanced technologies to streamline volunteer engagement and encourage seamless participation, a...2024-06-271h 05Volunteer Nation115. Your Quick Guide to Amazing Volunteer EventsIn 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...2024-06-2033 minVolunteer Nation114. Volunteerism Statistics for 2024: Insights from Our Latest Research - Part 2In 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...2024-06-1335 minVolunteer Nation113. Volunteerism Statistics for 2024: Insights from Our Latest Research - Part 1In 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, an...2024-06-0639 minVolunteer Nation112. How to Run a Value-Packed Volunteer Q&AIn 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 e...2024-05-3027 minVolunteer Nation111. New Volunteer Orientation: What to Include, What to Leave OutIn 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...2024-05-2324 minVolunteer Nation110. Using Psychographics to Improve Your Volunteer Recruitment AppealsIn 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 p...2024-05-1626 minVolunteer Nation109. When a Scarcity Mentality Becomes a HabitIn 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 i...2024-05-0921 minVolunteer Nation108. Definition of a Volunteer - Why It Matters to Be PreciseIn 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 e...2024-05-0224 minVolunteer Nation107. Celebrating National Volunteer Week 2024!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...2024-04-2530 minVolunteer Nation106. Smarter Volunteer Program AssessmentIn 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 As...2024-04-1834 minVolunteer Nation105. 7 Habits of Highly Effective Volunteer ManagersIn 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 Effe...2024-04-1121 minVolunteer Nation104. The WOW! Volunteer ExperienceIn 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 Ex...2024-04-0421 minVolunteer Nation103. Win-Win Community Service ProjectsIn 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 Th...2024-03-2834 minVolunteer Nation102. 3 Keys to an Irresistible Volunteer OfferIn 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 Tha...2024-03-2127 minVolunteer Nation100. Fan Faves from 100 Volunteer Nation EpisodesIn 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...2024-03-0740 minVolunteer Nation99. Volunteer Retention Strategies - Two Big MistakesIn 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 1Thanks for listening to t...2024-02-2936 minVolunteer Nation98. How to Meet Volunteer Needs with 7 Solid PivotsIn 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 v...2024-02-2231 minVolunteer Nation96. Volunteer Work or Staff Position? How to Decide!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 r...2024-02-0837 minVolunteer Nation95. 6 Ways to Immediately Boost Volunteer SignupsIn 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 t...2024-02-0126 minVolunteer Nation94. How to Make the Shift from Doer to Nonprofit Leader with Patricia GentryIn this episode, Tobi is joined by Patricia Gentry, who is the strategy advisor at VolunteerPro. They discuss the importance of moving from in-program work to strategic planning, focusing on the wider vision, the need to shift mindsets, and why building relationships, creating accountability, and cultivating self-reflection are key for leadership. Tobi and Patricia also debate the pitfalls of imposter syndrome, rescuer mentality and why we should be celebrating our wins more often. The discussion wraps up on the topic of shifting from digital 1.0. to digital 2.0 and why embracing emerging trends and honing leadership skills plays a significant...2024-01-251h 06Volunteer Nation93. The 5 Phases of Successful Volunteer CoordinationIn this episode, host Tobi examines the mode of operating a successful volunteer initiative. Highlighting the struggle to rebuild volunteer strength amid the pandemic, Tobi elaborates on the five phases that Volunteer Pro teaches: Envisioning the Future, Building the Foundation, Growing Engagement, Sustaining Involvement, and Scaling Leadership.Tobi explains these strategies in detail, stressing the importance of a comprehensive volunteer strategy that involves not just paperwork but people too. She emphasizes the centrality of having a system to ensure clarity and standardization. Tune in to find out what the 5 phases are and how you can implement them!2024-01-1829 minVolunteer Nation91. 