In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson dives into the 7 common rookie mistakes non-profits make when managing volunteers and shares practical strategies to help volunteer managers reduce stress and rediscover the joy in their work. 

Tobi highlights the power of maintaining a positive mindset, setting clear boundaries, and focusing on community-building over paperwork. She also shares actionable tips for creating effective systems for delegation, engaging episodic volunteers for long-term impact, and prioritizing warm, relationship-driven recruitment strategies. 

Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer manager or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights to make volunteer management more effective and more enjoyable. 

Full show notes: 177. Manage Volunteers Like a Pro: 7 Rookie Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 

Manage Volunteers - Episode Highlights 

• [03:45] - Rookie Mistake #1: Not Minding Your Mindset 
• [07:53] - Rookie Mistake #2: The Department of One Mentality 
• [13:00] - Rookie Mistake #3: Choosing Paperwork Over People 
• [16:39] - Rookie Mistake #4: Not Building a Community Before Asking for Volunteers 
• [22:41] - Rookie Mistake #5: Not Setting Clear Boundaries 
• [26:39] - Rookie Mistake #6: Focusing on Cold vs. Warm Recruitment 
• [28:27] - Rookie Mistake #7: Not Building and Documenting Clear Systems 

Helpful Links 

• Volunteer Management Progress Report 
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab 
• Volunteer Management Fundamentals Live! 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #003: Moving From a Scarcity Mindset to Abundance 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #168: Note to Nonprofit Execs – Supporting Volunteers is Everyone’s Job  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #164: Moving from Volunteer Compliance to Building Your Nonprofit Community 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #002: How to Recruit Volunteers by Building a Following First 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #126: 8 Ways to Empower, Not Rescue Nonprofit Employees & Volunteers 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #86: Converting Episodic Volunteers into Long-term Supporters 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #046: Save Time with Better Volunteer Management Systems  
• ChatGPT (great for developing volunteer policies and procedures) 

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].

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson discusses the importance of strategic volunteer appreciation. Moving beyond traditional gifts and certificates, she explores how to recognize and value volunteers in ways that are meaningful and aligned with core human needs and organizational goals.  

Tobi provides 12 innovative appreciation ideas categorized into meeting volunteer needs for safety, connection, and purpose, and aligning with organizational goals such as program quality, DEIJ, and donor engagement. You'll learn how to create impactful and heartfelt recognition that sustains both volunteers and the mission of their organizations! 

Full show notes: 176. Beyond Pizza Parties: Innovative Appreciation Ideas for Volunteers 

Appreciation Ideas for Volunteers - Episode Highlights 

• [02:00] - Why Recognition Must Go Beyond Trinkets 
• [06:00] - Aligning recognition with Organizational Goals
• [14:10] - Aligning Appreciation with Organizational Goals 
• [15:00] - Mission Awareness: Mission Ambassador Awards 
• [16:00] - Recognition as a Change Management Strategy 
• [17:00] - Program Quality Champions: Rewarding Volunteer-driven Improvements 
• [18:00] - DEIJ Leadership Spotlights: Inclusivity & Serving Diverse Communities 
• [19:00] - Growth Catalysts: Celebrating Expansion & Innovation 
• [20:00] - Data Heroes: Connecting Volunteer Data to Grants, Funding, and Impact 
• [23:00] - Why Random Giveaways and Trinkets Don’t Work 
• [24:30 - The Bottom Line: Strategic, Meaningful Recognition 

Helpful Links 

• Volunteer Management Progress Report 
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #024: The Best Volunteer Recognition is a Well-Run Program 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #169: How to Meet 3 Core Volunteer Needs Right from the Start 

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].

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson dives into why it’s time to move beyond traditional volunteer metrics like hours logged and retention rates. She unpacks the difference between outputs and outcomes, sharing practical examples and actionable strategies for measuring and showcasing the true impact volunteers have on communities and organizations.  

Tobi explains how tracking outcomes can inspire volunteers, improve program quality, strengthen recruitment messaging, guide strategic decisions, and demonstrate real value to stakeholders. You’ll also learn how to create visual graphics to communicate these outcomes! 

Full show notes: 175. Outputs vs Outcomes: Why Counting Hours Isn’t Enough 

Outputs vs Outcomes - Episode Highlights 

• [02:47] - Proving Volunteer Impact 
• [03:37] - Key Metrics to Track 
• [06:14] - The Importance of Outcome Metrics 
• [09:41] - Communicating Impact Effectively 
• [13:58] - Why Volunteer Outcomes Matter 
• [13:58] - Why Volunteer Outcomes Are Essential 
• [18:36] - Communicating Volunteer Impact 
• [22:24] - Improving Program Quality with Outcomes 
• [25:40] - Strengthening Recruitment Messaging 
• [28:42] - Supporting Strategic Decision Making 
• [31:53] - Creating Visual Impact Graphics 

Helpful Links 

• Volunteer Management Progress Report  
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #135: How to Use Video Storytelling to Connect with Aaron Walton and Emmanuel LeGrair  

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].

