We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits 677. Shift 7 — Volunteers as Core Capacity: Design Volunteer Systems for Growth - Jennifer Sirangelo
Today's episode continues our 12-part series: 12 Shifts in 2026 for Social Impact. Over twelve episodes, we’re unpacking mindset + strategy shifts shaping the future of fundraising, leadership, and doing good in 2026. Explore the series at weareforgood.com/12shifts.
Shift 7 / Volunteers as Core Capacity
In today’s episode, Jon and Becky welcome back Jennifer Sirangelo, President & CEO of Points of Light — the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, mobilizing nearly 4 million volunteers across 32 countries.
Together, they explore why many nonprofit leaders are leaving capacity on the table — and how shifting from “volunteers as a nice-to-have” to “volunteers as core infrastructure” can accelerate strategy, deepen belonging, and drive sustainable growth. Jennifer shares practical examples (including a “board recruitment sprint”), how to spot the gaps volunteers can fill beyond program delivery, and why the volunteer experience must be digitally enabled to fit real life. You’ll also hear why the simplest lever still matters: people volunteer because they’re asked — and that invitation is fully in your control.
If you’re ready to treat participation like a strategy (not an afterthought) and build a volunteer engine for 2026, this one’s for you.
Episode Highlights:
- Volunteers as Strategic Plan Accelerators (3:10)
- The “Board Recruitment Sprint” + Activating Volunteer Leaders (9:20)
- What’s Driving a Rise in Volunteer Interest + How to Respond (15:40)
- Building Volunteer Infrastructure on a Lean Team (22:30)
- Designing a Digitally-Enabled Volunteer Experience (30:10)
- One Good Thing: Craft the Invitation That Gets People to Say Yes (37:45)
Dive Deeper:
pointsoflight.org - Sign up for Points of Light's monthly newsletter, packed with resources, trainings, and webinars.
Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/677
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