6 New Years Resolution Ideas for NonprofitsIt’s that time of the year, when people are setting goals and aspirations for the new year. In the spirit of intention setting and renewal, host Tobi Johnson shares some New Years resolution ideas for nonprofits in this episode, specifically about how they can better engage the community in their good works.From cultivating gratitude and setting healthy boundaries to enhancing wellness and personal growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights to kick-start your nonprofit's success in 2024. Her insights will inspire you to lead your nonprofit organization with intention. We hope this episode inspires you. Hap...2024-01-0429 minVolunteer Nation90. Improving Volunteer Experiences & Raising More Funds with Kristina CarlsonIn this episode, guest Kristina Joy Carlson and host Tobi Johnson share valuable insights on improving volunteer experiences through the power of the KIND method. From navigating turbulent times to cultivating deep commitment even in conflict, they offer practical strategies for nonprofit success and creating meaningful connections with volunteers and donors.Their conversation also highlighted the potential for volunteers and donors to connect and contribute to causes that resonate with their values. Volunteers provide a meeting ground where people from diverse backgrounds come together for common causes, transcending political and social divisions. If you’re passionate about bu...2023-12-2846 minVolunteer Nation89. Strategic Volunteer Recruitment Ideas for 2024Looking for fresh volunteer recruitment ideas? Look no further. In this episode, Volunteer Nation host Tobi Johnson provides practical tips and big ideas to attract and retain volunteers, drawing from volunteer experiences and the current landscape of volunteerism as reflected in comments of a recent Washington Post article.Tobi also addresses the systemic issues in volunteerism, such as organizational inefficiency, lack of appreciation, and the need for skilled leadership. He shares valuable insights on improving website content and usability to better engage and retain volunteers.Full show notes: 089. Strategic Volunteer Recruitment Ideas for 2024...2023-12-2244 minVolunteer Nation88. Research on Volunteer Participation What You Need to Know with Helen TourleIn this episode, host Tobi Johnson sits down with special guest Helen Tourle, a senior consultant for volunteering at the National Council for Voluntary Organizations (NCVO). Together, they delve into the history of the Time Well Spent research series and findings of the most recent study, focusing on volunteer experiences among the global majority. The discuss key takeaways from the report, the impact of emotions on volunteers, and strategies for enhancing volunteer engagement. Join us as we uncover crucial insights for creating inclusive and fulfilling volunteer opportunities, and be prepared to be inspired to make positive changes...2023-12-1451 minVolunteer Nation86. Converting Episodic Volunteers into Long-term SupportersIn 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...2023-11-3027 minVolunteer Nation85. BIG Volunteer Goals for 2024 – Four ExamplesIn 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...2023-11-2226 minVolunteer Nation84. Building an Inclusive Culture at Your Volunteer Organization with Advita PatelOur 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 p...2023-11-1759 minVolunteer Nation80. A Sneak Peek of My New Book for Volunteer LeadersIn this episode, Tobi provides you with an exclusive sneak peek into the key concepts and insights shared in her upcoming book for volunteer leaders. Tobi shares her personal journey and insights from years of experience in the field. The book explores the vital role volunteer leaders play in building thriving communities and the significance of their contributions to society. Full show notes: 080. A Sneak Peek of My New Book for Volunteer LeadersThanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate...2023-10-2030 minVolunteer Nation79. Nonprofit SEO: How to Get Found on GoogleIn this episode, Tobi Johnson dives deep into the world of nonprofit SEO and how it can revolutionize your volunteer recruitment efforts. SEO might sound like a foreign concept, but it plays a crucial role in ensuring that your organization can be easily found by potential volunteers on the world's most popular search engine – Google.Full show notes: 079. Nonprofit SEO: How to Get Found on GoogleThanks 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 pe...2023-10-1239 minVolunteer Nation72. Volunteer Surveys - Are You Making These Mistakes?In this episode, Tobi talks about the common mistakes organizations make when conducting volunteer surveys. Drawing from years of experience and the success of their own surveys, Tobi provides practical tips to help obtain valuable and actionable information from their volunteers. Surveys are a powerful tool for gathering feedback and insights from your volunteers. Full show notes: 072. Volunteer Surveys - Are You Making These Mistakes?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 y...2023-08-2427 minVolunteer Nation59. 