Nonprofit leadership author, coach, and expert Tobi Johnson shares weekly tips to help charities build, grow, and scale exceptional volunteer teams. Discover how your nonprofit can effectively coordinate volunteers who are reliable, equipped, and ready to help you bring about BIG change for the better. Rather than continuing to “do more with less,” achieve abundance for your organization by engaging community talent that helps you do more with more. Society is evolving and so, too, is volunt ...
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147. Volunteer Recruitment Trends from Our New Report
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55:17In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi discusses the key volunteer recruitment trends from the 2025 Volunteer Management Progress Report. She explores the major challenges non-profit organizations face in recruiting and retaining volunteers, such as time constraints, lack of support, and alignment issues between volunteer roles and c…
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146. Expanding Volunteer Jobs to Be Done at Your Nonprofit
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29:41In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi dives into the art of expanding volunteer roles within nonprofits. Inspired by a recent workshop, she breaks down the essential steps to designing an effective volunteer program that truly meets organizational needs. From setting clear volunteer goals to brainstorming new roles, aligning with vo…
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145. Build Your Program with the NEW VolunteerPro Volunteer Impact Lab!
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27:21In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi introduces the newly rebranded VolunteerPro Impact Lab, a community dedicated to supporting volunteer-driven organizations in their program development and assessment. Tobi discusses the enhancements and features of the platform, including the Volunteer Strategy Success Path model, assessment to…
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144. Bringing a Collectivist Spirit to Nonpartisan Volunteer Work with Britt Hogue
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59:30In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi is joined by the Founder of the Collective Good, Britt Hogue. The pair discuss the importance of bringing a collectivist spirit to nonpartisan volunteer work, especially in divisive politics. Britt shares her experience in organizing intergenerational conversations, and provides practical strate…
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143. 3 Big Problems with Your Volunteer Recruitment Flyer
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18:10In the first episode of 2025, Tobi shares her insights on developing an impactful volunteer recruitment flyer. She discusses common problems, such as lack of audience targeting, incomplete journey planning, and ineffective distribution strategies. Tobi provides practical tips for creating flyers that resonate with specific audiences, plan the entir…
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142. Our Top 6 Volunteer Nation Podcast Episodes from 2024
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31:43In this holiday-themed episode of The Volunteer Nation Podcast, host Tobi Johnson shares the top 6 Volunteer Nation Podcast episodes from 2024! Themes include transitioning from doer to nonprofit leader, transforming volunteer leadership, successful volunteer coordination, effective volunteer management, boosting volunteer signups, and volunteer re…
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141. 8 Ways to Build Capacity with Volunteer Teams
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24:39In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi shares 8 practical ways to build capacity with volunteer teams. These include leadership development, community engagement, program development and evaluation, and technology and data management, among others. Tobi also offers advice on setting up and managing volunteer teams, from using advisor…
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140. Volunteer Performance Issues – How to (Finally) Have that Chat!
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39:39In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi discusses practical strategies for addressing volunteer performance issues. She introduces a structured approach called the 'Great Communications Model' and emphasizes the importance of setting clear boundaries, using authority correctly, and maintaining focus on organizational mission. This epi…
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139. Unpacking Volunteer Retention Issues: A Case Study
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25:53In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi unpacks volunteer retention issues using a real-life case study from a Reddit post titled 'I'm never volunteering for a food bank ever again.' Tobi reads the post in its entirety and offers a detailed analysis based on research and expert insights. Key points include the importance of person-tas…
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138. Building Community in an Uncertain (and Sometimes Scary) World
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44:19In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson shares an insightful discussion from a recent VolunteerPro membership coaching call. The episode dives deep into ways to create safe, inclusive spaces for volunteers, particularly in uncertain times marked by social and political divisions. Tobi emphasizes the importance of building comm…
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137. Volunteer Stats, Trends, and Benchmarks We're Researching Right Now
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46:58In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Volunteer Management Progress Report survey. Tobi reflects on the evolution of the survey over the past decade and its significant contributions to the field of volunteer management. This year's theme focuses on volunteer recruitment, aiming to gath…
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136. Getting Back to Neighboring with Breauna Dorelus
1:21:22
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1:21:22In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson discusses the concept of neighboring and its importance in building and sustaining volunteer programs with guest, Breauna Dorelus. They explore the idea of neighboring as a verb and its role in countering societal divisiveness, fostering community involvement, and ensuring the sustainabi…
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135. How to Use Video Storytelling to Connect with Aaron Walton and Emmanuel LeGrair
1:10:17
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1:10:17In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson delves into the potent potential of video storytelling in nonprofit and volunteer sectors. Joined by video storytelling experts Aaron Walton and Emmanuel LeGrair, this discussion focuses on how video can emotionally engage viewers, share compelling stories, and ultimately drive volunteer…
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134. 8 Annual Planning Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
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39:58In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi explores the importance of annual planning for volunteer services and shares personal experiences of the challenges faced when a plan is absent. Tobi outlines eight common mistakes made during annual planning, such as building a to-do list of tactics rather than a strategic plan, not articulatin…
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133. My Secrets to Building Buy In & Reducing Resistance to Change
