Volunteer Nation

After four and a half years and over 220 episodes, Tobi Johnson is taking her first summer break. In this personal episode, she shares why rest matters, what she'll be working on instead, and how you can make the most of your own downtime.

Tobi also reveals her major book project for volunteer leaders, designed to help volunteers build confidence, reduce stress, and make a bigger impact. Plus, she curates five essential leadership episodes from the archives for you to enjoy during the hiatus.

If you've ever needed permission to rest, this episode is for you.

Summer Break! – Episode Highlights 

• [00:00] Embracing the Need for a Break
• [02:51] Reflecting on Leisure and Work-Life Balance
• [06:03] Creative Endeavors and Book Development
• [12:11] The Importance of Volunteer Leadership
• [18:07] Curated Episodes for Leadership Insights
• [29:48] Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Creative Space

Helpful Links

• Volunteer Management Fundamentals
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab
• Volunteer Nation Podcast
• Volunteer Nation Episode #80: A Sneak Peek of My New Book for Volunteer Leaders  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #003: Moving from a Scarcity Mindset to Abundance
• Volunteer Nation Episode #067: How to Set Up a New Volunteer Coordinator for Success
• Volunteer Nation Episode #105: 7 Habits of Highly Effective Volunteer Managers 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #183: The New Reality - Volunteers Don't Need You  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #062:10 Ways to Create an Exceptional Volunteer Experience 

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work Supervision Course - Fall Cohort

Inspire Phenomenal Volunteer Commitment and Accountability with Smarter Supervision 

Great for individuals and teams who want to boost their skills and confidence to lead volunteers with less stress and greater ease.

Join us October 14-28, 2026

LEARN MORE & ENROLL NOW >>

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].

Most people don't volunteer because they don't feel ready. But what if that's the myth holding your organization back?

In this episode, Tobi Johnson interviews Catherine Huckaby, author of Nobody Starts Ready, about the power of volunteer leadership stories. Catherine shares real examples of volunteers who started with self-doubt and grew into community leaders—and how their stories can inspire others to get involved.

You'll learn why lowering participation barriers is essential, how storytelling can transform your volunteer recruitment, and practical strategies for attracting and retaining volunteers—including investing in young people aged 15-25. If you're ready to build a volunteer culture where ordinary people become extraordinary leaders, this episode is for you.

Volunteer Leadership Stories – Episode Highlights 

• [00:00] Welcome and introduction to volunteer leadership stories
• [04:51] How Catherine’s journey led her into community engagement
• [11:39] The inspiration behind Catherine’s book and key themes
• [22:45] Overcoming confidence barriers among volunteers
• [38:46] Inspiring volunteer stories demonstrating real-life positive change
• [44:02] Strategies for expanding volunteer ambassador programs
• [50:17] Addressing generational differences and encouraging young volunteers
• [56:38] Practical steps organizations can take immediately to boost volunteer engagement
• [58:09] Catherine’s outlook on future conversations and impact

Helpful Links

• VolunteerPro Fundamentals Certificate Course
• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• Volunteer Nation Episode #160 – Leadership Principles for Sparking Change – Part 1 with Jenni Field
• Episode #161 – Leadership Principles for Sparking Change – Part 1 with Jenni Field
• Youth Adult Partnerships Toolkit
• Book – Nobody Starts Ready: How Ordinary People Make a Real Difference Where They Live
• Community Positive
• Find Catherine on LinkedIn

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work Supervision Course - Fall Cohort

Inspire Phenomenal Volunteer Commitment and Accountability with Smarter Supervision 

Great for individuals and teams who want to boost their skills and confidence to lead volunteers with less stress and greater ease.

Join us October 14-28, 2026

LEARN MORE & ENROLL NOW >>

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].

Your nonprofit could have $10,000 a month in free Google Ads, but most organizations miss this opportunity to recruit volunteers.

Marketing expert Clay Mansell joins Tobi Johnson to break down how to access Google Grants, target the right keywords, create landing pages that convert, and work effectively with your marketing team. You'll learn about Google Trends, keyword research, and how to stay compliant so you don't lose the grant.

If you're ready to stop guessing and start attracting volunteers through free advertising, this episode is your roadmap.

