Volunteer Nation
Tobi Johnson, MA, CVA
Nonprofit leadership author, coach, and expert Tobi Johnson shares weekly tips to help charities build, grow, and scale exceptional volunteer teams. Discover how your nonprofit can effectively coordinate volunteers who are reliable, equipped, and ready to help you bring about BIG change for the better. Rather than continuing to “do more with less,” achieve abundance for your organization by engaging community talent that helps you do more with more. Society is evolving and so, too, is volunteerism. With over 25 years of experience working in nonprofits, public sector agencies, and grassroots campaigns Tobi is known for her modern “big hat” thinking and straight talk about what it takes to achieve success in today’s world. You will learn how to coordinate volunteers, improve the volunteer experience, recruit volunteers, appreciate volunteers, and do it all more efficiently with the right volunteer management software and digital tools. It’s a mix of interviews and solo shows you’re not going to want to miss. So, if you’re ready to ditch the stress and harness the power of people to fuel your good work, you’re in exactly the right place. Hit subscribe and let’s DO this!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 5, 2023 • 1h 8min
78. Finding Skills-Based Volunteers the Easy Way with Tyler Manley
Tyler Manley, an expert in skills-based volunteering from Catchafire, discusses the power and value of skills-based volunteers. They explore the challenges and benefits of finding skills-based volunteers, the importance of digital marketing for nonprofits, and the significance of clear expectations and project management when working with skilled volunteers.
Sep 28, 2023 • 1h 2min
77. Engaging Communities in Social Change with Vichi Jagannathan
In this episode, Tobi has a fascinating discussion on engaging communities in social change with Vichi Jagannathan. Vichi shares her personal journey and experiences in working towards social change in rural communities, specifically in eastern North Carolina. Full show notes: 077. Engaging Communities in Social Change with Vichi JagannathanThanks 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.
5 snips
Sep 21, 2023 • 60min
76. Flipping the Script on Nonprofit Fundraising with Sandy Rees
Sandy Rees, CEO of Get Fully Funded, joins the podcast to discuss innovative strategies for fundraising success. They cover topics such as the importance of combining volunteer engagement and fundraising, the impact of the pandemic on philanthropy, managing work habits, having courageous conversations, and engaging volunteers in fundraising.
Sep 15, 2023 • 1h 3min
75. How to Recruit Volunteers Using Social Media
Julia Campbell, seasoned expert in nonprofit marketing and communications, shares practical techniques for recruiting volunteers using social media. Topics include leveraging top-of-funnel marketing activities, connecting with audiences on social media, and using LinkedIn as a tool for volunteer recruitment.
Sep 7, 2023 • 35min
74. Secrets to Retaining Volunteers Revealed
In this episode, Tobi delve into the crucial topic of volunteer retention. As the pandemic has left many feeling tired and exhausted, people have become more selective in how they spend their time. They are searching for meaningful experiences that align with their priorities. So, how can organizations create volunteer opportunities that are resilient, healthy, and purposeful?Full show notes: 073. Secrets to Retaining Volunteers RevealedThanks 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.
Aug 31, 2023 • 33min
73. Vital Lessons for Nonprofit Leaders from Women's World Cup
In this episode, Tobi deep into the world of sports and extract valuable lessons that nonprofit leaders can apply to their organizations. Just like the US Women’s World Cup team, we explore the importance of team spirit and how it translates to success in both soccer and our nonprofit endeavors.Full show notes: 073. Vital Lessons for Nonprofit Leaders from Women's World CupThanks 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.
Aug 24, 2023 • 27min
72. Volunteer Surveys - Are You Making These Mistakes?
In this episode, Tobi talks about the common mistakes organizations make when conducting volunteer surveys. Drawing from years of experience and the success of their own surveys, Tobi provides practical tips to help obtain valuable and actionable information from their volunteers. Surveys are a powerful tool for gathering feedback and insights from your volunteers. Full show notes: 072. Volunteer Surveys - Are You Making These Mistakes?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.
4 snips
Aug 17, 2023 • 58min
71. Partnering with Funders to Support Volunteer Engagement with Jane Justis & Betsy McFarland
In this episode, Tobi explores the fascinating world of partnering with funders to support volunteer engagement. We will learn about the critical role of capacity building for nonprofits, the importance of aligning strategic goals with volunteer roles, and the need for improved communication, marketing, recruitment, and volunteer experience to meet the expectations of today's selective volunteers. We have an engaging conversation with experts and today's guests are Jane Leighty and Betsy McFarland.Full show notes: 071. Partnering with Funders to Support Volunteer Engagement with Jane Justis & Betsy McFarlandThanks 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.
Aug 10, 2023 • 37min
70. How to Organize a Volunteer Services Department of One
In this episode, Tobi dives into the essential strategies and techniques to effectively structure and manage your volunteer program, even with limited resources. Whether you're a nonprofit executive, volunteer coordinator, or volunteer services director, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you navigate the challenges of organizing and optimizing your volunteer services.Full show notes: 070. How to Organize a Volunteer Services Department of OneThanks 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.
Aug 3, 2023 • 25min
69. Why Are Volunteers Important ... or Are They?
In this episode, Tobi explore the question that lies at the heart of it all: "Why are volunteers important?" We'll delve into the crucial role volunteers play in the success and sustainability of nonprofits, how they bring invaluable support and expertise, and why they are essential for fulfilling missions and making a true impact on society.Full show notes: 069. Why Are Volunteers Important ... or Are They?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.
