Volunteer Nation

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson builds on her previous conversation about harmful volunteer policies by introducing eight transformative strategies to attract and retain passionate volunteers.  From creating a welcoming environment and offering flexible commitments to tailoring screening to risk levels and delivering engaging, bite-sized training, Tobi covers practical ways to elevate your volunteer program. She also highlights the power of real-time recognition, fostering volunteer autonomy, supporting volunteers through life events, and maintaining vibrant alumni networks. Tune in for actionable insights that will help you energize your volunteers, cultivate loyalty, and create a culture of appreciation and engagement! Full show notes: 182. The 8 Game-Changing Policies That Make Volunteers Say WOW! Policies - Episode Highlights [00:27] - Recap of Episode 181: 8 Policies Hurting Your Mission [01:03] - Game-Changing Volunteer Policies [03:38] - Policy 1: The Red-Carpet Welcome [05:11] - Policy 2: Choose Your Own Adventure [06:54] - Policy 3: Right-Sized Screening System [07:58] - Policy 4: The Netflix Model of Training [13:13] - Policy 5: Autonomy and Mastery Framework [14:55] - Policy 6: The Recognition Revolution [16:03] - Policy 7: Flexibility First Mindset [17:39] - Policy 8: The Alumni Network Advantage [20:00] - Final Thoughts and Implementation Tips  Helpful Links Volunteer Management Progress Report  VolunteerPro Impact Lab  Volunteer Nation Episode #181: The 8 Volunteer Policies That Are Killing Your Mission  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.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson uncovers eight common volunteer policies that could be hurting your mission. From poor first impressions and slow communication to overly complicated screening processes, inflexible commitments, dull training, micromanagement, lack of recognition, and difficult exit procedures, Tobi breaks down the pitfalls that can frustrate and disengage volunteers. You’ll get real-world examples of these challenges and actionable strategies for creating a more volunteer-friendly culture. Plus, Tobi shares a practical self-assessment checklist so your organization can identify problem areas and make improvements that boost volunteer engagement, satisfaction, and impact!  Whether you’re running a small nonprofit or a large organization, this episode is packed with insights to help you retain and inspire the people who make your mission possible. Full show notes: 181. The 8 Volunteer Policies That Are Killing Your Misson Volunteer Policies - Episode Highlights [04:40] - Volunteer Policy #1: The Terrible First Impression [05:44] - Volunteer Policy #2: The Communications Black Hole [06:33] - Volunteer Policy #3: The FBI Level Screening Process [07:45] - Volunteer Policy #4: The Marriage Contract Commitment [13:47] - Volunteer Policy #5: Death by PowerPoint [17:11] - Volunteer Policy #6: The Micromanagement Trap [18:31] - Volunteer Policy #7: The Recognition Vacuum [19:53] - Volunteer Policy #8: The Exit Interrogation Helpful Links Volunteer Management Progress Report  VolunteerPro Impact Lab  Volunteer Nation Episode #164: Moving from Volunteer Compliance to Building Your Nonprofit Community  Volunteer Nation Episode #046: Save Time with Better Volunteer Management Systems  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.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson explores smart, research-backed frameworks for designing meaningful volunteer service awards. Instead of relying on traditional recognition tactics, she shows how to align awards with what truly drives volunteers—their motivations, timelines, and the impact they create. Tobi introduces fresh ideas such as immediate recognition and milestone-based acknowledgements, while also breaking down six proven motivational factors that inspire volunteers. Packed with actionable strategies, this episode is a must for any organization looking to elevate its volunteer appreciation efforts and strengthen long-term engagement. Full show notes: 180. 