Full show notes: 221. How to Use a Google Grant to Recruit Volunteers with Clay Mansell 

Google Grant to Recruit Volunteers – Episode Highlights 

• [00:00]Introduction to Google Grants and Volunteerism
• [10:03] Understanding Google Grants and Their Benefits
• [19:47] Optimizing Google Ads for Nonprofits
• [24:59] Creating Effective Landing Pages for Volunteers
• [32:02] Collaboration Between Volunteer Managers and Marketing
• [43:55] Optimizing Google Ads for Volunteer Engagement
• [49:15]Understanding Audience Language in Marketing
• [52:30]Looking Ahead: Excitement for the Future

Helpful Links

• Volunteer Strategy Scorecard™
• Volunteer Nation Episode #059: 6 Must Have Strategies to Recruit Volunteers Using Your Website 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #173: Is Your Volunteer Website Turning People Away?
• Google Grants
• Tech Soup
• Google Trends
• Mansell Media 
• Find Clay on LinkedIn

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work Supervision Course - Fall Cohort

Inspire Phenomenal Volunteer Commitment and Accountability with Smarter Supervision 

Great for individuals and teams who want to boost their skills and confidence to lead volunteers with less stress and greater ease.

Join us October 14-28, 2026

LEARN MORE & ENROLL NOW >>

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].

Advisory committees often tokenize community voices instead of empowering them. Cause consultant Breauna Dorelus shares how to design role‑specific, behavior‑based position descriptions that build equity, deepen participation, and repair power dynamics.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, you'll learn common pitfalls to avoid, how to move from transactional to relational engagement, and why self‑care and boundary setting matter for long‑term success. If you're ready to become a true community partner, this episode is for you.

Full show notes: 220. Impact Lab POV - Advisory Committees & Shared Power with Breauna Dorelus 

Advisory Committees & Shared Power – Episode Highlights 

• [00:00] Introduction to Advisory Committees 
• [10:01] The Importance of Community Engagement
• [19:58] Misconceptions About Advisory Committees
• [29:49]Power Dynamics in Advisory Committees
• [39:53]The Role of Self-Care in Community Engagement
• [44:53] Navigating Nonprofit Challenges
• [49:25] Small Changes, Big Impacts
• [59:04] Building Relationships for Advisory Committees

Helpful Links

• Volunteer Strategy Scorecard™ 
• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• Volunteer Nation Episode #136: Getting Back to Neighboring with Breauna Dorelus  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #126: 8 Ways to Empower, Not Rescue Nonprofit Employees & Volunteers  
• Find Breauna on LinkedIn 
• Connecting the Cause

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work Supervision Course - Fall Cohort

Inspire Phenomenal Volunteer Commitment and Accountability with Smarter Supervision 

Great for individuals and teams who want to boost their skills and confidence to lead volunteers with less stress and greater ease.

Join us October 14-28, 2026

LEARN MORE & ENROLL NOW >>

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].

Strong volunteer‑staff relationships don't happen by accident. In this episode, volunteer management expert Corina Sadler shares how emotional intelligence, data tracking, and ongoing coaching can transform tension into teamwork.

You'll learn why volunteer‑staff relations are a long‑term strategic investment, how to mediate conflicts with compassion, and practical ways to build trust across your team. If you're ready to reduce burnout and boost collaboration, this episode is for you.

Improving Volunteer Staff Relations – Episode Highlights 

• [00:00] Introduction to Volunteer and Staff Relations
• [09:02] The Role of Volunteer Staff Relations
• [15:02] Evolving Perspectives on Volunteer Management
• [21:03] The Need for Strong Volunteer-Staff Relationships
• [29:46] Matching Motivators: Staff and Volunteer Dynamics
• [36:58] Fact Finding: The Key to Resolving Conflicts
• [43:45] Mediation and Conflict Resolution Strategies
• [48:20] Thinking Long-Term in Volunteer Management
• [54:43] Final Thoughts on Volunteer Management

Helpful Links 

• Volunteer Strategy Scorecard™ 
• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• Volunteer Nation Episode #191: Who is Ultimately Responsible for Your Org’s Volunteer Culture?
• Engage Journal
• Reflecting on 10 Years of the Volunteer Management Progress Report 
• Find Corina on LinkedIn
• Full Show

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work Supervision Course - Fall Cohort

Inspire Phenomenal Volunteer Commitment and Accountability with Smarter Supervision 

Great for individuals and teams who want to boost their skills and confidence to lead volunteers with less stress and greater ease.