6 Must Have Strategies to Recruit Volunteers Using Your WebsiteIn today's episode, Tobi talks about how to improve your recruiting volunteers on your website. Tobi worked with many coaching clients around their volunteer recruitment strategies, and she have taken a look at many websites. So today, she's going to share all that information down to some of the most common things she saw that are missing and how can you make these changes on your website. Volunteer recruitment letters are considered old school, and the website is the most vital asset for volunteer recruitment. Hear from Tobi how she emphasizes the importance of making improvements to...2023-05-2535 minVolunteer Nation50. How to Use Volunteer Quotes to Inspire Leadership & ResilienceIn our 50th Volunteer Nation episode, Tobi talks about how to use volunteer quotes to inspire leadership and resilience. These are the volunteer quotes we usually see in newsletter, in social media, et cetera. They're usually a little bit cliché or they've just been used overused, and they start to lose their meaning. Tobi also what shares some of the quotes she shared with her team on her Post-It mantra. She's going to talk about what's behind them and how you can use volunteer quotes in different ways to create themes and as inspiration for larger gratitude or...2023-03-2330 minVolunteer Nation49. Behind the Scenes at Our VolunteerPro Membership MakeoverIn this week’s episode, Tobi offers a peek behind the curtain at the process of developing new VolunteerPro curriculum – in this case, for our newly updated VolunteerPro Membership learning hub!She’s also sharing some of her key takeaways when it comes to developing online learning that will be enormously helpful to anyone tasked with developing new training for volunteers or coworkers.Full show notes: 049-Behind the Scenes at Our VolunteerPro Membership Makeover! - Tobi Johnson & AssociatesThanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed...2023-03-1645 minVolunteer Nation48. New Statistics on Volunteering & Civic Life with Dr Mary HydeIn this week’s episode, we welcome guest Dr. Mary Hyde from AmeriCorps to share some fascinating results from the most recent Volunteer Engagement and Civic Life census supplement. These results shine a light on both the enduring spirit of volunteerism in America – even during the height of the pandemic – and what the data can tell us about future trends in formal and informal volunteering. The latest Volunteering and Civic Engagement in America survey was conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic, and while the results showed an expected drop in formal volunteering (giving time freely to help oth...2023-03-0949 minVolunteer Nation47. The State of Volunteer Engagement with Dr. Sue Kahl and Dr. Nathan DietzIn this week’s episode, we welcome guests Dr. Sue Carter Kahl and Dr. Nathan Dietz to discuss two fascinating new studies on the state of volunteer engagement.These reports offer the unique perspectives and feedback of nonprofit CEOs and funders and it is enlightening to view the value of volunteer service through their eyes, especially as it relates to program funding.Full show notes: 047-The State of Volunteer Engagement with Dr. Sue Kahl and Dr. Nathan Dietz - Tobi Johnson & AssociatesThanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nat...2023-03-0259 minVolunteer Nation46. Save Time with Better Volunteer Management SystemsSoccer is all about moving the ball down the field as efficiently as possible and making a goal before your opponent has a chance to catch up. And if you’ve watched one particular Premier League team this year (looking at you, Chelsea!), you’ve seen them lose many opportunities to score because they hesitate and take one too many steps before taking a shot on goal (and if you’re nearby, you may have heard Tobi yelling at the television!).Volunteers can often, unintentionally, get stuck by those same feelings of hesitation. They know they need to mov...2023-02-2330 minVolunteer Nation45. Build a Smarter Volunteer Retention StrategyWhat do volunteers experience while serving at your organization? Why do volunteers want to stay? And why do some volunteers decide to leave? In this episode, Tobi offers a closer look at how to design a more purposeful user experience for every step of your potential volunteer’s journey, and how to build a smarter volunteer retention strategy with intention and information. Full show notes: 045-Build a Smarter Volunteer Retention Strategy - Tobi Johnson & AssociatesThanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be su...2023-02-1622 minVolunteer Nation44. 