In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi delves into the different approaches to volunteer engagement: volunteer-centric, community-centric, and organization-centric. Tobi provides insights on the significance of each approach, their benefits, and challenges, while sharing practical tips for balancing these orientations within nonprofit organizations.  

Through analyzing search trends, real-world examples, and thought exercises, this episode aims to help nonprofits create an effective strategy for engaging and retaining volunteers, ensuring community involvement, and maintaining organizational sustainability!  

Full show notes: 127. Volunteer Centric, Community Centric, Organization Centric: What's the Difference? 

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 shares the 8 ways to empower, not rescue nonprofit employees and volunteers. She discusses the importance of coaching skills for nonprofit professionals who work with volunteers, highlighting key lessons and frameworks that help improve performance. 

Tobi outlines how nonprofit organizations can effectively support their teams without resorting to 'rescuing' them, enabling real growth and transformation by focusing on fostering accountability, reframing mindsets, and enhancing leadership skills. 

Full show notes: 126. 8 Ways to Empower, Not Rescue Nonprofit Employees & 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].

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson invites strategic communications and marketing counselor, Amira Barger for an enlightening discussion on diversity and women in the workplace. They explore the unique challenges faced by women, the role of organizations in addressing systemic inequities, and the importance of advocacy and taking up space.  

Amira shares her personal journey and experiences, offering practical advice for empowerment and the value of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and inclusive leadership. They also touch on volunteer management, burnout, the positive disruption necessary for social change, and strategies for creating a more equitable and supportive work environment. 

Full show notes: 125. Diversity & Women in the Workplace: Claim You Space with Amira Barger 

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 invites Faiza Venzant onto the show to discuss equity tools for nonprofits volunteerism. They highlight the ADEVI project and the Equity to Action Toolkit, which has been designed to integrate more inclusivity and equity into volunteer programs. 

Faiza shares insights from her work and personal journey, including her upbringing and professional experiences that shaped her commitment to diversity and equity. The pair also discuss the importance of understanding volunteer demographics and the need for organizations to actively create inclusive environments. 

Full show notes: 124. Equity Tools for Nonprofits Volunteerism with Faiza Venzant 

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 invites Samantha Barlow onto the show to talk about new research on the benefits of volunteering. They delve into the benefits for both volunteers and communities, the evolving role of volunteers, and the success of Human Appeal's volunteer program. 

Key talking points include community volunteering, emotional satisfaction, professional development, and the innovative use of technology. Samantha also shares insights from Human Appeal's recent study and their strategies for volunteer appreciation and engagement! 

Full show notes: 123. New Research on the Benefits of Volunteering with Samantha Barlow 

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 invites Ruth Leonard back onto the show and delve into rethinking community involvement, specifically talking about the key themes from Ruth's book, Volunteer Involvement: An Introduction to Theory and Practice. 

The pair explore critical reflections on volunteerism, the importance of redefining volunteer engagement, and practical insights for fostering and managing volunteer relationships. The conversation covers the evolving role of volunteers, barriers to engagement, and the impact of volunteer actions on communities.  

Full show notes: 122. Rethinking Community Involvement with Ruth Leonard

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 invites Fran Horwich onto the show to discuss intuitive leadership in volunteer coordination. Fran shares stories from her extensive experience, emphasizing the importance of understanding volunteers' personal motivations and the necessity of professional boundary setting.  

The pair also provide practical tips for integrating intuitive leadership into volunteer programs, balancing data with gut feelings, and ultimately enhancing teamwork, morale, and community connection. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer coordinator or new to volunteer management, this conversation offers valuable insights into the human side of leading volunteer talent. 
Full show notes: 121. Intuitive Leadership in Volunteer Coordination with Fran Horwich 

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 10 volunteer interview questions for a perfect match to ensure a good fit between the volunteers and the organization's roles, tasks, and mission.  

She emphasizes the significance of understanding volunteers' motivations, skills, and values to enhance retention and create an enjoyable volunteering experience. Tobi also highlights the benefits of conducting tours, making interviews conversational, and how you can involve volunteers in the process!  

Full show notes: 120. 10 Volunteer Interview Questions for a Perfect Match 

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, host Tobi Johnson interviews Megan Vixie, Chief Engagement Officer at Beach Cities Health District, about volunteer manager salary levels and career paths. They discuss the importance of volunteerism, Megan's journey in volunteer engagement, and the professional career pathway survey conducted by the Association for Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE).  

The pair explore strategies for negotiating salaries and benefits, the importance of professional development, the creation of a job leveling document to advocate for volunteer engagement professionals, as well as highlighting actionable insights for both volunteer managers and organizational leaders. 

Full show notes: 119. Volunteer Manager Salary & Career Paths with Megan Vixie 

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 shares eight practical ways to make volunteering experiences much easier! She addresses the post-pandemic challenges of re-engaging volunteers and emphasizes the need for convenience and efficiency.  

Tobi covers topics such as running a more efficient program, improving contact methods, offering baby steps for new volunteers, and incorporating surprise and delight elements to keep volunteers engaged and satisfied. This episode provides actionable insights to reduce barriers and improve volunteer retention for your non-profit organization!  

Full show notes: 118. 8 Ways to Make Volunteering Experiences Much Easier 

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].