Join us October 14-28, 2026

LEARN MORE & ENROLL NOW >>

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].

Most volunteer leaders learn on the job, through trial and error, and sometimes burnout. But what if you could start with the skills that really matter?

In this episode, Tobi Johnson draws on 25+ years of experience to share the essential skills she wishes she had from day one. You'll learn why self‑regulation and emotional resilience are critical for preventing burnout and leading with clarity. She also breaks down strategic planning that connects program design, metrics, and budgets, including how to advocate for volunteer‑related expenses.

Tobi also tackles change management and influence, especially when you don't have formal authority. Her participatory leadership approach helps you engage stakeholders, manage resistance, and build trusted teams. Plus, she offers a free worksheet to help you develop your personal leadership philosophy.

If you're ready to lead with confidence and create lasting impact, this episode is your toolkit.

Skills I Wish I Had – Episode Highlights 

• [00:00] Introduction to Volunteer Management Skills
• [04:08] Top Nonprofit Volunteer Management Skills
• [08:46] Emotional Self-Regulation in Leadership
• [12:54] Strategic Planning for Nonprofits
• [17:08] Budgeting for Volunteer Programs
• [24:10] Change Management and Influence
• [31:12] Participatory Leadership and Collaboration

Helpful Links 

• Volunteer Management Fundamentals Live! 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #185: To Burnout & Back – My Secret Struggle with Long COVID
• Volunteer Nation Episode #022: My Fave 6 Nonprofit Leadership and Management Wins 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #205: My Top Time Management Tips for Overwhelmed Volunteer Managers
• Volunteer Nation Episode #186: Strategy vs Tactics – How to Include Both in Your Volunteer Planning 
• Independent Sector Value of Volunteer Time
• Volunteer Strategy Scorecard™ 
• Full shownotes

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work Supervision Course - Fall Cohort

Inspire Phenomenal Volunteer Commitment and Accountability with Smarter Supervision 

Great for individuals and teams who want to boost their skills and confidence to lead volunteers with less stress and greater ease.

Join us October 14-28, 2026

LEARN MORE & ENROLL NOW >>

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].

Most organizations see volunteers as free labor. That narrow view hides their true value.

In this episode, Tobi Johnson explains why redefining volunteer roles unlocks hidden assets: relational capital, advocacy reach, donor pipelines, and community credibility. She covers practical steps to write clear role descriptions, reduce staff‑volunteer tension, and stay legally compliant, from U.S. Department of Labor standards to local laws.

If fuzzy definitions are holding your organization back, this episode gives you the clarity and strategy to turn volunteers into your most valuable strategic asset.

What Is a Volunteer? – Episode Highlights 

• [00:00] Understanding Volunteers: Definitions and Importance
• [04:47] Valuing Volunteer Time: Beyond Wage Replacement
• [11:23] Legal Perspectives on Volunteerism
• [21:05] Defining Volunteer Roles vs. Paid Staff Roles
• [24:54] Clarity in Volunteer and Staff Relationships
• [34:56] Action Steps for Defining Volunteer Roles

Helpful Links 

• Volunteer Management Fundamentals Live! 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #214: Defending National Service & Community Resilience with Kaira Esgate
• Volunteer Nation Episode #009: Helping Nonprofit Employees See the Value of Volunteers
• Volunteer Nation Episode #096: Volunteer Work or Staff Position? How to Decide! 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #129: Paid or Volunteer Role? A Simple Checklist 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #157: A Fresh Take on Volunteer Position Descriptions 
• Independent Sector Value of Volunteer Time 
• US Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division: Final Rulings and Option Letters 
• Volunteer Strategy Scorecard™ 

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work Supervision Course - Fall Cohort

Inspire Phenomenal Volunteer Commitment and Accountability with Smarter Supervision 

Great for individuals and teams who want to boost their skills and confidence to lead volunteers with less stress and greater ease.

Join us October 14-28, 2026

LEARN MORE & ENROLL NOW >>

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].

A generic “thanks” isn’t enough. Personalized thank-you notes can transform volunteer retention.

