Volunteer Nation
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!
Latest episodes
May 9, 2024 • 22min
109. When a Scarcity Mentality Becomes a Habit
Explore the impact of scarcity mentality on nonprofit organizations, emphasizing the need for a shift towards abundance thinking. Learn how investing in resources and leadership enhances volunteer attraction and retention. Discover the consequences of organizational under-resourcing and the importance of recognizing volunteers as valuable resources.
May 2, 2024 • 25min
108. Definition of a Volunteer - Why It Matters to Be Precise
Delving into the precise definition of volunteers, this podcast explores legal implications, distinctions between volunteer types, and the importance of clear communication for nonprofits. It highlights the need for consultation with labor experts, maintaining compliance, and fostering transparent relationships within organizations.
Apr 25, 2024 • 31min
107. Celebrating National Volunteer Week 2024!
Celebrate National Volunteer Week 2024 with insights into volunteerism's history and challenges. Learn about declining donor contributions and labor shortages in nonprofits. Discover the impact of an engaged community on nonprofit success and how volunteerism can innovate engagement.
Apr 18, 2024 • 34min
106. Smarter Volunteer Program Assessment
Experienced volunteer management consultant, Tobi Johnson, discusses creating smarter volunteer program assessments and the importance of involving volunteers in the process. She shares tips on performing a DIY program audit, key talking points to include in assessments, and strategies for program growth. The episode highlights the significance of clear communication, consistent survey questions, stakeholder feedback, and reducing bias in evaluations. Listeners are encouraged to engage in a 15-question assessment to evaluate their volunteer programs.
Apr 11, 2024 • 22min
105. 7 Habits of Highly Effective Volunteer Managers
Explore the seven habits of highly effective volunteer managers inspired by 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People'. Learn about mindset, setting boundaries, strategic thinking, knowing your numbers, sharing workload, dedicating time to program, and continuous learning. Gain insights to improve leadership skills in supporting organizations and volunteers.
Apr 4, 2024 • 21min
104. The WOW! Volunteer Experience
Tobi Johnson, a volunteer management expert, discusses the importance of creating a 'WOW' volunteer experience: Warm, Optimistic, and Well-designed. She shares personal stories and tips on providing exceptional service to volunteers, emphasizing the impact of well-run programs and emotional support to foster positivity and engagement.
Mar 28, 2024 • 35min
103. Win-Win Community Service Projects
Tobi Johnson, expert in community service projects, discusses creating win-win scenarios for organizations and participants, managing court-ordered projects, and ethical considerations. Emphasizes tailoring projects to volunteers' goals, effective planning, and mutual benefits for all parties involved.
Mar 21, 2024 • 28min
102. 3 Keys to an Irresistible Volunteer Offer
Explore the keys to an irresistible volunteer offer, shifting focus from organization-centric to volunteer-centric approaches. Learn how to align with volunteer expectations, create meaningful experiences, and drive commitment for successful volunteer engagement.
Mar 14, 2024 • 59min
101. Tap the Power of Psychological Contracts with Pam Kappelides
Discover the power of psychological contracts in managing volunteer expectations and retention. Learn practical tips for preventing breaches and enhancing recruitment strategies. Explore the impact of aligning volunteer expectations with organizational values and the importance of clear communication in volunteer organizations.
Mar 7, 2024 • 40min
100. Fan Faves from 100 Volunteer Nation Episodes
In the 100th milestone celebration, Tobi Johnson revisits top episodes focusing on volunteer engagement, recruitment strategies, and innovative volunteerism models. She highlights the impact of these discussions on community growth and fosters a spirit of learning among listeners. The episode invites fans to share their favorite topics, emphasizing the role of volunteerism in building connections and communities.