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36:05In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson delves into her secrets to building buy in and reducing resistance to change within nonprofit organizations. Drawing on her extensive 25-year background in the nonprofit sector, Tobi delivers actionable insights and techniques for leaders of volunteers and nonprofit professionals facing …
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132. Volunteerism in Australia Part 2 - A National Strategy with Zac Reimers and Sarah Wilson
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39:49In the second part of this interview, Tobi discusses the implementation and future of Australia’s National Strategy for Volunteering with Zac Reimers and Sarah Wilson. They cover key challenges such as adapting to post-COVID realities, managing inflation, and addressing volunteer management issues like funding and recruitment. The discussion highli…
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131. Volunteerism in Australia Part 1 - A National Strategy with Zac Reimers and Sarah Wilson
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51:24In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi invites Zac Reimers and Sarah Wilson onto the show to talk about volunteerism in Australia, focusing on the development and implementation of Australia's National Strategy. Zac and Sarah share insights on the volunteer ecosystem, challenges faced by volunteer-involving organizations, and the sig…
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130. How to Build a Volunteer Plan for 2025
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33:23In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson provides practical advice on how to build a strategic volunteer plan for 2025. As we approach Q4 of 2024, Tobi discusses the importance of aligning volunteer activities with organizational goals and the need for a clear, concise plan to navigate common challenges like recruitment, retent…
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129. Paid or Volunteer Role? A Simple Checklist
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34:32In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi provides a thorough guide on distinguishing between paid and volunteer roles within nonprofit organizations. Tobi offers a simple checklist and key considerations involving legal implications, labor laws, and tax aspects. She also touches on sustainability, efficiency, and the integration of vol…
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128. Insurance for Volunteers - Do You Need It? with William Henry
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1:02:54In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi invites William Henry onto the podcast to discuss the critical yet often overlooked topic of insurance for volunteers. They delve into the need-to-have and nice-to-have insurance policies for nonprofit organizations that engage volunteers. The discussion touches on general liability, auto liabil…
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127. Volunteer Centric, Community Centric, Organization Centric: What's the Difference?
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34:47In 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 nonprofi…
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126. 8 Ways to Empower, Not Rescue Nonprofit Employees & Volunteers
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41:15In 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 …
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125. Diversity & Women in the Workplace: Claim You Space with Amira Barger
1:04:49
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1:04:49In 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 an…
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124. Equity Tools for Nonprofits Volunteerism with Faiza Venzant
1:09:22
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1:09:22In 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 pe…
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123. New Research on the Benefits of Volunteering with Samantha Barlow
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48:53In 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 volunteer…
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122. Rethinking Community Involvement with Ruth Leonard
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1:01:55In 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 …
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121. Intuitive Leadership in Volunteer Coordination with Fran Horwich
1:03:39
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1:03:39In 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 …
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120. 10 Volunteer Interview Questions for a Perfect Match
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30:23In 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 enjoya…
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119. Volunteer Manager Salary & Career Paths with Megan Vixie
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1:00:24In 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…
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118. 8 Ways to Make Volunteering Experiences Much Easier
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42:18In 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 …
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117. Beyond the Big Help Out with Ruth Leonard & Rob Jackson
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42:10In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi offers a unique format as she travels to England to present a workshop with the Association of Volunteer Managers, sponsored by Team Kinetic. The workshop, titled 'Beyond the Big Help Out: How to Recruit Your Volunteer Dream Team with a Solid Plan for Action,' focuses on volunteer recruitment, c…
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116. New Ways of Thinking About Volunteer Data & Tech with Chris Martin
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1:05:15In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, host Tobi Johnson is in Manchester, England, speaking with Chris Martin from TeamKinetic. They explore new ways of thinking about volunteer data and tech, covering topics such as the role of AI, open data, reusable personal credentials, and techniques for efficiently tracking volunteer hours. Chris s…
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115. Your Quick Guide to Amazing Volunteer Events
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33:46In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, host Tobi Johnson offers a comprehensive guide on planning successful volunteer events. Tobi shares her insights and favorite tips on how to organize events that engage and bond volunteers, making them feel valued and connected. Drawing from her experiences attending various events and conferences, s…
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114. Volunteerism Statistics for 2024: Insights from Our Latest Research - Part 2
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35:55In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson discusses the findings from the Volunteer Management Progress Report. This is part two of a two-part series focusing on volunteerism statistics for 2024, offering insights on the internal support within organizations for those leading volunteers. Tobi highlights the importance of leaders…
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113. Volunteerism Statistics for 2024: Insights from Our Latest Research - Part 1