3 Smart Ways to Design Volunteer Service Awards Volunteer Service Awards - Episode Highlights [01:39] - Diving into Volunteer Appreciation [03:13] - Strategic Volunteer Service Awards Frameworks [07:01] - Aligning Awards with Volunteer Motivations [21:53] - Recognizing Volunteers Through Timelines [29:34] - Designing Awards Around Volunteer Impact [33:16] - The Power of Handwritten Thank You Notes      Helpful Links Volunteer Management Progress Report  VolunteerPro Impact Lab  Volunteer Management Fundamentals Live!  Volunteer Nation Episode #176: Beyond Pizza Parties: Innovative Appreciation Ideas for Volunteers Volunteer Nation Episode #024: The Best Volunteer Recognition is a Well-Run Program   VolunteerPro Volunteer Thank You Letter Sample Cheat Sheet      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.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson dives into the topic of transformative service experiences with guests Frederick J. Riley, Executive Director of Weave the Social Fabric Project at the Aspen Institute, and Jackie Woven, Executive Director of Main Street Eureka Springs.  They discuss practical strategies for building, growing, and scaling volunteer talent within communities, emphasizing the importance of local, relational, and mutual engagement. The trio explores how grassroots efforts, trust-building, and collaborative service can address community challenges and foster social connections. Jackie talks about the Main Street model, while Fred shares insights from the Weavers Network, offering listeners actionable steps for enhancing volunteer programs and community resilience. Full show notes: 179. Transformative Service Experiences with Frederick J. Riley and Jackie Wolven Transformative Service - Episode Highlights [03:22] - Jackie's Journey into Nonprofits and Volunteerism [04:29] - Frederick's Inspiring Story of Community and Volunteerism [06:21] - The Importance of Volunteerism Today [11:58] - Transformative Service: What It Means and Why It Matters [13:58] - The Role of Virtual Volunteering and Hybrid Models [17:41] - The Roots of Volunteering and Community Connection [19:12] - Challenges and Opportunities in Measuring Volunteer Impact [26:10] - Nonprofits vs. Corporate Models: A Discussion [29:54] - Transforming Volunteer Programs: A New Approach [32:33] - Embracing Fluidity in Volunteer Programs [33:07] - Facilitation Skills for Volunteer Leaders [34:48] - Encouraging Risk and Resilience [35:54] - Aligning Volunteer Work with Community Needs [37:06] - Empowering Volunteer Leaders [40:08] - Building Community Through Service [46:14] - The Weave the Social Fabric Project [50:05] - Main Street Model for Community Engagement [56:53] - Practical Tips for Community Building Helpful Links Volunteer Management Progress Report  Episode #164: Moving from Volunteer Compliance to Building Your Nonprofit Community  Volunteer Nation Episode #171: Practical Community Building Tips for Your Volunteer Team Weave: The Social Fabric Project at The Aspen Institute Weave Trust Map    Jackie's Website National Main Street Center  Main Street Eureka Springs  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.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson dives deep into the critical issue of compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress among program volunteers. These frontline heroes play vital roles in tutoring, hospice, crisis support and more, but without proper training, boundaries, and support, they risk burnout and emotional harm. Tobi shares six practical ways nonprofit leaders can use to support volunteer wellness, from boundary-setting to debriefing practices and resilience training. Full show notes: 178. 6 Ways to Help Program Volunteers Avoid Compassion Fatigue Program Volunteers - Episode Highlights [00:25] - What is Compassion Fatigue? [05:20] - Recognizing the Signs [09:15] - Emotional, Cognitive, and Physical Symptoms [12:57] - Behavioral Changes and Deeper Shifts [15:00] - Strategy #1: Set and Maintain Professional Boundaries [16:11] - Strategy #2: Clear Policies on Client Boundaries [22:15] - Strategy #3: Regular Debrief and Reflection Opportunities [26:26] - Strategy #4:  Ongoing Skills and Resilience Training [27:24] - Strategy #5: Access to Emotional Support and Resources [29:40] - Strategy #6: Watch for Stress and Offer Respite Breaks [32:22] - Final Thoughts  Helpful Links Volunteer Management Progress Report  VolunteerPro Impact Lab  Volunteer Management Fundamentals Live!  