162. The #1 Secret to Deep Volunteer Participation

In this episode of Volunteer Nation, Tobi Johnson dives into one of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, tools for volunteer engagement: human connection. Tobi reminds us that it's not tech tools or training manuals that drive true engagement, it's trust, belonging, and meaningful relationships. 

Tobi unpacks why emotional closeness matters in volunteerism and shares six practical ways to cultivate connection, from hosting informal social gatherings to designing team-based roles, co-creating shared identity, and even rethinking your forms and onboarding processes. 

You’ll also hear personal reflections and actionable tips to help you upgrade your volunteer program and create a more connected, motivated, and mission-aligned community! 

Full show notes: 162. The #1 Secret to Deep Volunteer Participation 

Volunteer Participation - Episode Highlights 

• [01:32] - The Secret to Deep Volunteer Participation 
• [05:00] - Why Connection Matters 
• [07:00] - A Message for High-Achievers 
• [09:00] - What Does Connection Really Mean? 
• [15:00] - Connection Beyond Face-to-Face 
• [17:00] - Host Regular Social Gatherings 
• [19:45] - Team-Based Assignments 
• [21:45] - Facilitate Storytelling 
• [26:00] - Create a Shared Identity 
• [28:00] - Facilitate Debrief Sessions 
• [32:00] - Refine Paperwork & Processes (The surprising one!) 

Helpful Links 

• Volunteer Management Progress Report  
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #138 - Building Community in an Uncertain (and Sometimes Scary) World  

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.