Volunteer Nation

A conversation about pressing pause and why rest matters for long-term impact. Personal reasons for stepping back, including health and life changes, are shared. A major book project for volunteer leaders is revealed. Five curated leadership conversations from the archives are highlighted to enjoy during the break.

Catherine Huckaby, executive director of Community Positive and author of Nobody Starts Ready, shares stories of everyday people who became community leaders. She explores why people wait to volunteer and how simple, emotional storytelling and lower barriers spark participation. The conversation highlights coaching with empathy and the importance of investing in 15–25-year-olds to grow volunteer leadership.

Your nonprofit could have $10,000 a month in free Google Ads, but most organizations miss this opportunity to recruit volunteers.Marketing expert Clay Mansell joins Tobi Johnson to break down how to access Google Grants, target the right keywords, create landing pages that convert, and work effectively with your marketing team. You'll learn about Google Trends, keyword research, and how to stay compliant so you don't lose the grant.If you're ready to stop guessing and start attracting volunteers through free advertising, this episode is your roadmap.Full show notes: 221. How to Use a Google Grant to Recruit Volunteers with Clay Mansell Google Grant to Recruit Volunteers – Episode Highlights [00:00]Introduction to Google Grants and Volunteerism[10:03] Understanding Google Grants and Their Benefits[19:47] Optimizing Google Ads for Nonprofits[24:59] Creating Effective Landing Pages for Volunteers[32:02] Collaboration Between Volunteer Managers and Marketing[43:55] Optimizing Google Ads for Volunteer Engagement[49:15]Understanding Audience Language in Marketing[52:30]Looking Ahead: Excitement for the FutureHelpful LinksVolunteer Strategy Scorecard™Volunteer Nation Episode #059: 6 Must Have Strategies to Recruit Volunteers Using Your Website Volunteer Nation Episode #173: Is Your Volunteer Website Turning People Away?Google GrantsTech SoupGoogle TrendsMansell Media Find Clay on LinkedInJooin us for VisionWeek 2027 HERE >> https://volpro.net/vision/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 [email protected].

Advisory committees often tokenize community voices instead of empowering them. Cause consultant Breauna Dorelus shares how to design role‑specific, behavior‑based position descriptions that build equity, deepen participation, and repair power dynamics.In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, you'll learn common pitfalls to avoid, how to move from transactional to relational engagement, and why self‑care and boundary setting matter for long‑term success. If you're ready to become a true community partner, this episode is for you.Full show notes: 220. Impact Lab POV - Advisory Committees & Shared Power with Breauna Dorelus Advisory Committees & Shared Power – Episode Highlights [00:00] Introduction to Advisory Committees [10:01] The Importance of Community Engagement[19:58] Misconceptions About Advisory Committees[29:49]Power Dynamics in Advisory Committees[39:53]The Role of Self-Care in Community Engagement[44:53] Navigating Nonprofit Challenges[49:25] Small Changes, Big Impacts[59:04] Building Relationships for Advisory CommitteesHelpful LinksVolunteer Strategy Scorecard™ Volunteer Management Progress ReportVolunteer Nation Episode #136: Getting Back to Neighboring with Breauna Dorelus  Volunteer Nation Episode #126: 8 Ways to Empower, Not Rescue Nonprofit Employees & Volunteers  Find Breauna on LinkedIn Connecting the CauseJooin us for VisionWeek 2027 HERE >> https://volpro.net/vision/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 [email protected].

Strong volunteer‑staff relationships don't happen by accident. In this episode, volunteer management expert Corina Sadler shares how emotional intelligence, data tracking, and ongoing coaching can transform tension into teamwork.You'll learn why volunteer‑staff relations are a long‑term strategic investment, how to mediate conflicts with compassion, and practical ways to build trust across your team. If you're ready to reduce burnout and boost collaboration, this episode is for you.Improving Volunteer Staff Relations – Episode Highlights [00:00] Introduction to Volunteer and Staff Relations[09:02] The Role of Volunteer Staff Relations[15:02] Evolving Perspectives on Volunteer Management[21:03] The Need for Strong Volunteer-Staff Relationships[29:46] Matching Motivators: Staff and Volunteer Dynamics[36:58] Fact Finding: The Key to Resolving Conflicts[43:45] Mediation and Conflict Resolution Strategies[48:20] Thinking Long-Term in Volunteer Management[54:43] Final Thoughts on Volunteer ManagementHelpful Links Volunteer Strategy Scorecard™ Volunteer Management Progress ReportVolunteer Nation Episode #191: Who is Ultimately Responsible for Your Org’s Volunteer Culture?Engage JournalReflecting on 10 Years of the Volunteer Management Progress Report Find Corina on LinkedInFull ShowJooin us for VisionWeek 2027 HERE >> https://volpro.net/vision/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 [email protected].