Volunteer Nation Episode #035: 6 Ways to Prevent Burnout in Nonprofits  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.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson dives into the 7 common rookie mistakes non-profits make when managing volunteers and shares practical strategies to help volunteer managers reduce stress and rediscover the joy in their work. Tobi highlights the power of maintaining a positive mindset, setting clear boundaries, and focusing on community-building over paperwork. She also shares actionable tips for creating effective systems for delegation, engaging episodic volunteers for long-term impact, and prioritizing warm, relationship-driven recruitment strategies. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer manager or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights to make volunteer management more effective and more enjoyable. Full show notes: 177. Manage Volunteers Like a Pro: 7 Rookie Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Manage Volunteers - Episode Highlights [03:45] - Rookie Mistake #1: Not Minding Your Mindset [07:53] - Rookie Mistake #2: The Department of One Mentality [13:00] - Rookie Mistake #3: Choosing Paperwork Over People [16:39] - Rookie Mistake #4: Not Building a Community Before Asking for Volunteers [22:41] - Rookie Mistake #5: Not Setting Clear Boundaries [26:39] - Rookie Mistake #6: Focusing on Cold vs. Warm Recruitment [28:27] - Rookie Mistake #7: Not Building and Documenting Clear Systems Helpful Links Volunteer Management Progress Report VolunteerPro Impact Lab Volunteer Management Fundamentals Live! Volunteer Nation Episode #003: Moving From a Scarcity Mindset to Abundance Volunteer Nation Episode #168: Note to Nonprofit Execs – Supporting Volunteers is Everyone’s Job  Volunteer Nation Episode #164: Moving from Volunteer Compliance to Building Your Nonprofit Community Volunteer Nation Episode #002: How to Recruit Volunteers by Building a Following First Volunteer Nation Episode #126: 8 Ways to Empower, Not Rescue Nonprofit Employees & Volunteers Volunteer Nation Episode #86: Converting Episodic Volunteers into Long-term Supporters Volunteer Nation Episode #046: Save Time with Better Volunteer Management Systems  ChatGPT (great for developing volunteer policies and procedures) 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.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson discusses the importance of strategic volunteer appreciation. Moving beyond traditional gifts and certificates, she explores how to recognize and value volunteers in ways that are meaningful and aligned with core human needs and organizational goals.  Tobi provides 12 innovative appreciation ideas categorized into meeting volunteer needs for safety, connection, and purpose, and aligning with organizational goals such as program quality, DEIJ, and donor engagement. You'll learn how to create impactful and heartfelt recognition that sustains both volunteers and the mission of their organizations! Full show notes: 176. Beyond Pizza Parties: Innovative Appreciation Ideas for Volunteers Appreciation Ideas for Volunteers - Episode Highlights [02:00] - Why Recognition Must Go Beyond Trinkets [06:00] - Aligning recognition with Organizational Goals[14:10] - Aligning Appreciation with Organizational Goals [15:00] - Mission Awareness: Mission Ambassador Awards [16:00] - Recognition as a Change Management Strategy [17:00] - Program Quality Champions: Rewarding Volunteer-driven Improvements [18:00] - DEIJ Leadership Spotlights: Inclusivity & Serving Diverse Communities [19:00] - Growth Catalysts: Celebrating Expansion & Innovation [20:00] - Data Heroes: Connecting Volunteer Data to Grants, Funding, and Impact [23:00] - Why Random Giveaways and Trinkets Don’t Work [24:30 - The Bottom Line: Strategic, Meaningful Recognition Helpful Links Volunteer Management Progress Report VolunteerPro Impact Lab Volunteer Nation Episode #024: The Best Volunteer Recognition is a Well-Run Program Volunteer Nation Episode #169: How to Meet 3 Core Volunteer Needs Right from the Start 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.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson dives into why it’s time to move beyond traditional volunteer metrics like hours logged and retention rates. She unpacks the difference between outputs and outcomes, sharing practical examples and actionable strategies for measuring and showcasing the true impact volunteers have on communities and organizations.  