VolunteerPro | Tobi Johnson & Associates

Institutional habits should bear scrutiny once in a while. Claims that "We've always done it this way" are death knells for nonprofit innovation. Even our most sacred rituals (AKA policies and procedures) should held up to the light for inspection, particularly when it comes to #engaging #communities in our #nonprofits and #public #sector programs. After all, our communities are evolving and so should we. ❓A question for you - When it comes to #volunteer #involvement "best practices" what do you think bears reconsideration or at least a closer look?

ICYMI - Catch Episode #124 of the #Volunteer #Nation #Podcast featuring special guest Faiza Venzant! Faiza reveals the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration's Equity to Action Toolkit - in partnership with VolunteerMatch - and discusses how leaders in volunteerism can make their programs truly inclusive. From recruitment to retention, this episode has it all 🙏 Tune into the full conversation on your favorite podcast player or head here 👉 https://ow.ly/jqAq50VhGCO 👉 Also, check out the toolkit HERE >>https://lnkd.in/ewgNt-9z?

"We become much more powerful." 🙌 Tune into Episode #107 of the #Volunteer #Nation #Podcast as I discuss the power of community engagement, and practical tips you can implement at your #nonprofit immediately to stay relevant and have volunteers coming back, time and time again! Full episode and shownotes: https://lnkd.in/eRAgXmkY

🎈Happy International Happiness Day! 🎈 What are you doing today to celebrate and foster joy, especially in your #nonprofit #team? 🙌

#LoVols Did you enter 2025 without a real, clear action plan for #volunteer #engagement beyond "find more volunteers"? As we near the end of Q1, let's get a more focused plan in place. We can help! This FREE worksheet is designed to help you in ... ➡️ Defining a clear direction for your volunteer program aligned with your agency’s overarching goals. ➡️ Simultaneously addressing the aspirations of your volunteers and the broader community. ➡️ Taking the crucial steps to kickstart meaningful actions. Order your copy HERE>> https://lnkd.in/eST6F9nJ

#Nonprofits - Making a direct connection between #volunteers’ work and the #mission of your org is essential for motivation, engagement, and retention. Here are 10 ways to help volunteers see the impact they are making: 🎯 Impact Stories – Share real-life stories of people or communities positively affected by the volunteers' work. Whether through testimonials, videos, or blog posts, these narratives make the mission tangible. 🎯 Mission Moments – Begin meetings or shifts by sharing a quick "mission moment" that illustrates how the organization's work—enabled by volunteers—is making a difference. 🎯 Data and Metrics – Provide concrete statistics that show the collective impact of volunteers. For example, “Last month, volunteers helped serve 500 meals to families in need,” or “Your work helped increase literacy rates by 20%.” 🎯 Personalized Feedback – Regularly acknowledge individual volunteers by connecting their specific contributions to the organization’s larger goals. A simple “Because of your efforts today, X happened” makes the connection clear. 🎯 Immersive Experiences – Arrange site visits, client interactions, or behind-the-scenes tours so volunteers can directly witness the impact of their work. 🎯 Volunteer Spotlights – Feature volunteers in newsletters, on social media, or at events, highlighting their role and how it advances the mission. 🎯 Actions Tied to Mission Statements – When assigning tasks, explicitly link them to the mission. Instead of saying, "Sort these donations," say, "By sorting these donations, you're ensuring families get the resources they need more quickly." 🎯 Annual Volunteer Impact Reports – Create a volunteer-focused impact report that showcases how their work contributed to the organization’s success over the past year. 🎯 Engaging in Self-Reflection – Ask volunteers how they see their work making a difference and encourage them to share their insights with others. 🎯 Connecting to Leadership – Arrange for organizational leaders, board members, or beneficiaries to personally express their appreciation and explain how volunteer efforts support long-term goals. Now your turn ... ❓What are YOUR favorite ways to help volunteers see the impact of their work? ❓

#Nonprofits - Ever wondered why some #volunteers stay while others leave? 🤔 In EP 101 of #VolunteerNation podcast, guest Pam Kappellides reveals the game-changing concept of psychological contracts and how they impact volunteer retention. Learn how expectations and reality can align for a fulfilling volunteer experience. Listen here ➡️ https://ow.ly/9eb950VhG6f

🎙️ Volunteers deserve the best experience possible, dontcha think? In Episode #99of the #Volunteer #Nation #Podcast - Volunteer Retention Strategies: Two Big Mistakes - we dive deep into volunteer satisfaction and more specifically how psychology can play a crucial role in keeping volunteers engaged and coming back for more. 🎧 Tune in now to unlock the secrets of volunteer motivation! 👉 https://lnkd.in/ey7vGD7S

#ICYMI - In this episode of the #volunteer #Nation #Podcast, I'm joined by friend of the pod, Patricia Gentry, to talk about how #volunteer #managers and other #npo #employees can make the shift from doer to nonprofit leader! We discuss the importance of moving from in-program work to strategic planning, focusing on the wider vision, the need to shift mindsets, and why building relationships, creating accountability, and cultivating self-reflection are key for leadership. Tune into the full episode on your favorite podcast player to hear about our key principles for making this shift, overcoming imposter syndrome and much more. Listen and find full show notes here ➡️ https://ow.ly/gUkw50VhF2B #nonprofit #leadership

#NPOs - Volunteers contribute significantly more to your organization than just added people power. They provide: ✅ Valuable expertise ✅ Community ties ✅ Credibility ✅ Exceptional care to vital projects What’s more, the strategic utilization of community assets and talent by organizations unlocks additional resources for the broader team! In this free tip sheet, you'll get access to the formula needed to communicate the return on investment generated by volunteer services to key stakeholders (and yes, it's completely free!). 👉 Order your copy here 🔗 https://lnkd.in/evggkfJg