Most volunteer leaders learn on the job, through trial and error, and sometimes burnout. But what if you could start with the skills that really matter?In this episode, Tobi Johnson draws on 25+ years of experience to share the essential skills she wishes she had from day one. You'll learn why self‑regulation and emotional resilience are critical for preventing burnout and leading with clarity. She also breaks down strategic planning that connects program design, metrics, and budgets, including how to advocate for volunteer‑related expenses.Tobi also tackles change management and influence, especially when you don't have formal authority. Her participatory leadership approach helps you engage stakeholders, manage resistance, and build trusted teams. Plus, she offers a free worksheet to help you develop your personal leadership philosophy.If you're ready to lead with confidence and create lasting impact, this episode is your toolkit.Skills I Wish I Had – Episode Highlights [00:00] Introduction to Volunteer Management Skills[04:08] Top Nonprofit Volunteer Management Skills[08:46] Emotional Self-Regulation in Leadership[12:54] Strategic Planning for Nonprofits[17:08] Budgeting for Volunteer Programs[24:10] Change Management and Influence[31:12] Participatory Leadership and CollaborationHelpful Links Volunteer Management Fundamentals Live! Volunteer Nation Episode #185: To Burnout & Back – My Secret Struggle with Long COVIDVolunteer Nation Episode #022: My Fave 6 Nonprofit Leadership and Management Wins Volunteer Nation Episode #205: My Top Time Management Tips for Overwhelmed Volunteer ManagersVolunteer Nation Episode #186: Strategy vs Tactics – How to Include Both in Your Volunteer Planning Independent Sector Value of Volunteer TimeVolunteer Strategy Scorecard™ Full shownotesJooin us for VisionWeek 2027 HERE >> https://volpro.net/vision/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 [email protected].

They rethink volunteers as strategic assets, not just free labor. Topics include defining volunteer roles in writing, legal criteria from the U.S. Department of Labor, and when tasks should remain staff-only. The conversation also covers volunteer types, hidden value like advocacy and donor pipelines, and practical steps to reduce staff‑volunteer tension and write clear role descriptions.

A generic “thanks” isn’t enough. Personalized thank-you notes can transform volunteer retention.In this episode, Tobi Johnson shares a simple four‑step framework to write meaningful appreciation: specific actions, impact, acknowledgment, and gratitude. She also offers creative ways to recognize remote volunteers, scale appreciation, and build a culture of genuine gratitude.If you want volunteers to feel valued and stay engaged, this episode gives you an easy, actionable formula for better thank-you notes.Full show notes: Episode 216 - Your Quick Guide to Better Volunteer Thank You Notes Volunteer Thank You Notes – Episode Highlights [00:00] - Introduction to the importance of volunteer thank you notes[06:30] - The transformative power of the right thank you note[13:49] - Recognizing all volunteers, not just stars[20:32] - Connecting volunteer efforts to organizational impact[25:15] - A quick four-step framework for crafting your message[30:30] - Closing remarks and call to actionHelpful Links Volunteer Management Fundamentals Live! Volunteer Thank You Letter Cheat Sheet Volunteer Nation Episode #215 – 5 Ways to Boost the Fun Factor for Community Volunteers Volunteer Nation Episode #176: Beyond Pizza Parties: Innovative Appreciation Ideas for VolunteersJooin us for VisionWeek 2027 HERE >> https://volpro.net/vision/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 [email protected].

A volunteer program without joy can lead to burnout and turnover. But adding fun doesn't mean being less professional; it means building a genuine community.In this episode, Tobi Johnson explains why shared experiences and fun are essential for retention. She shares a story from a recent informal gathering with her own volunteer team and introduces the concept of edutainment, learning combined with entertainment. Tobi also previews the Volapalooza Festival, designed with a music‑festival vibe to engage volunteers.She then offers five practical ways to boost the fun factor: invite volunteers to co‑create the culture, design for social connection, use themes and festival energy, create joyful moments, and make experiences shareable.If you want to move beyond bureaucracy and build a volunteer culture people actually enjoy, this episode gives you simple, actionable ideas.Fun Factor – Episode Highlights [00:00] The Fun Factor in Volunteering[02:31]  Planning and Hosting a Volunteer Gathering[05:04] Creating Joyful Volunteer Experiences[19:50] Top Tips for Boosting Fun in Volunteering[23:43] Invitation to Volapalooza FestivalHelpful Links VolunteerPro Membership Community Volunteer Nation Episode #115 - Your Quick Guide to Amazing Volunteer Events Volunteer Nation Episode #027: Secrets to Building a Sense of Community with VolunteersGrab your free Volapalooza festival passesJooin us for VisionWeek 2027 HERE >> https://volpro.net/vision/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 [email protected].

Kaira Esgate, CEO of America’s Service Commissions and veteran national service leader, reflects on sudden AmeriCorps funding cuts and the scramble to protect programs. She recounts mobilizing legal action, bipartisan advocacy, and the race to restore funds. Conversation highlights proactive relationship-building with policymakers, operational fallout for members and nonprofits, and steps citizens can take to defend service.