In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi invites Zac Reimers and Sarah Wilson onto the show to talk about volunteerism in Australia, focusing on the development and implementation of Australia's National Strategy.  Zac and Sarah share insights on the volunteer ecosystem, challenges faced by volunteer-involving organizations, and the significance of the newly developed national strategy. They emphasize the importance of a cohesive approach, involving all stakeholders, backed by comprehensive research. This strategy is designed to inspire other nations by showcasing a collaborative effort to strengthen volunteer support and engagement!Full show notes: 131. Volunteerism in Australia Part 1 - A National Strategy with Zac Reimers and Sarah Wilson 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 provides practical advice on how to build a strategic volunteer plan for 2025. As we approach Q4 of 2024, Tobi discusses the importance of aligning volunteer activities with organizational goals and the need for a clear, concise plan to navigate common challenges like recruitment, retention, and resource allocation. She outlines a three-step planning framework (Ready, Set, Go) and emphasizes the benefits of having a strategic volunteer plan, which includes improved alignment, efficiency, resource management, and impact. Tobi also introduces the upcoming Vision Week, a bootcamp designed to help organizations develop their volunteer engagement strategy in just five days! Join the waitlist here. Full show notes: 130. How to Build a Volunteer Plan for 2025 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.

Tobi, an expert in nonprofit roles and volunteer integration, shares valuable insights on differentiating paid and volunteer positions in organizations. She introduces a simple checklist addressing legal implications, labor laws, and tax considerations. Tobi challenges the harmful 'do more with less' mentality, emphasizing the need for balanced task distribution to prevent burnout. She advocates for sustainable volunteer roles and effective recruitment strategies, ensuring both volunteers and organizations thrive.

William Henry, an expert on insurance for nonprofits, joins the conversation to shed light on the often-misunderstood world of volunteer insurance. They explore the necessity of specialized coverage, such as general liability and auto insurance, and discuss the critical aspects of maintaining a safe environment for volunteers. Key misconceptions about the Federal Volunteer Protection Act are addressed, along with practical tips for ensuring robust risk management. It's an essential discussion for anyone involved in volunteer coordination and nonprofit leadership!

Explore the intriguing differences between volunteer-centric, community-centric, and organization-centric strategies in nonprofits. Discover how aligning these approaches can significantly enhance engagement and adapt to the evolving landscape of volunteerism. Gain practical tips and real-world examples to help create effective strategies for engaging and retaining volunteers. Reflect on how your organization can maintain sustainability while fostering community involvement!

Tobi, an expert in nonprofit coaching and empowerment strategies, shares her insights on empowering nonprofit employees and volunteers rather than rescuing them. She highlights eight key strategies for fostering accountability and positive communication. Tobi emphasizes the importance of coaching skills for enhancing performance and self-reflection. Discover how reframing limiting beliefs and understanding systemic dynamics can lead to real growth and transformation in your organization.

Amira Barger, a strategic communications and marketing counselor passionate about diversity and women's empowerment, dives into the unique challenges women face in the workplace. She shares insights on the role of organizations in addressing systemic inequities and the significance of self-advocacy. The conversation highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and fostering inclusive leadership. Amira also discusses the intersection of work and home life, the complexities of representation, and strategies for creating equitable environments that support empowerment.

Faiza Venzant, a passionate advocate for diversity and equity in nonprofit volunteerism, joins the discussion to shed light on crucial equity tools. They dive into the ADEVI project and the Equity to Action Toolkit, aimed at making volunteer programs more inclusive. Faiza shares her personal journey and emphasizes understanding volunteer demographics. The conversation also highlights the challenges nonprofits face in fostering true inclusivity, the importance of embracing neurodiversity in training, and the role of open dialogue in advancing equity.

Samantha Barlow, a key figure in Human Appeal's volunteer program, shares groundbreaking research on the benefits of volunteering. She discusses the emotional satisfaction and professional growth that volunteers experience. The conversation highlights the changing dynamics of community volunteering, emphasizing the need for flexibility in volunteer initiatives. Samantha also explores innovative strategies, like leveraging AI for event planning, and the positive impact of volunteers during challenging times, offering insights into motivating and appreciating their efforts.

Ruth Leonard, an expert on volunteer involvement and author of "Volunteer Involvement: An Introduction to Theory and Practice," joins the conversation to reshape community engagement. They discuss redefining volunteerism by emphasizing choice and intrinsic motivation, separating it from mere unpaid labor. Ruth highlights the importance of open-mindedness in volunteer organizations, fostering safe spaces for diverse opinions, and examining the complexities of volunteer roles and their impact. Their insights aim to enhance collaboration and reimagine the volunteer experience.