Volunteer Nation

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.

In the second part of this interview, Tobi discusses the implementation and future of Australia’s National Strategy for Volunteering with Zac Reimers and Sarah Wilson. They cover key challenges such as adapting to post-COVID realities, managing inflation, and addressing volunteer management issues like funding and recruitment.  The discussion highlights the importance of inclusivity, cross-sector collaboration, and strategic planning. Detailed action plans and governance frameworks are examined, along with the significance of volunteer leadership and community engagement.  Full show notes: 132. Volunteerism in Australia Part 2 - 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 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.