6 Creative Ways to Recruit VolunteersWhen we think about recruiting volunteers, too often we focus on pushing out a big appeal as many times as possible on as many platforms as possible. But…what if you could apply some strategy and creativity to the process to reach the right people for your call to action and offer more meaningful volunteer opportunities?In this episode, Tobi offers six creative ways to recruit volunteers along with some fresh thinking around that evergreen task: volunteer recruitment.Full show notes: 044-6 Creative Ways to Recruit Volunteers - Tobi Johnson & AssociatesTh...2023-02-0932 minVolunteer Nation43. How to Tap AmeriCorps Grants & Resources with Sharon Tewksbury-BloomIn this year’s Volunteer Management Progress Report, both time and volunteer recruitment were top challenges for leaders of volunteers. Just imagine if you could bring more program development and recruitment assistance onboard through AmeriCorps grants and resources – how would that change your trajectory for 2023?On this episode, we welcome expert Sharon Tewksbury-Bloom to discuss best practices for including AmeriCorps service workers in your organization’s mission, how to partner with other participating local organizations to expand your capacity, and the steps you can take when applying for AmeriCorps grants.Full show notes: 043-How to Tap Am...2023-02-0248 minVolunteer Nation42. Why Your Volunteer Recruitment Isn't Working (and What to Do Instead)We often think that, just because our marketing isn’t delivering the results we want, people in the community aren’t interested in our cause or volunteering in general. It’s an easy assumption to make, but the truth is that if you make even a few small changes in your approach, you can realize some big results.In this week’s episode, Tobi looks at five big reasons why your volunteer recruitment isn’t working, and shares some fresh ideas on what to do instead.Full show notes: 042-Why Your Volunteer Recruitment Isn't Working - Tobi John...2023-01-2629 minVolunteer Nation41. Volunteer Management Trends for 2023 - Our New Data with Jamie Gaylor Part 2Every year the Volunteer Management Progress Report survey includes the following question: “What is your biggest challenge?” Survey participants are allowed to share answers as short or as long as needed to express their thoughts, and responses run the gamut from brief and to-the-point like “recruitment” to compelling stories of individual struggles and courage in the face of adversity.In this week’s episode, Tobi continues her conversation with VolunteerPro’s Marketing Manager Jamie Gaylor about the top challenges revealed by the answers to that question and offers her expert advice on how to overcome those issues...2023-01-1950 minVolunteer Nation40. Volunteer Management Trends for 2023 - Our New Data with Jamie Gaylor Part 1Ever wondered how the results for VolPro’s annual Volunteer Management Progress Report are tabulated and analyzed? In this week’s episode, Tobi is joined by VolPro’s Marketing Manager Jamie Gaylor to discuss the behind-the-scenes effort that goes into producing this report each year, and what the results indicate for volunteer management trends in 2023.Full show notes: 040-Volunteer Management Trends for 2023, Part 1 - Tobi Johnson & AssociatesThanks 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 m...2023-01-1227 minVolunteer Nation39. Predictions and Trends in Volunteerism for 2023Who else is excited to welcome 2023 and to say goodbye to 2022? It just feels like a fresh start and a great place to put a stake in the ground to confidently say we’re moving forward, and we’re going to build our best year yet! Before we do that, though, Tobi takes a look back at some of the trends in volunteerism over the last few years, both pre-and post-covid, to make some predictions on where the sector is headed and what’s going to be important for leaders of volunteers in the coming year. Ful...2023-01-0525 minVolunteer Nation38. New Year's Resolution Ideas for NonprofitsHere at VolunteerPro, our focus for 2023 is all about optimization of all our systems. We have an awesome team and great systems in place to to keep everything running smoothly, but we can always do better. We’re using the next twelve months to find (or create) ways to fill in the gaps, look at our data, and perfect everything we do. Our big question: how can we do this better? In this episode, Tobi challenges you with the same question: what can you do better, especially when it comes to engaging the community in your...2022-12-2921 minVolunteer Nation37. Our Top 10 Nonprofit Blog Posts of 2022Did you Know: in addition to producing two podcasts (Volunteer Nation and the Time+Talent Podcast with Jennifer Bennett), Tobi also writes a weekly nonprofit blog? There are literally hundreds of in-depth posts, each with a wealth of information you can apply to your volunteer program. And as a holiday gift to you, Tobi is counting down the top 10 fan favorites from both the VolunteerPro and Tobi Johnson & Associates websites to get you started. These are the posts that garnered the most attention and visits, and they’re sure to be of high value to you...2022-12-2233 minVolunteer Nation36. 5 Nonprofit KPIs Your Volunteer Program Should be TrackingYour volunteer program’s KPIs are like your vital signs. Think about it – when you go to your doctor, what does the nurse do first? Check your vitals – weight, blood pressure, pulse oxygen, urinalysis, blood work. These numbers help to quickly assess your level of wellness, and they give your medical team direction to locate problems and determine whether a treatment plan is working. The same goes for nonprofit programs, including your volunteer engagement strategy. Knowing your nonprofit KPIs for volunteers can help you identify early issues and assess whether certain interventions are making a differen...2022-12-1528 minVolunteer Nation35. 