Volunteer Nation
Episodes
106. Smarter Volunteer Program Assessment
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson shares insightful tips on how to create smarter volunteer program assessments, without t...
105. 7 Habits of Highly Effective Volunteer Managers
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi explores the seven habits that make volunteer managers highly effective, inspired by Stephen Cov...
104. The WOW! Volunteer Experience
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson discusses the importance of providing a wow volunteer experience. She emphasizes that be...
103. Win-Win Community Service Projects
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson discusses how you can create win-win community service projects, and delves into the differe...
102. 3 Keys to an Irresistible Volunteer Offer
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi shares the 3 keys to an irresistible volunteer offer. Tobi highlights the need for organizations...
101. Tap the Power of Psychological Contracts with Pam Kappelides
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi invites Pam Kappelides onto the show to talk about the power of psychological contracts and its ...
100. Fan Faves from 100 Volunteer Nation Episodes
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the 100th episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson takes a moment to reflect on the journey of creating 100 episodes since its start o...
99. Volunteer Retention Strategies - Two Big Mistakes
29 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Volunteer Nation, Tobi discusses how non-profit organizations can utilize psychology for volunteer retention strategies. She ex...
98. How to Meet Volunteer Needs with 7 Solid Pivots
22 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson discusses the crucial need for organizations to meet the needs of their volunteers in or...
97. Transforming How We Lead Volunteers with Martin J Cowling
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, host Tobi interviews global change management expert Martin J. Cowling. They discuss the transformati...
96. Volunteer Work or Staff Position? How to Decide!
08 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tobi discusses how organizations can decide whether a role should be a volunteer, or paid position. She discusses the key differences...
95. 6 Ways to Immediately Boost Volunteer Signups
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast, Tobi shares six tactical strategies to boost volunteer signups. These strategies involve diagnosing what's curren...
94. How to Make the Shift from Doer to Nonprofit Leader with Patricia Gentry
25 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tobi is joined by Patricia Gentry, who is the strategy advisor at VolunteerPro. They discuss the importance of moving from in-program...
93. The 5 Phases of Successful Volunteer Coordination
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, host Tobi examines the mode of operating a successful volunteer initiative. Highlighting the struggle to rebuild volunteer strength a...
92. How to Mobilize Volunteers by the Thousands with Dr. Chris Lambert
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, host Tobi is joined by special guest Dr. Chris Lambert, CEO of Life Remodeled. Together, they dive into the transformative power of v...
91. 6 New Years Resolution Ideas for Nonprofits
04 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’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 Tob...
90. Improving Volunteer Experiences & Raising More Funds with Kristina Carlson
28 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, guest Kristina Joy Carlson and host Tobi Johnson share valuable insights on improving volunteer experiences through the power of the ...
89. Strategic Volunteer Recruitment Ideas for 2024
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Looking for fresh volunteer recruitment ideas? Look no further. In this episode, Volunteer Nation host Tobi Johnson provides practical tips and big ...
88. Research on Volunteer Participation What You Need to Know with Helen Tourle
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, host Tobi Johnson sits down with special guest Helen Tourle, a senior consultant for volunteering at the National Council for Volunta...
87. Volunteer Research: Sector Trends & Our Latest Survey
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tobi reviews the history and impact of the Volunteer Management Progress Report, a global state-of-the-industry survey spanning 9 y...
86. Converting Episodic Volunteers into Long-term Supporters
30 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, host Tobi Johnson talks about the challenge of retaining episodic volunteers who step up to help during the holiday season but often ...
85. BIG Volunteer Goals for 2024 – Four Examples
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this Volunteer Nation host, Tobi Johnson, dives deep into the art of goal-setting. She shares practical tips and real-life examples to inspire and ...
84. Building an Inclusive Culture at Your Volunteer Organization with Advita Patel
17 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our host, Tobi, is joined by the incredible Advita Patel, an expert in internal communications and inclusive workplaces. Together, they discuss the ch...
83. Make the Most of Corporate Partnerships with Alyson Gallaher
09 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tobi and guest Alyson Gallaher dive into the world of corporate-nonprofit collaborations. They shed light on the changing dynamics of...
82. Nonprofit Strategic Planning for 2024 in 3 Simple Steps
03 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The new year brings fresh possibilities and a clean slate - what will you do with it? Not sure? In this episode, Tobi shares how to create a vision ...
