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
May 30, 2024 • 28min
112. How to Run a Value-Packed Volunteer Q&A
Tobi Johnson, expert in volunteer management, discusses the importance of value-packed volunteer Q&A sessions. She emphasizes making volunteers feel heard, offering relevant information, and gathering insights. Practical tips include leaving ego at the door, showing empathy, and telling stories. The episode aims to enhance volunteer engagement and overall experience.
May 23, 2024 • 25min
111. New Volunteer Orientation: What to Include, What to Leave Out
Tobi Johnson, an expert in volunteer management, shares insights on effective new volunteer orientation. She emphasizes addressing both informational and emotional needs, using confidence-building activities and inspirational storytelling. Tips include avoiding information overload, making unapologetic asks, and fostering commitment through thoughtful orientation processes.
May 16, 2024 • 27min
110. Using Psychographics to Improve Your Volunteer Recruitment Appeals
Explore the power of using psychographics in volunteer recruitment, focusing on values and beliefs to attract the right volunteers. Learn to create personalized volunteer personas based on psychographic data for more effective recruitment appeals, enhancing connections with potential volunteers on a deeper level.
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.
