186. Strategy vs Tactics - How to Include Both in Your Volunteer Planning

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson breaks down one of the biggest pitfalls in volunteer planning: confusing strategy with tactics. She explains why a plan that’s just a long list of tasks will never move your mission forward and what to do instead. 

If you're ready to shift from “busy and reactive” to “focused and strategic,” this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable guidance. Plus, Tobi introduces Vision Week 2026, a hands-on, five-day planning experience designed to help you confidently create your annual volunteer engagement plan with expert support! 

Full show notes: 186. Strategy vs Tactics - How to Include Both in Your Volunteer Planning 

Strategy vs Tactics - Episode Highlights 

• [01:35] - Why Solid Planning Matters 
• [03:10] - Strategy vs. Tactics Defined 
• [06:15] - The Risk of To-Do-List Planning 
• [07:20] - Aligning Volunteer Engagement with Organizational Goals 
• [12:20] - Real-World Example #1: Improving Program Outcomes 
• [15:45] - Real-World Example #2: Growing the Volunteer Base 
• [18:40] - Real-World Example #3: Boosting Staff Buy-In 
• [22:10] - What Strategic Volunteer Engagement Really Means 
• [24:00] - Why People Avoid Planning 

Helpful Links 

• VisionWeek 2026 
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #134: 8 Annual Planning Mistakes & How to Avoid Them  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #82: Nonprofit Strategic Planning for 2024 in 3 Simple Steps 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #168: Note to Nonprofit Execs – Supporting Volunteers is Everyone’s Job 

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.