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39:05In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, host Tobi Johnson delves into volunteerism statistics for 2024, sharing insights from the latest Volunteer Management Progress Report. Tobi discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on volunteer capacity, the challenges of recruitment and retention, and provides a detailed look at trends in activ…
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112. How to Run a Value-Packed Volunteer Q&A
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27:39In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson delves into the undervalued yet powerful tactic of running effective volunteer Q&A sessions. Tobi discusses the goals of a good Q&A, including making volunteers feel heard, offering relevant information, and gathering valuable insights. She provides practical tips for conducting high-imp…
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111. New Volunteer Orientation: What to Include, What to Leave Out
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24:32In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson delves into the vital topic of new volunteer orientation. Tobi offers detailed insights on what to include and what to avoid, ensuring a successful onboarding process that fosters long-term commitment. She emphasizes the importance of addressing both informational and emotional needs of …
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110. Using Psychographics to Improve Your Volunteer Recruitment Appeals
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26:42In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi explores the use of psychographics over demographics in volunteer recruitment, emphasizing the importance of understanding prospective volunteers' beliefs, values, interests, and attitudes to create more effective marketing strategies. Tobi shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the power of ta…
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109. When a Scarcity Mentality Becomes a Habit
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21:51In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, host Tobi Johnson discusses the widespread issue of scarcity mentality within the nonprofit sector and how it limits organizations' ability to grow and engage volunteers effectively. Tobi emphasizes that this mentality leads organizations to focus on constraints rather than opportunities, hindering i…
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108. Definition of a Volunteer - Why It Matters to Be Precise
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24:30In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson delves into the nuanced and often overlooked topic of clearly defining a volunteer and why it matters to be precise. Tobi shares insights into the definitions provided by various authoritative bodies like the Department of Labor in the U.S., the United Nations, and the implications for n…
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107. Celebrating National Volunteer Week 2024!
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30:45In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson celebrates National Volunteer Week 2024, and shares insights into the history and significance of volunteerism! Tobi also highlights the challenges facing the nonprofit sector, including a decline in donor contributions, a labor shortage crisis impacting mission delivery, and decreased v…
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106. Smarter Volunteer Program Assessment
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34:07In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson shares insightful tips on how to create smarter volunteer program assessments, without the need for expensive external consultants. Tobi discusses the importance of learning from assessments to grow volunteer programs and shares her step-by-step plan for performing a DIY program audit. T…
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105. 7 Habits of Highly Effective Volunteer Managers
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21:34In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi explores the seven habits that make volunteer managers highly effective, inspired by Stephen Covey's famous book 'The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.' Tobi emphasizes the importance of mindset, setting healthy boundaries, strategic thinking, knowing your numbers, sharing the workload, d…
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In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson discusses the importance of providing a wow volunteer experience. She emphasizes that beyond traditional methods of appreciation, designing a well-run program plays a crucial role in volunteer satisfaction. Tobi also shares a personal story to illustrate the impact of outstanding service…
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In this episode of Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson discusses how you can create win-win community service projects, and delves into the different types of community service, outlining effective strategies for designing quality projects, and maintaining good relationships with referring organizations. Tobi discusses the nuances of managing co…
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102. 3 Keys to an Irresistible Volunteer Offer
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27:43In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi shares the 3 keys to an irresistible volunteer offer. Tobi highlights the need for organizations to align with the anticipatory and excited headspace of new volunteers, emphasizing the importance of adding to their experience rather than dampening it. Tobi stresses why organizations should be sh…
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101. Tap the Power of Psychological Contracts with Pam Kappelides
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59:17In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi invites Pam Kappelides onto the show to talk about the power of psychological contracts and its critical importance in understanding and managing volunteer expectations within organizations. Their discussion uncovers how mismatches between volunteer expectations and their actual experiences can …
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100. Fan Faves from 100 Volunteer Nation Episodes
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40:13In the 100th episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson takes a moment to reflect on the journey of creating 100 episodes since its start on April 11, 2022. To celebrate, Tobi revisits some of the past episodes, offering insights and highlights for new and long-time listeners alike. This milestone episode includes a special countdown of …
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99. Volunteer Retention Strategies - Two Big Mistakes
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36:33In this episode of the Volunteer Nation, Tobi discusses how non-profit organizations can utilize psychology for volunteer retention strategies. She explains the importance of using positive social proof and emotive communication to encourage volunteers to keep coming back. Tobi emphasizes the need to light up the brain by generating emotions, using…
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98. How to Meet Volunteer Needs with 7 Solid Pivots
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31:57In this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast, Tobi Johnson discusses the crucial need for organizations to meet the needs of their volunteers in order to sustain their operations. Tobi addresses the common issue of dwindling volunteer engagement, exacerbated by the pandemic, warning that if change is not embraced, organizations risk losing even …
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