Volunteer Nation

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson delves into the potent potential of video storytelling in nonprofit and volunteer sectors. Joined by video storytelling experts Aaron Walton and Emmanuel LeGrair, this discussion focuses on how video can emotionally engage viewers, share compelling stories, and ultimately drive volunteer recruitment and donor engagement.  They share practical tips for getting started with minimal resources, the importance of authentic storytelling, and key factors to consider when hiring professional production services. They also emphasize the importance of community and innovation in nonprofit work. Tune in for actionable insights on leveraging video to its fullest in your volunteer programs! Full show notes: 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 explores the importance of annual planning for volunteer services and shares personal experiences of the challenges faced when a plan is absent. Tobi outlines eight common mistakes made during annual planning, such as building a to-do list of tactics rather than a strategic plan, not articulating a clear vision, failing to involve key stakeholders, and not celebrating wins.  She also provides practical advice and remedies for each mistake, emphasizing the need for simplicity, accountability, stakeholder involvement, and sufficient resource allocation! Full show notes: 134. 8 Annual Planning Mistakes & How to Avoid Them 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 delves into her secrets to building buy in and reducing resistance to change within nonprofit organizations. Drawing on her extensive 25-year background in the nonprofit sector, Tobi delivers actionable insights and techniques for leaders of volunteers and nonprofit professionals facing implementation challenges.  The episode covers the significance of involving stakeholders in decision-making, the power of maintaining strong leadership relationships, and the necessity of a written plan as the 'language of leadership.’ Tobi shares practical stories and examples, explores the role of safety protocols, metrics, and process simplification, and offers strategies to foster a culture of continuous improvement! Full show notes: 133. My Secrets to Building Buy In & Reducing Resistance to Change 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.