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 WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of Volunteer Nation, Tobi Johnson is joined by Sam Fankuchen, founder and CEO of Golden, about how nonprofit organizations can stay resilient and keep civic engagement alive amid uncertainty, disasters, and radical funding cuts.

They discuss current stresses in the nonprofit sector, particularly around funding uncertainties, and share practical tips for organizations to pivot and adapt their missions to serve community needs effectively. Sam introduces Golden's $500 million in-kind donation of software to support volunteer management and highlights the importance of using technology to streamline operations, engage volunteers, and meet today's evolving demands.

Full show notes: 167. Keeping Civic Engagement Alive Despite Funding Cuts with Sam Fankuchen

Civic Engagement - Episode Highlights

• [06:18] – Sam’s powerful 9/11 story and what catalyzed his civic journey
• [13:00] – Early barriers to volunteering as a teen
• [16:55] – Discovery of social entrepreneurship at Stanford
• [20:28] – What volunteering really is, beyond traditional definitions
• [24:22] – Global volunteerism, SDGs, and why civic action still matters
• [33:45] – Strategy pivot: How to pursue your mission in uncertain times
• [43:15] – Golden’s $500M in-kind software donation
• [47:10] – A 3-step framework for mission pivots
• [51:38] – The ripple effect of funding changes on the entire ecosystem
• [56:20] – How to better align your volunteer model with community need
• [1:03:25] – What makes a great volunteer experience (and what Gen Z expects)
• [1:09:15] – Three tips for tech-resistant organisations

Helpful Links

• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• VolunteerPro Blog Post: Teen Volunteering: How to Actually Engage Young People
• Volunteer Nation Episode #165: New Research from Points of Light with Jennifer Sirangelo
• Volunteer Nation Episode #116: New Ways of Thinking About Volunteer Data & Tech with Chris Martin
• Chronicle of Philanthropy’s Nonprofit Layoff Tracker
• Charity Navigator List of Charities Impacted by USAID Cuts
• United Nation Sustainable Development Goals
• Golden
• Find Sam on LinkedIn

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 WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of Volunteer Nation, Tobi Johnson shares a simple yet powerful four-step framework to help you train volunteers more effectively. Drawing on decades of experience in instructional design and facilitation, Tobi breaks down what makes training truly impactful and what to avoid.

Whether you're building a new training from scratch or refreshing your current approach, this episode will help you streamline your process, boost volunteer confidence, and focus on what really matters: preparing volunteers to take meaningful action.

Full show notes: 166. Train Volunteers with This Simple 4-Step Framework

Train Volunteers - Episode Highlights

• [01:19] – Tobi’s Experience as a Trainer
• [03:41] – Why Volunteer Training Often Misses the Mark
• [04:33] – Before You Begin Training: Ask This Question
• [06:01] – Three Types of Performance Gaps
• [13:19] – Tobi’s 4-Step Volunteer Training Framework

Helpful Links

• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab
• Volunteer Nation Episode #012: Training Volunteers What I Wish I’d Known
• [FREE] Volunteer Skills & Training Feedback Form

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 WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of Volunteer Nation, Tobi Johnson is joined by Allyson Ferrari, Director of Connections at Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, to explore how organizations can make volunteering more inclusive and accessible.

Together, they dive into practical strategies for building, growing, and scaling volunteer talent by designing opportunities that welcome people with disabilities. From addressing legal and logistical challenges to embracing neurodiversity and co-creating roles with volunteers themselves, this conversation offers actionable insights for any organization looking to diversify and strengthen their volunteer base.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your current practices, this episode is packed with inspiration and tools to make volunteering more welcoming for everyone.

Full show notes: 165. Let's Make Volunteering Accessible for All with Allyson Ferrari

Accessible Volunteering - Episode Highlights

• [03:03] - Allyson's Nonprofit Journey
• [05:04] - The Value of Liberal Arts in Nonprofits
• [09:00] - Defining Accessible Volunteering
• [16:34] - Legal Aspects of Accessibility
• [28:27] - Pairing People with Complementary Skills
• [29:36] - Empowerment Through Disability Identity
• [30:48] - Recognizing Unconscious Bias in Organizations
• [32:39] - Practical Tips for Accessible Volunteering
• [35:08] - Engaging People with Disabilities as Co-Creators
• [40:40] - Creating Accessible Volunteer Opportunities
• [49:03] - Supporting Neurodiverse Volunteers

Helpful Links

• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• Volunteer Nation Episode #Episode #124: Equity Tools for Nonprofits Volunteerism with Faiza Venzant
• Crip Camp Movie
• Info on US Section 504 of the US of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Info on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• LightHouse for the Blind SF
• Find Allyson on LinkedIn
• Contact Allyson
• Volunteer for LightHouse for the Blind SF

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 WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of Volunteer Nation, Tobi Johnson unpacks a powerful mindset shift in the nonprofit world: moving beyond volunteer compliance and toward building a thriving volunteer community.

Tobi explores the delicate balance between ensuring accountability and fostering genuine connection, trust, and shared purpose among your volunteers. Through real-world insights and practical examples, she contrasts the limiting effects of compliance-heavy approaches with the energizing impact of community-focused strategies.

You’ll discover how overemphasis on rules can dampen enthusiasm and engagement, while leading with mission, mutual respect, and collaboration can boost volunteer retention, motivation, and teamwork.