Tobi explains how tracking outcomes can inspire volunteers, improve program quality, strengthen recruitment messaging, guide strategic decisions, and demonstrate real value to stakeholders. You’ll also learn how to create visual graphics to communicate these outcomes! Full show notes: 175. Outputs vs Outcomes: Why Counting Hours Isn’t Enough Outputs vs Outcomes - Episode Highlights [02:47] - Proving Volunteer Impact [03:37] - Key Metrics to Track [06:14] - The Importance of Outcome Metrics [09:41] - Communicating Impact Effectively [13:58] - Why Volunteer Outcomes Matter [13:58] - Why Volunteer Outcomes Are Essential [18:36] - Communicating Volunteer Impact [22:24] - Improving Program Quality with Outcomes [25:40] - Strengthening Recruitment Messaging [28:42] - Supporting Strategic Decision Making [31:53] - Creating Visual Impact Graphics  Helpful Links Volunteer Management Progress Report  VolunteerPro Impact Lab Volunteer Nation Episode #135: How to Use Video Storytelling to Connect with Aaron Walton and Emmanuel LeGrair  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.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson shares expert tips on how to craft volunteer emails that truly connect and convert. From attention-grabbing subject lines to warm, welcoming salutations and easy-to-read content, Tobi breaks down the key elements that make emails more engaging and effective. You’ll learn why personalization matters, how to structure your emails for maximum impact, and the small details, like a creative sign-off or a compelling P.S. that can make a big difference. Plus, Tobi offers practical strategies like A/B testing your subject lines, using email tools for smarter communication, and ditching the dull bureaucratic tone that turns readers off. Whether you're trying to recruit new volunteers or keep your current team engaged, this episode will help you write emails that get opened, read, and acted on. Full show notes: 174. Write Volunteer Emails Volunteers Actually Read (and Love) Volunteer Emails - Episode Highlights [01:00] - The Importance of Volunteer Emails [02:53] - Crafting Effective Subject Lines [06:29] - Creating Friendly Salutations [08:13] - Writing Readable Body Copy [15:20] - Creative Closings and the Power of PS Helpful Links  Volunteer Management Progress Report  VolunteerPro Impact Lab  Volunteer Nation Episode #173 - Is Your Volunteer Website Turning People Away?  Subject Line Checker Use AI to Improve Emails 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.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson shares valuable insights on how nonprofits can improve volunteer websites to attract and engage more volunteers effectively. Addressing common issues such as unclear value propositions, excessive choice options, stock imagery, and poor mobile experiences, Tobi discusses practical strategies to create a compelling and user-friendly volunteer hub.   She emphasizes the importance of clear calls to action, authentic visuals, social proof, and urgency to convert visitors into active volunteers. With actionable tips and a focus on modern user behavior, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide to optimizing nonprofit websites for better volunteer recruitment! Full show notes: 173. Is Your Volunteer Website Turning People Away? Volunteer Website - Episode Highlights [01:04] - The Importance of Volunteer Websites [02:42] - Adapting to Modern Content Consumption [04:33] - Creating Effective Volunteer Hub Pages [09:14] - Common Issues with Volunteer Websites [15:52] - Improving Volunteer Website Conversions [26:21] - Social Proof and Trust Signals [28:59] - Creating Urgency and Clear Navigation [34:13] - Ensuring a Good User Experience [39:41] - Final Tips Helpful Links Volunteer Management Progress Report  VolunteerPro Impact Lab Google Analytics Hotjar ScoreApp Volunteer Nation Episode #5: 8 Ways Your Nonprofit Website is Failing to Attract Volunteers  Volunteer Nation Episode #59 – 6 Must Have Strategies to Recruit Volunteers Using Your Website Volunteer Nation Episode #20: How to Design Irresistible Online Volunteer Opportunities 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.