In this episode, Tobi Johnson shares a simple four‑step framework to write meaningful appreciation: specific actions, impact, acknowledgment, and gratitude. She also offers creative ways to recognize remote volunteers, scale appreciation, and build a culture of genuine gratitude.

If you want volunteers to feel valued and stay engaged, this episode gives you an easy, actionable formula for better thank-you notes.

Full show notes: Episode 216 - Your Quick Guide to Better Volunteer Thank You Notes 

Volunteer Thank You Notes – Episode Highlights 

• [00:00] - Introduction to the importance of volunteer thank you notes
• [06:30] - The transformative power of the right thank you note
• [13:49] - Recognizing all volunteers, not just stars
• [20:32] - Connecting volunteer efforts to organizational impact
• [25:15] - A quick four-step framework for crafting your message
• [30:30] - Closing remarks and call to action

Helpful Links 

• Volunteer Management Fundamentals Live! 
• Volunteer Thank You Letter Cheat Sheet
• Volunteer Nation Episode #215 – 5 Ways to Boost the Fun Factor for Community Volunteers 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #176: Beyond Pizza Parties: Innovative Appreciation Ideas for Volunteers

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work Supervision Course - Fall Cohort

Inspire Phenomenal Volunteer Commitment and Accountability with Smarter Supervision 

Great for individuals and teams who want to boost their skills and confidence to lead volunteers with less stress and greater ease.

Join us October 14-28, 2026

LEARN MORE & ENROLL NOW >>

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].

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

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work Supervision Course - Fall Cohort

Inspire Phenomenal Volunteer Commitment and Accountability with Smarter Supervision 

Great for individuals and teams who want to boost their skills and confidence to lead volunteers with less stress and greater ease.

Join us October 14-28, 2026

LEARN MORE & ENROLL NOW >>

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].

Advocacy for volunteerism can't wait until a crisis hits. Sometimes the crisis arrives without warning, and the relationships you've built with policymakers determine whether your program survives.

In this episode, host Tobi Johnson welcomes Kaira Esgate, CEO of America's Service Commissions, to discuss sudden funding cuts that threatened AmeriCorps. Kaira shares how grant terminations and staff reductions halted community projects and upended service members' lives. She also highlights the successful bipartisan advocacy—lawsuits and congressional support—that ultimately restored funding.

If your organization depends on public funding or grants, this episode is a powerful reminder: proactive advocacy and long‑term relationships with elected officials are essential to protecting the programs that hold our communities together.

Community Resilience – Episode Highlights 

• [00:00] Introduction to Advocacy in Volunteerism
• [05:19] Kaira Esgate's Journey in National Service
• [12:50] Understanding AmeriCorps and National Service Landscape
• [18:05] The Crisis: Funding Cuts and Their Impact
• [31:24] Mobilization and Advocacy Response
• [47:43] Ongoing Advocacy and Political Landscape
• [51:37] Lessons Learned from Advocacy Efforts
• [01:01:00] Future of National Service and Community Impact

Helpful Links 

• Volunteer Strategy Scorecard™ 
• Volunteer Management Progress Report 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #148 - Nonprofit Advocacy 101 – Yes You Can! 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #149 - Nonprofit Advocacy Strategies – A Checklist 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #150 – Launch a Community-based Advocacy Program in Six Steps
• America’s Service Commissions  
• Find Kaira on LinkedIn

If you are looking to show your support for AmeriCorps during these challenging times, please consider taking one or more of the following actions. 

• Call your Members of Congress using 5 Calls. (There's a free app too!) 
• Email your Members of Congress using the tool from Voices for National Service. 
• Join States for Service, ASC’s privately funded policy coalition working to advocate for federal and state policies that improve access to national service and volunteer engagement resources. 
• Donate to ASC’s National AmeriCorps Member Emergency Fund.
• Write an op-ed, submit a letter to the editor, or post on social media. ASC’s communications toolkit provides resources for all of these and more. 

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work Supervision Course - Fall Cohort

Inspire Phenomenal Volunteer Commitment and Accountability with Smarter Supervision 

Great for individuals and teams who want to boost their skills and confidence to lead volunteers with less stress and greater ease.

Join us October 14-28, 2026

LEARN MORE & ENROLL NOW >>

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].