6 Ways to Prevent Burnout in NonprofitsThe last 2+ years have been undeniably challenging, and many nonprofit leaders have struggled to keep a sense of passion for their work. Even when you love what you do like Tobi, you’re not immune to the symptoms of burnout and fatigue. First of all, what is burnout? Tobi shares a definition from the World Health Organization, and examines the three main indicators to watch out for. Tobi also shares a great resource from Christina Maslach, one of the world’s pre-imminent researchers on burnout in the workplace. Maslach has identified five levels of people’s work ex...2022-12-0828 minVolunteer Nation34. Your Nonprofit Strategic Plan for VolunteersHere’s a question: when you take a quick scan of the past year, how would you describe it in a word or two?What did your 2022 feel like? What did you achieve? What did you wish you would have achieved? If you’re a mission-driven person who sets high goals for yourself, you might have used the words – disappointing, an uphill battle, confusing, chaotic, and exhausting. Now, imagine your best outcomes for 2023 – what words would you use at the end of the year? What would you achieve? How would volunteers be involved? How would you feel ab...2022-12-0120 minVolunteer Nation33. New Research on Volunteer Funding with Dana LitwinThis week, Tobi sits down with strategic volunteer engagement expert and consultant Dana Litwin to talk about a brand new research project in the volunteer sector, and how the data uncovered in that research can help connect organizations and potential funders more effectively. Tobi and Dana discuss some of the common barriers to volunteer funding, including the disconnect between what grant writers are asking for and what potential funders are willing to offer. Dana offers suggestions on how to specifically and confidently express what you need for your program and how nonprofit executive leadership can mo...2022-11-2441 minVolunteer Nation32. How to Utilize Volunteers for Giving Tuesday with Julia CampbellThis week, Tobi sits down with author and fundraising expert Julia Campbell to talk about ways for nonprofits to get involved in Giving Tuesday, and how to include volunteers. Nonprofits usually focus their Giving Tuesday strategies around a fundraising push. Tobi and Julia look at ways to craft those Giving Tuesday pitches effectively, and ways they can quickly go wrong. As with any fundraising effort, how you express it, when you express it, and to whom you express it all matter. Julia gives her tips on how to construct a fundraising strategy around the momentum th...2022-11-1747 minVolunteer Nation31. Rethinking the Volunteer Engagement Cycle with Lori GotliebThis week Tobi welcomes Lori Gotlieb to the show to talk about the volunteer engagement cycle, and some of the innovations going on throughout the sector right now. Tobi and Lori discuss each of the steps in the traditional volunteer engagement cycle: role design, risk management, recruitment, screening, orientation and training, supervision and support, and recognition. Lori shares the ways these roles have shifted and what areas leaders of volunteers will need to focus on to stay relevant AND offer their volunteer team the absolute best service experience. Full show notes: 031-Rethinking the Volu...2022-11-1051 minVolunteer Nation30. From Disruption to Impact with Beth Steinhorn and Jerome TennilleThis week, Tobi welcomes authors Beth Steinhorn and Jerome Tennille to discuss how organizations have responded to the volunteer disruption they’ve experienced over the past few years, and what lessons can be learned. The pandemic brought some vulnerabilities to light in our sector and sparked some innovation in spite of the challenges nonprofits faced due to lockdowns. Ageism, fear of transmitting the virus, shutdowns, loss of in-person volunteering AND an increased need for many services...these are just a few of the volunteer disruptions we all faced over the last few years. This upheaval, and...2022-11-031h 00Volunteer Nation29. Evolutions in Corporate Social Responsibility with Chris JarvisThis week, Tobi sits down with Chris Jarvis from Realized Worth to talk about corporate social responsibility (and what that oft-used term really means), as well as how to nurture your volunteers through three stages of commitment, and how volunteers are literally changing the world by serving their communities. First of all, what the heck is “corporate social responsibility” anyway? There are some often-heard, sometimes obscure terms used when describing a corporate “giving back to the community” focus. CSR, ESG, CR…all these acronyms identify a version of the same idea: companies encouraging employees to serve as volunteers i...2022-10-2759 min