Full show notes: 164. Moving from Volunteer Compliance to Building Your Nonprofit Community

Nonprofit Community - Episode Highlights

• [01:04] - Shifting Paradigms: Compliance vs. Community
• [03:27] - Exploring Volunteer Compliance
• [05:04] - Defining Community in Volunteerism
• [06:27] - Comparing Compliance and Community Approaches
• [09:08] - Impact on Volunteer Experience
• [14:35] - Balancing Compliance and Community
• [20:52] - Practical Tips for Building Your Nonprofit Community

Helpful Links

• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab
• Volunteer Nation Episode #162 - The #1 Secret to Deep Volunteer Participation
• Volunteer Nation Episode #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 WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of Volunteer Nation, Tobi Johnson sits down with Jennifer Sirangelo, President & CEO of Points of Light, to explore why volunteerism is not just a “nice to have”, it’s a necessity.

Jennifer shares her inspiring journey into the nonprofit world and offers a behind-the-scenes look at Points of Light’s mission to position volunteer management as essential infrastructure. Together, they unpack key insights from the groundbreaking report From Nice to Necessary, which outlines the urgent need for increased investment in volunteer engagement.

If you're a nonprofit leader, volunteer coordinator, or advocate for civic engagement, this episode will leave you energized and equipped to make the case for stronger volunteer systems.

Full show notes: 163. New Research from Points of Light with Jennifer Sirangelo

Points of Light - Episode Highlights

• [03:01] - Jennifer’s Nonprofit Journey
• [05:47] - The Importance of Volunteerism and Civic Engagement
• [08:36] - Challenges and Opportunities in Volunteer Management
• [09:08] - The State of Volunteering Today
• [20:07] - The Hidden Costs of Volunteer Engagement
• [24:37] - Discussing Healthcare Access and Volunteer Management
• [26:02] - Theory of Change in Volunteering
• [27:41] - Challenges in Measuring Volunteer Impact
• [29:32] - Research and Data in Volunteerism
• [33:35] - Engaging Funders in Volunteerism
• [34:55] - Addressing Volunteer Infrastructure
• [38:44] - Digital Marketing and Volunteer Recruitment
• [43:42] - Supervisory Ratios and Staffing

Helpful Links

• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• Volunteer Nation Episode #047: The State of Volunteer Engagement with Dr. Sue Kahl and Nathan Dietz
• 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 #81: How Vol Services & Nonprofit Marketers Can Work Together with Kivi Leroux Miller
• Points of Light, From Nice to Necessary: Unleashing the Impact of Volunteering Through Transformative Investment
• Contact Points of Light
• Find Jennifer on LinkedIn

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 WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of Volunteer Nation, Tobi Johnson dives into one of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, tools for volunteer engagement: human connection. Tobi reminds us that it's not tech tools or training manuals that drive true engagement, it's trust, belonging, and meaningful relationships.

Tobi unpacks why emotional closeness matters in volunteerism and shares six practical ways to cultivate connection, from hosting informal social gatherings to designing team-based roles, co-creating shared identity, and even rethinking your forms and onboarding processes.

You’ll also hear personal reflections and actionable tips to help you upgrade your volunteer program and create a more connected, motivated, and mission-aligned community!

Full show notes: 162. The #1 Secret to Deep Volunteer Participation

Volunteer Participation - Episode Highlights

• [01:32] - The Secret to Deep Volunteer Participation
• [05:00] - Why Connection Matters
• [07:00] - A Message for High-Achievers
• [09:00] - What Does Connection Really Mean?
• [15:00] - Connection Beyond Face-to-Face
• [17:00] - Host Regular Social Gatherings
• [19:45] - Team-Based Assignments
• [21:45] - Facilitate Storytelling
• [26:00] - Create a Shared Identity
• [28:00] - Facilitate Debrief Sessions
• [32:00] - Refine Paperwork & Processes (The surprising one!)

Helpful Links

• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab
• Volunteer Nation Episode #138 - Building Community in an Uncertain (and Sometimes Scary) World

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 WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this powerful follow-up episode of The Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson continues her insightful conversation with Jenni Field, diving deeper into the leadership principles that drive meaningful change, especially for those managing volunteers.

Together, they unpack the nuanced differences between authenticity and vulnerability in leadership, highlighting how empathy, flexibility, and consistent action can earn trust and credibility with both volunteers and colleagues.

Tobi and Jenni also offer guidance on recognizing signs of credibility challenges and what to do about them. Whether you're a seasoned leader or new to volunteer management, this episode is full of practical wisdom you can use right away.

Full show notes: 161. Leadership Principles for Sparking Change – Part 2 with Jenni Field

Leadership Principles - Episode Highlights

• [01:50] - Authenticity vs. Vulnerability in Leadership
• [05:40] - The Importance of Being Genuine
• [11:51] - Diagnosing Credibility Issues in Organizations
• [14:35] - Navigating Challenges in Inclusivity and Belonging
• [19:58] - Volunteer Managers: Gaining Buy-In and Credibility
• [22:53] - Building Credibility and Respect
• [25:02] - Strategic Planning for Volunteer Engagement
• [26:43] - Addressing Challenges in Volunteer Management
• [32:05] - Empathy and Flexibility in Volunteer Leadership
  

Helpful Links

• VolunteerPro Impact Lab
• 2025 Volunteer Management Progress Report – The Recruitment Edition
• Volunteer Nation Podcast Episode #84: Building an Inclusive Culture at Your Volunteer Organization with Advita Patel
• Edleman Trust Barometer 2025
• The Fish Rots from the Head: The Crisis in Our Boardrooms: Developing the Crucial Skills of the Competent Director
• Find Jenni on LinkedIn
• Find Jenni on Instagram
• Jenni's Website
• Buy Jenni’s Book
• Take the Credibility Gap Assessment: How credible are you?
  
  
  

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 WeCare@VolPro.net.