81. How Vol Services & Nonprofit Marketers Can Work Together with Kivi Leroux Miller
27 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, sits down with Kivi Leroux Miller, an expert in nonprofit marketing to discuss the importance of collaboration between volunteer se...
80. A Sneak Peek of My New Book for Volunteer Leaders
20 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tobi provides you with an exclusive sneak peek into the key concepts and insights shared in her upcoming book for volunteer leaders. ...
79. Nonprofit SEO: How to Get Found on Google
12 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tobi Johnson dives deep into the world of nonprofit SEO and how it can revolutionize your volunteer recruitment efforts. SEO might so...
78. Finding Skills-Based Volunteers the Easy Way with Tyler Manley
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tobi sits down with Tyler Manley, an expert in skills-based volunteering from Catchafire, to delve into the topic of finding skills-b...
77. Engaging Communities in Social Change with Vichi Jagannathan
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tobi has a fascinating discussion on engaging communities in social change with Vichi Jagannathan. Vichi shares her personal journe...
76. Flipping the Script on Nonprofit Fundraising with Sandy Rees
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tobi engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Sandy Rees, CEO of Get Fully Funded, about innovative strategies for fundraising ...
75. How to Recruit Volunteers Using Social Media
15 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tobi sits down with Julia Campbell, a seasoned expert in nonprofit marketing and communications. Together, they explore proven strategies for attracti...
74. Secrets to Retaining Volunteers Revealed
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tobi delve into the crucial topic of volunteer retention. As the pandemic has left many feeling tired and exhausted, people have beco...
73. Vital Lessons for Nonprofit Leaders from Women's World Cup
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tobi deep into the world of sports and extract valuable lessons that nonprofit leaders can apply to their organizations. Just like ...
72. Volunteer Surveys - Are You Making These Mistakes?
24 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tobi talks about the common mistakes organizations make when conducting volunteer surveys. Drawing from years of experience and the s...
71. Partnering with Funders to Support Volunteer Engagement with Jane Justis & Betsy McFarland
17 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tobi explores the fascinating world of partnering with funders to support volunteer engagement. We will learn about the critical role...
70. How to Organize a Volunteer Services Department of One
10 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tobi dives into the essential strategies and techniques to effectively structure and manage your volunteer program, even with limited...
69. Why Are Volunteers Important ... or Are They?
03 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tobi explore the question that lies at the heart of it all: "Why are volunteers important?" We'll delve into the cruci...
68. Match Volunteers for Joy & Purpose
27 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tobi dives into the art of volunteer matching and how it can transform the volunteer experience. We know how important it is for orga...
67. How to Set Up a New Volunteer Coordinator for Success
20 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tobi dives into the topic of setting up a new volunteer coordinator for success. With the challenges of engaging busy individuals w...
66. Partnering with Corporate Employee Volunteer Programs with Lynn Margherio
13 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tobi interviews Lynn Margherio about the importance of partnering with corporate employee volunteer programs and how this collaborati...
65. Using Email to Improve Volunteer Retention – Part 2
06 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we continue to explore strategies to improve volunteer retention and satisfaction, we’re excited to dive deeper into the power of e...
64. Using Email to Improve Volunteer Retention – Part 1
29 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tobi dives into the world of communication strategies and explore how leveraging email can significantly improve volunteer retention....
63. How to Make Better Decisions with Rishma Walji
22 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tobi had an insightful conversation with Rishma Walji on how to make better decisions. Knowing who you are, how you want to show up, ...
62. 10 Ways to Create an Exceptional Volunteer Experience
15 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Volunteering is an activity that brings communities together and allows people to give back in a meaningful way. However, not all volunteer experience...
61. Training for Nonprofits - How We've Got it All Wrong
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Tobi discusses about training for nonprofits and how we've got it all wrong. When we do launches and promotions at Volun...
60. Giving Circles and Collective Philanthropy with Sara Lomelin
01 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Tobi interviews Sara Lomelin who is an expert in Giving Circles and collective philanthropy. Here at VolunteerPro, we’re also ...
59. 6 Must Have Strategies to Recruit Volunteers Using Your Website
25 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Tobi talks about how to improve your recruiting volunteers on your website. Tobi worked with many coaching clients around the...
58. Innovative Models in Volunteerism Research with Lucas Meijs
18 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Tobi interviews Lucas Meijs about innovative models in volunteerism research. Lucas has been writing about and researching vo...