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson shares expert tips on how to craft volunteer emails that truly connect and convert. From attention-grabbing subject lines to warm, welcoming salutations and easy-to-read content, Tobi breaks down the key elements that make emails more engaging and effective. 

You’ll learn why personalization matters, how to structure your emails for maximum impact, and the small details, like a creative sign-off or a compelling P.S. that can make a big difference. Plus, Tobi offers practical strategies like A/B testing your subject lines, using email tools for smarter communication, and ditching the dull bureaucratic tone that turns readers off. 

Whether you're trying to recruit new volunteers or keep your current team engaged, this episode will help you write emails that get opened, read, and acted on. 

Full show notes: 174. Write Volunteer Emails Volunteers Actually Read (and Love) 

Volunteer Emails - Episode Highlights 

• [01:00] - The Importance of Volunteer Emails 
• [02:53] - Crafting Effective Subject Lines 
• [06:29] - Creating Friendly Salutations 
• [08:13] - Writing Readable Body Copy 
• [15:20] - Creative Closings and the Power of PS 

Helpful Links  

• Volunteer Management Progress Report  
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #173 - Is Your Volunteer Website Turning People Away?  
• Subject Line Checker 
• Use AI to Improve Emails 

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].

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson shares valuable insights on how nonprofits can improve volunteer websites to attract and engage more volunteers effectively. Addressing common issues such as unclear value propositions, excessive choice options, stock imagery, and poor mobile experiences, Tobi discusses practical strategies to create a compelling and user-friendly volunteer hub.   

She emphasizes the importance of clear calls to action, authentic visuals, social proof, and urgency to convert visitors into active volunteers. With actionable tips and a focus on modern user behavior, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide to optimizing nonprofit websites for better volunteer recruitment! 

Full show notes: 173. Is Your Volunteer Website Turning People Away? 

Volunteer Website - Episode Highlights 

• [01:04] - The Importance of Volunteer Websites 
• [02:42] - Adapting to Modern Content Consumption 
• [04:33] - Creating Effective Volunteer Hub Pages 
• [09:14] - Common Issues with Volunteer Websites 
• [15:52] - Improving Volunteer Website Conversions 
• [26:21] - Social Proof and Trust Signals 
• [28:59] - Creating Urgency and Clear Navigation 
• [34:13] - Ensuring a Good User Experience 
• [39:41] - Final Tips 

Helpful Links 

• Volunteer Management Progress Report  
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab 
• Google Analytics 
• Hotjar 
• ScoreApp 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #5: 8 Ways Your Nonprofit Website is Failing to Attract Volunteers  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #59 – 6 Must Have Strategies to Recruit Volunteers Using Your Website 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #20: How to Design Irresistible Online Volunteer Opportunities 

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].

Do you find it uncomfortable giving feedback to volunteers? You're not alone!  

In this episode of Volunteer Nation, Tobi Johnson walks you through how to deliver clear, confident feedback to your volunteers in a way that fosters growth, maintains trust, and avoids discomfort. Whether it's reinforcing great behavior or correcting issues, Tobi shares real examples and practical scripts you can start using right away. 

You'll learn the difference between corrective, confirming, and the coercive feedback you should avoid at all costs. Plus, Tobi explains how a little preparation and a whole lot of clarity can make all the difference in your volunteer management! 

Full show notes: 172. How to Give Clear Volunteer Feedback with Confidence 

Volunteer Feedback - Episode Highlights 

• [01:00] – Why Feedback Feels So Hard 
• [03:20] – Corrective Feedback: What It Is and How to Use It 
• [07:30] – Confirming Feedback: The Power of Positivity 
• [14:00] – The Feedback to Avoid: Coercive Feedback 
• [20:00] – How Coercion Damages Culture 
• [22:30] – Better Alternatives to Coercive Feedback 
• [23:50] – Final Thoughts: Giving Feedback with Confidence 

Helpful Links 

• Volunteer Management Progress Report 
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #168: Note to Nonprofit Execs – Supporting Volunteers is Everyone’s Job  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #171: Practical Community Building Tips for Your Volunteer Team 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #140 - Volunteer Performance Issues - How to (Finally) Have that Chat!  

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].

In this episode of Volunteer Nation, Tobi Johnson dives into the heart of what makes a volunteer team truly thrive: community. Drawing from both personal experience and well-established sociological principles, Tobi explores five essential pillars that foster a sense of belonging and connection among volunteers and between volunteers and staff. 

This episode is a must-listen for volunteer leaders who want to create a more collaborative, motivated, and mission-driven team. Whether you're just getting started or looking to reinvigorate your program, you’ll walk away with simple, actionable steps to strengthen your community and boost engagement. 

