A volunteer program without joy can lead to burnout and turnover. But adding fun doesn't mean being less professional; it means building a genuine community.

In this episode, Tobi Johnson explains why shared experiences and fun are essential for retention. She shares a story from a recent informal gathering with her own volunteer team and introduces the concept of edutainment, learning combined with entertainment. Tobi also previews the Volapalooza Festival, designed with a music‑festival vibe to engage volunteers.

She then offers five practical ways to boost the fun factor: invite volunteers to co‑create the culture, design for social connection, use themes and festival energy, create joyful moments, and make experiences shareable.

If you want to move beyond bureaucracy and build a volunteer culture people actually enjoy, this episode gives you simple, actionable ideas.

Fun Factor – Episode Highlights 

• [00:00] The Fun Factor in Volunteering
• [02:31]  Planning and Hosting a Volunteer Gathering
• [05:04] Creating Joyful Volunteer Experiences
• [19:50] Top Tips for Boosting Fun in Volunteering
• [23:43] Invitation to Volapalooza Festival

Helpful Links 

• VolunteerPro Membership Community 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #115 - Your Quick Guide to Amazing Volunteer Events 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #027: Secrets to Building a Sense of Community with Volunteers
• Grab your free Volapalooza festival passes

Volunteer Management Fundamentals Live!

Summer Cohort: June 18 – July 24, 2026

Learn the Essential Frameworks for Attracting and Engaging, Enthusiastic, Committed Volunteers with Less Stress and Greater Confidence. 

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].