Time + Talent PodcastWelcome to Season 4Season 4 of the Time + Talent Podcast is here and we're finally caught up! Tobi and Jennifer are back with a second season of the year. We generally post one season per year; however Season 3 was posted earlier this year - having been delayed by COVID. Now, Tobi and Jenimfer are back on track to share innovative and inspirational stories from practitioners in the field of nonprofit volunteer and community engagement. The good news is that nonprofits are building back from COVID and a global pandemic and welcoming volunteers back to service. In this season, we s...2022-10-2444 minVolunteer Nation28. How Nonprofits Can Use Podcasts to Build Community with Anthony WilsonHave you ever considered starting a podcast to tell the world about your organization? Podcast creators can strategically use podcasts to build community around a common interest or goal, create awareness about their organizations, and even raise needed funds for their cause. And, it may not be as hard as you think! This week, Tobi sits down with Anthony Wilson, founder and host of the Groupfinity Podcast, to talk about ways to do just that. Full show notes: 028-How Nonprofits Can Use Podcasts to Build Community with Anthony Wilson - Tobi Johnson & Associates...2022-10-2058 minVolunteer Nation27. Secrets to Building a Sense of Community with VolunteersDo you remember the first time you experienced a sense of community with other people? It may have been a team sport, an academic group, or a faith-based gathering. For Tobi, it was the Norpoint Dashers middle school soccer team! But what exactly made that sense of community so strong? Tobi examines the core ingredients that all healthy communities share and applies those principles to volunteer programs. Tobi also shares some of the unique challenges and benefits of online communities and shares expert advice on how to build, nurture, and manage your virtual volunteers.2022-10-1324 minVolunteer Nation26. Hiring? What to Include in Your Volunteer Coordinator Job DescriptionWhat should be included in a volunteer coordinator job description? (And is that even the right title for the job you’re hiring for?)Leaders of volunteers can go by many names…coordinator, manager, supervisor, or director, to name a few. In this week’s podcast, Tobi breaks down the job duties that each title should contain (in an ideal world) and details the most important skills and abilities hiring managers should include in their volunteer coordinator job description. Finding the right person for the right role is key, and a well-written volunteer coordinator job descrip...2022-10-0632 minVolunteer Nation25. Nonprofit Tech Transformation + Wellness with Beth KanterHere 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...2022-09-2949 minVolunteer Nation23. Secrets to Managing Time and EnergyTobi 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...2022-09-1539 minVolunteer Nation17. My Top 12 Nonprofit Leadership Tips Learned the Hard WayAfter 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 WayThanks 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 reac...2022-08-0441 minVolunteer Nation16. Nonprofit Boards with Joan GarryIn 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 GarryThanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sur...2022-07-2856 minVolunteer Nation12. Training Volunteers What I Wish I'd KnownThis 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 th...2022-06-3026 minVolunteer Nation10. Service Learning with Brian HaldermanService 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 co...2022-06-1642 minVolunteer Nation01. Welcome to the Volunteer Nation Podcast!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 harnes...2022-04-1123 min
Time + Talent PodcastWelcome to Season 3!Tobi Johnson, President & Founder of VolunteerPro, and Jennifer Bennett, Director, Education and Training at VolunteerMatch talk about the Season 3 themes and their thoughts on how leaders of volunteers are continuing to adapt and evolve to engaging volunteers during the ongoing pandemic. Season 3 of the Time + Talent Podcast is finally here! Tobi and Jennifer are back to share exciting and inspirational stories from practitioners in the field of volunteer management. We didn’t think we’d still be talking about COVID and a global pandemic in 2022, but we are, and this season highlights the organizations that are not just...2022-01-2140 min
Time + Talent PodcastWelcome to the T+T Podcast - Bold Practices in Volunteer EngagementTobi Johnson, President & Founder of VolunteerPro, and Jennifer Bennett, Senior Manager, Education & Training at VolunteerMatch talk about why they started the Time + Talent podcast and outline the trends and themes that define this first season. Don't forget to subscribe to this show!2019-09-0629 min