Full show notes: 171. Practical Community Building Tips for Your Volunteer Team 

Community Building - Episode Highlights 

• [04:36] - The Importance of Community in Volunteer Organizations 
• [05:31] - Five Pillars of Community Building 
• [07:23] - Pillar 1: Membership 
• [10:01] - Pillar 2: Influence 
• [12:35] - Pillar 3: Integration and Fulfillment of Needs 
• [14:37] - Break and Resource Promotion 
• [17:46] - Pillar 4: Shared Emotional Connection 
• [22:13] - Pillar 5: Shared Responsibility and Commitment 

Helpful Links 

• Volunteer Management Progress Report  
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #168: Note to Nonprofit Execs – Supporting Volunteers is Everyone’s Job  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #164: Moving from Volunteer Compliance to Building Your Nonprofit Community  
• Episode #138: Building Community in an Uncertain (and Sometimes Scary) World  
• Episode #027: Secrets to Building a Sense of Community with Volunteers  
• McMillan, D. W., & Chavis, D. M. (1986). Sense of community: A definition and theory. Journal of Community Psychology, 14(1), 6–23 

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].

In this episode of Volunteer Nation, Tobi Johnson dives into the key findings from the Giving USA 2025 report and uncovers the powerful link between volunteerism and philanthropy. Tobi explores how individual donors and volunteer leaders are shaping the future of nonprofit fundraising, and why community support has never been more essential. 

Whether you're a nonprofit leader, volunteer coordinator, or board member, you'll walk away with actionable tips for harnessing the power of volunteers to boost giving and deepen your organization’s impact. 

Full show notes: 170. My Top Takeaways from Giving USA 2025 

Giving USA - Episode Highlights 

• [01:36] - Introduction to Philanthropy and Volunteerism 
• [03:07] - Key Insights from the Giving USA 2025 Report 
• [06:17] - Deep Dive into Philanthropy Data 
• [10:44] - Volunteerism's Role in Philanthropy 
• [24:10] - Engaging Younger Generations in Philanthropy 
• [28:06] - Breaking Down Silos for Better Community Engagement 
   

Helpful Links

• Volunteer Management Progress Report  
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #71: Partnering with Funders to Support Volunteer Engagement with Jane Justis & Betsy McFarland  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #158: Nonprofit Capacity Building with the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #60: Giving Circles and Collective Philanthropy with Sara Lomelin  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #163: New Research from Points of Light with Jennifer Sirangelo  
• VolunteerPro Blog, 5 Surprising Myths About Volunteers and Donors  
• Giving USA 2025  

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].

In this episode of Volunteer Nation, Tobi Johnson dives into the essential human needs that drive a meaningful and rewarding volunteer experience—safety, connection, and purpose. 

Tobi explores how creating a predictable, emotionally safe environment lays the foundation for trust. She explains why fostering strong peer connections is just as crucial as delivering information, and how helping volunteers see the direct impact of their efforts brings deeper meaning to their service. 

Full show notes: 169. How to Meet 3 Core Volunteer Needs Right from the Start 

Volunteer Needs - Episode Highlights 

• [03:03] - The Emotional Needs of Volunteers 
• [06:21] - Core Human Needs: Safety, Connection, and Meaning 
• [10:54] - Meeting Volunteer’s Safety 
• [18:36] - Meeting Volunteer’s Connection 
• [24:07] - Meeting Volunteer’s Meaning 

Helpful Links 
 

• Volunteer Management Progress Report 
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #166: Train Volunteers with This Simple 4-Step Framework 
• Volunteer Nation Podcast Episode #111: New Volunteer Orientation: What to Include, What to Leave Out 

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].

In this episode of Volunteer Nation, Tobi Johnson addresses a persistent and deeply rooted challenge in the nonprofit sector: the lack of buy-in and active support for volunteers across entire organizations—not just within volunteer departments. Drawing from the VolunteerPro Impact Lab seminar and a decade of data from the Volunteer Management Progress Report, Tobi urges nonprofit executives to reframe volunteer support as a staff performance issue, not a matter of personal "buy-in." 

She shares practical strategies for building a culture where volunteers are valued, supported, and integrated throughout all levels of an organization. If your nonprofit depends on volunteer talent, this episode is essential listening. 

Full show notes: 168. Note to Nonprofit Execs - Supporting Volunteers is Everyone's Job 

Supporting Volunteers - Episode Highlights 

• [02:00] - Why most staff don’t see volunteer support as part of their role 
• [08:00] - The systemic issues behind poor staff engagement with volunteers 
• [12:00] - Why the issue isn’t just buy-in—it’s employee performance 
• [14:00] - The need for clear expectations and accountability from leadership 
• [15:00] - The 4 pillars of employee performance 
• [19:00] - The power of mindset: choosing abundance over scarcity 
• [21:00] - Leadership responsibilities for building a volunteer-inclusive culture 
• [22:00] - The invisibility of volunteerism in strategic conversations 

Helpful Links 

• VolunteerPro Impact Lab  
• Volunteer Management Progress Report 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #133 – My Secrets to Building Buy In & Reducing Resistance to Change 
• Volunteer Nation Episode #009: Helping Nonprofit Employees See the Value of Volunteers 

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].