Volunteer Nation Tobi Johnson, MA, CVA

In 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 investment in volunteers and the infrastructure supporting them. She highlights the importance of viewing spending on volunteer programs as an investment, rather than a cost and shares practical tips on shifting mindset, calling out scarcity when it appears, and ensuring organizations provide sufficient support and resources for volunteers in your non-profit. 
Full show notes: Episode 109. When a Scarcity Mentality Becomes a Habit 
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 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 nonprofits in handling volunteers according to labor laws and tax regulations.  
She also advises non-profit organizations to consult with labor lawyers and CPAs for legal and tax advice to ensure they remain compliant while fostering a healthy, transparent, and respectful environment for all forms of contributors. Tobi shares her top suggestions for how your non-profit can clearly define volunteer roles, the importance of distinguishing between different types of workers, and the strategic communication necessary to maintain clarity and trust.  
Full show notes: Episode 108. Definition of a Volunteer - Why It Matters to Be Precise
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 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 volunteer rates. 
Tobi emphasizes the promise and impact of an engaged community in supporting nonprofits, how the nonprofit sector can innovate volunteer engagement and the power that volunteerism has on our communities.  
Full show notes: Episode 107. Celebrating National Volunteer Week 2024! 


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 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.  
Tobi also discusses the importance of learning from assessments to grow volunteer programs and shares her step-by-step plan for performing a volunteer program assessment, discussing how to involve your volunteers, the talking points to include and much more.  
Full show notes: Episode 106. Smarter Volunteer Program Assessment 
 
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 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, dedicating time to work on your program, and continuously learning and growing.  The episode is packed with insights and tips on how volunteer managers can improve their leadership skills and effectively support their organizations and volunteers! 
Full show notes: Episode 105. 7 Habits of Highly Effective Volunteer Managers 


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 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 and introduces the 'WOW' acronym to break down the components of a great volunteer experience: Warm, Optimistic, and Well-designed. It’s an insightful discussion that shows you how you can create memorable and exceptional volunteer experience for your organization!
Full show notes: Episode 104. The WOW! Volunteer Experience 
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.