In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson unpacks how the experience economy is reshaping the way nonprofits engage and retain volunteers. 

Building on last week’s discussion about the evolving volunteer marketplace, Tobi explains why it’s no longer enough to simply offer opportunities — today’s volunteers expect meaningful, memorable, and transformative experiences. 

If you’re ready to meet modern volunteer expectations and create experiences that truly stand out, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! 

Full show notes: 184. The Experience Economy – Are Nonprofits Keeping Up? 

Experience Economy - Episode Highlights 

• [01:37] - Understanding the Experience Economy 
• [05:23] - The Evolution of Economic Value 
• [07:46] - Creating Quality Volunteer Experiences 
• [15:55] - Modern Examples of the Experience Economy 
• [18:04] - The Experience Economy in Nonprofits 
• [18:52] - The Market Metaphor in Volunteerism 
• [19:43] - Understanding Volunteer Motivations 
• [22:59] - Altruism and Empathy in Volunteering 
• [24:07] - Social Connection and Personal Development 
• [28:51] - Value Expression and Psychological Benefits 
• [32:40] - The Experience Economy in Volunteering 
• [34:46] - Episodic and Flexible Volunteering 
• [36:04] - The Ripple Effect of Volunteer Experience 

Helpful Links 

• Volunteer Management Progress Report  
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab 
• Volunteer Nation Episode 183 - The New Reality - Volunteers Don't Need You  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #118: 8 Ways to Make Volunteering Experiences Much Easier 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #147: Volunteer Recruitment Trends from Our New Report  

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 [email protected].