57. The Compassionate Instinct & Bringing Wonder Back to Work with Dacher Keltner
11 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Tobi features Dacher Keltner and discusses the compassionate instinct, bringing wonder and awe back into our lives, and becom...
56. The Role of Voluntarism & Volunteerism in America with Elisabeth Clemens
04 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Tobi interviews Dr. Elisabeth Clemens from University of Chicago who is an expert in how volunteerism sits and civic society ...
55. How to Get Your CVA Credential with Faiza Venzant
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode, we are talking with Faiza Venzant on how to get your Certified in Volunteer Administration credential.Faiza Venzant, CVA is the ...
54. National Volunteer Week 2023 - A Year to Be Grateful
20 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode, we're going to talk about National Volunteer Week 2023. Our theme is a year to be grateful. A year to be grateful, and Tobi...
53. Promoting a Healthy Workplace Culture for Volunteers with Marianne Chance
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we are going to be talking with Marianne Chance about promoting a healthy workplace culture for volunteers, not only for volu...
52. New Volunteer Research with Jennifer Bennett and Darcy Hughes of VolunteerMatch
06 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are pleased to discuss and bring to our audience a new research report from my friends at VolunteerMatch and how we connect hopeful and helpful dat...
51. 10 Reasons Why Volunteerism is Important (Way Beyond the Fluff!)
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
April, which is worldwide volunteer month, is set to start. I wanted to take some time to reflect on the significance of volunteering.And I want to go...
50. How to Use Volunteer Quotes to Inspire Leadership & Resilience
23 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In our 50th Volunteer Nation episode, Tobi talks about how to use volunteer quotes to inspire leadership and resilience. These are the volunteer quote...
49. Behind the Scenes at Our VolunteerPro Membership Makeover
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Tobi offers a peek behind the curtain at the process of developing new VolunteerPro curriculum – in this case, for our new...
48. New Statistics on Volunteering & Civic Life with Dr Mary Hyde
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, we welcome guest Dr. Mary Hyde from AmeriCorps to share some fascinating results from the most recent Volunteer Engagement a...
47. The State of Volunteer Engagement with Dr. Sue Kahl and Dr. Nathan Dietz
02 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In 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 ...
46. Save Time with Better Volunteer Management Systems
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Soccer 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 ...
45. Build a Smarter Volunteer Retention Strategy
16 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What do volunteers experience while serving at your organization? Why do volunteers want to stay? And why do some volunteers decide to leave? In thi...
44. 6 Creative Ways to Recruit Volunteers
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When 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. ...
43. How to Tap AmeriCorps Grants & Resources with Sharon Tewksbury-Bloom
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this year’s Volunteer Management Progress Report, both time and volunteer recruitment were top challenges for leaders of volunteers. Just imagine...
42. Why Your Volunteer Recruitment Isn't Working (and What to Do Instead)
26 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 vo...
41. Volunteer Management Trends for 2023 - Our New Data with Jamie Gaylor Part 2
19 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Every year the Volunteer Management Progress Report survey includes the following question: “What is your biggest challenge?” Survey participants ...
40. Volunteer Management Trends for 2023 - Our New Data with Jamie Gaylor Part 1
12 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how the results for VolPro’s annual Volunteer Management Progress Report are tabulated and analyzed? In this week’s episode, Tobi is...
39. Predictions and Trends in Volunteerism for 2023
05 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Who 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 con...
38. New Year's Resolution Ideas for Nonprofits
29 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Here 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 e...
37. Our Top 10 Nonprofit Blog Posts of 2022
22 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Did you Know: in addition to producing two podcasts (Volunteer Nation and the Time+Talent Podcast with Jennifer Bennett), Tobi also writes a weekly no...
36. 5 Nonprofit KPIs Your Volunteer Program Should be Tracking
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Your 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 vit...
35. 6 Ways to Prevent Burnout in Nonprofits
08 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The 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...
34. Your Nonprofit Strategic Plan for Volunteers
01 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Here’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 ...
33. New Research on Volunteer Funding with Dana Litwin
24 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Tobi sits down with strategic volunteer engagement expert and consultant Dana Litwin to talk about a brand new research project in the volu...
32. How to Utilize Volunteers for Giving Tuesday with Julia Campbell
17 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Tobi sits down with author and fundraising expert Julia Campbell to talk about ways for nonprofits to get involved in Giving Tuesday, and h...
