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
Jan 16, 2025 • 27min
145. Build Your Program with the NEW VolunteerPro Volunteer Impact Lab!
In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi introduces the newly rebranded VolunteerPro Impact Lab, a community dedicated to supporting volunteer-driven organizations in their program development and assessment. Tobi discusses the enhancements and features of the platform, including the Volunteer Strategy Success Path model, assessment tools, and various training and coaching resources aimed at helping organizations build, grow, and scale their volunteer programs effectively. She also shares insights into strategic visioning, program development, recruitment, retention, and leadership phases crucial for successful volunteer engagement! Full show notes: 145. Build Your Program with the NEW VolunteerPro Volunteer Impact Lab! 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.
Jan 9, 2025 • 60min
144. Bringing a Collectivist Spirit to Nonpartisan Volunteer Work with Britt Hogue
In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi is joined by the Founder of the Collective Good, Britt Hogue. The pair discuss the importance of bringing a collectivist spirit to nonpartisan volunteer work, especially in divisive politics. Britt shares her experience in organizing intergenerational conversations, and provides practical strategies for managing volunteer conflict, encouraging proactive community building, and integrating collective approaches into volunteer engagement. The discussion emphasizes the value of creating meaningful connections among volunteers and investing in relationship-building to enhance organizational resilience and impact. Full show notes: 144. Bringing a Collectivist Spirit to Nonpartisan Volunteer Work with Britt Hogue 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.
Jan 2, 2025 • 18min
143. 3 Big Problems with Your Volunteer Recruitment Flyer
In the first episode of 2025, Tobi shares her insights on developing an impactful volunteer recruitment flyer. She discusses common problems, such as lack of audience targeting, incomplete journey planning, and ineffective distribution strategies. Tobi provides practical tips for creating flyers that resonate with specific audiences, plan the entire volunteer journey, and enhance personal connection through trained outreach teams. You’ll also learn about essential flyer content, including goals, impact statements, and the application process, to ensure a cohesive and engaging volunteer recruitment strategy! Full show notes: 143. 3 Big Problems with Your Volunteer Recruitment Flyer 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.
Dec 26, 2024 • 32min
142. Our Top 6 Volunteer Nation Podcast Episodes from 2024
In this holiday-themed episode of The Volunteer Nation Podcast, host Tobi Johnson shares the top 6 Volunteer Nation Podcast episodes from 2024! Themes include transitioning from doer to nonprofit leader, transforming volunteer leadership, successful volunteer coordination, effective volunteer management, boosting volunteer signups, and volunteer retention strategies. As we come to the end of the year, we want to say thank you for tuning in and continuing to support us. Wishing you all the very best for 2025! Full show notes: 142. Our Top 6 Volunteer Nation Podcast Episodes from 2024 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.
Dec 19, 2024 • 25min
141. 8 Ways to Build Capacity with Volunteer Teams
In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi shares 8 practical ways to build capacity with volunteer teams. These include leadership development, community engagement, program development and evaluation, and technology and data management, among others.Tobi also offers advice on setting up and managing volunteer teams, from using advisory groups to building data and reporting teams. The episode aims to help volunteer leaders maximize their organization's impact by effectively engaging and managing volunteer teams! Full show notes: 141. 8 Ways to Build Capacity with Volunteer Teams 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.
Dec 12, 2024 • 40min
140. Volunteer Performance Issues – How to (Finally) Have that Chat!
In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi discusses practical strategies for addressing volunteer performance issues. She introduces a structured approach called the 'Great Communications Model' and emphasizes the importance of setting clear boundaries, using authority correctly, and maintaining focus on organizational mission. This episode also includes tips for handling difficult dialogues and ensuring accountability, making it an essential guide for volunteer leaders! Full show notes: 140. Volunteer Performance Issues – How to (Finally) Have that Chat! 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.
Dec 5, 2024 • 26min
139. Unpacking Volunteer Retention Issues: A Case Study
In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi unpacks volunteer retention issues using a real-life case study from a Reddit post titled 'I'm never volunteering for a food bank ever again.' Tobi reads the post in its entirety and offers a detailed analysis based on research and expert insights. Key points include the importance of person-task fit, managerial treatment, organizational support, and psychological contract theory. The episode also touches on the broader implications of poor volunteer experiences and offers practical strategies for improving volunteer satisfaction and retention! Full show notes: 139. Unpacking Volunteer Retention Issues: A Case Study 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.
Nov 28, 2024 • 44min
138. Building Community in an Uncertain (and Sometimes Scary) World
In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson shares an insightful discussion from a recent VolunteerPro membership coaching call. The episode dives deep into ways to create safe, inclusive spaces for volunteers, particularly in uncertain times marked by social and political divisions. Tobi emphasizes the importance of building community and acknowledging the non-profit sector's expertise in this area. She highlights how reinforcing norms, establishing rituals, and offering spaces for emotional debriefing can foster a sense of safety and belonging. The episode also includes bonus tips from members on celebrating positive team culture, acknowledging strides in inclusivity, and staying mission focused. Full show notes: 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.
Nov 21, 2024 • 47min
137. Volunteer Stats, Trends, and Benchmarks We're Researching Right Now
In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Volunteer Management Progress Report survey. Tobi reflects on the evolution of the survey over the past decade and its significant contributions to the field of volunteer management. This year's theme focuses on volunteer recruitment, aiming to gather detailed data on effective tactics and challenges. Tobi also details the survey development process and emphasizes the importance of participation for generating valuable insights! Full show notes: 137. Volunteer Stats, Trends, and Benchmarks We're Researching Right Now 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.
Nov 14, 2024 • 1h 21min
136. Getting Back to Neighboring with Breauna Dorelus
In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson discusses the concept of neighboring and its importance in building and sustaining volunteer programs with guest, Breauna Dorelus. They explore the idea of neighboring as a verb and its role in countering societal divisiveness, fostering community involvement, and ensuring the sustainability of nonprofits. Breauna shares her insights on dismantling harmful volunteer practices and emphasizes the need for community engagement and the reimagination of volunteerism. The pair also address the nuances of navigating identities in outreach work, the necessity of holding space for community feedback, and the importance of reprioritizing community-centered approaches in volunteer management. Full show notes: 136. Getting Back to Neighboring with Breauna Dorelus 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.