31. Rethinking the Volunteer Engagement Cycle with Lori Gotlieb
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week Tobi welcomes Lori Gotlieb to the show to talk about the volunteer engagement cycle, and some of the innovations going on throughout the sec...
30. From Disruption to Impact with Beth Steinhorn and Jerome Tennille
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Tobi welcomes authors Beth Steinhorn and Jerome Tennille to discuss how organizations have responded to the volunteer disruption they’ve ...
29. Evolutions in Corporate Social Responsibility with Chris Jarvis
27 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Tobi sits down with Chris Jarvis from Realized Worth to talk about corporate social responsibility (and what that oft-used term really mean...
28. How Nonprofits Can Use Podcasts to Build Community with Anthony Wilson
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever considered starting a podcast to tell the world about your organization? Podcast creators can strategically use podcasts to build commun...
27. Secrets to Building a Sense of Community with Volunteers
13 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do 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-ba...
26. Hiring? What to Include in Your Volunteer Coordinator Job Description
06 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What 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 volu...
25. Nonprofit Tech Transformation + Wellness with Beth Kanter
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Here at VolPro, we’ve been following Beth Kanter for a LONG time – since 2009 when Tobi started her consulting practice (only two years after smar...
24. The Best Volunteer Recognition is a Well-Run Program
22 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tobi gets asked all the time about volunteer recognition and appreciation strategies and tips. And while she can (and has!) shared how to write an eff...
23. Secrets to Managing Time and Energy
15 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tobi is well-known for her big energy and ability to produce high levels of quality content. However, like many nonprofit leaders, Tobi has struggled ...
22. My Fave 6 Nonprofit Leadership and Management Wins
08 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do you celebrate your successes, large and small? Most people don’t. We tend to minimize or negate our wins and quickly move on to the next thing....
21. Engage Volunteers with a Win-Back Campaign
01 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A lot has changed in the last two years, and there are likely a lot of reasons why volunteers have not yet returned to your organization. Questions of...
20. How to Design Irresistible Online Volunteer Opportunities
25 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Online volunteering has some unique challenges, especially in the areas of community and retention. However, those opportunities can provide great sat...
19. Improve the Volunteer Experience with a Journey Map
18 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Originally used by businesses to improve customer service, journey mapping can also be applied to improving the volunteer experience of onboarding, tr...
18. How to Use Slack to Strengthen Volunteer Teams
11 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As effective as email is for communication, it lacks the immediacy and relational feel that instant messaging can give. Email inboxes have a way of ac...
17. My Top 12 Nonprofit Leadership Tips Learned the Hard Way
04 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After 30+ years working with nonprofit organizations and more than a decade of nonprofit consulting, Tobi Johnson knows a thing or two about the secto...
16. Nonprofit Boards with Joan Garry
28 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s podcast, Tobi chats with Joan Garry, founder of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab, on the topic of nonprofit boards. This unique subset ...
15. Recruiting Volunteers Online with Jennifer Bennett
21 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Take a moment to think about your current online volunteer postings. Do those postings share the inspiring mission of your organization? Do they inclu...
14. New Volunteer Vision with Rob Jackson
14 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We are definitely at a crossroads in the volunteer management sector. The last two years have taught us that some of our established ways of thinking,...
13. Is Volunteer Word of Mouth All It's Cracked Up To Be?
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The pros of volunteer word-of-mouth are pretty obvious. It’s free, and your volunteers are doing the work of spreading the word and recruiting their...
12. Training Volunteers What I Wish I'd Known
30 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week Tobi is getting real with some stories from her early days of volunteer training and some of the things she wishes she’d known back then. ...
11. Is Your Org Ready for More Inclusive Volunteering?
23 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While diversity, equity, and inclusion are familiar terms in weekly meetings and corporate goal setting, the reality is much more complex. It takes in...
10. Service Learning with Brian Halderman
16 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Service learning can be one of those hard-to-define concepts in volunteer management, and it definitely has its own set of challenges and benefits. In...
09. Helping Nonprofit Employees See the Value of Volunteers
09 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do your coworkers understand and celebrate the value of volunteers within your organization? If the recurring questions we receive here at VolunteerPr...
08. Where Should Volunteer Services Live at Your Nonprofit
02 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It is a common occurrence in sports: an athlete who seems to constantly struggle on one team gets traded and suddenly becomes a high-scoring star play...
07. The Power of Volunteers as Community Capital
26 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we’re talking about “community capital,” the incredible unique value that every volunteer brings to the organizations in which they ch...