In this episode of Volunteer Nation, Tobi Johnson sits down with leadership and communications expert Jenni Field for an insightful conversation about what it really takes to lead with credibility in the nonprofit world.

Jenni shares practical, research-backed strategies for building trust, fostering supportive team cultures, and leading with clarity—especially during times of change. Drawing from her extensive experience and her latest book, she unpacks how values-driven leadership can guide organizations through uncertainty and strengthen internal culture.

This is part one of a two-part series you won’t want to miss!

Full show notes: 160. Leadership Principles for Sparking Change – Part 1 with Jenni Field

Leadership Principles - Episode Highlights

• [01:42] - Leadership and Influence with Jenni Field
• [05:56] - The Importance of Trust and Credibility
• [14:22] - Navigating Trust Challenges in Nonprofits
• [18:08] - The Role of Credibility in Volunteer Recruitment
• [23:17] - Eight Practices of Credible Leadership
• [24:26] - Diagnosing Training Program Failures
• [25:47] - The Importance of Visionary and Supportive Practices
• [34:56] - The Role of Values in Leadership and Culture
• [42:23] - Practical Tips for Volunteer Managers
  

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.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson breaks down exactly what it takes to hire a future proof volunteer coordinator who can lead with confidence and adaptability. Given how vital this role is in representing your organization and engaging your volunteers, hiring the right person matters more than ever!

Tobi walks you through 8 essential steps to build a strong hiring foundation. From understanding volunteer coordination best practices and deciding if the position should be paid or volunteer, to writing a compelling job description and offering a fair wage. She also dives into how to assess both credentials and those often-overlooked people and paperwork skills.

You’ll also learn why emotional intelligence, clear boundaries, and smart use of technology are game changers in this role. If you’re looking to build a thriving volunteer program, this episode is your go-to guide for hiring a future-proof leader who’s ready to grow with your mission.

Full show notes: 158. How to Hire a Future Proof Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator - Episode Highlights

• [00:50] - The Importance of Hiring a Future-Proof Volunteer Coordinator
• [03:38] - Understanding Job Titles and Definitions
• [07:48] - Why Future-Proofing Matters
• [12:21] - Eight Steps to Hiring Success
• [31:08] - The Role of Credentials and Emotional Intelligence
• [39:08] - Supporting Your New Hire
• [44:01] - Free Hiring Guide

Helpful Links

• VolunteerPro Impact Lab
• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• Volunteer Nation Episode #93: The 5 Phases of Successful Volunteer Coordination
• Volunteer Nation Episode #96: Volunteer Work or Staff Position How to Decide
• Volunteer Nation Episode #026: Hiring? What to Include in Your Volunteer Coordinator Job Description
• Volunteer Nation Episode #119: Volunteer Manager Salary & Career Paths with Megan Vixie
• Volunteer Nation Episode #055: How to Get Your CVA Credential with Faiza Venzant
• Volunteer Nation Episode #67: How to Set Up a New Volunteer Coordinator for Success
• Volunteer Nation Episode #145: Build Your Program with the NEW VolunteerPro Volunteer Impact Lab!
• FREE Hiring Guide - How to Hire a Kick A** Volunteer Manager
  
  
  

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, host Tobi Johnson sits down with Diana Villarreal and Gail Cavallaro from the Community Foundation for greater Richmond to explore how strategic volunteer engagement is shaping the future of nonprofits.

Diana and Gail share the foundation’s mission and walk us through its inspiring history, along with the wide range of programs designed to support nonprofit growth at every level—from individuals to entire networks.

Whether you're a nonprofit leader, volunteer manager, or simply passionate about community building, this episode offers valuable insights into what’s possible when philanthropy and volunteerism work hand in hand!

Full show notes: 158. Nonprofit Capacity Building with the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond

Nonprofit Capacity Building - Episode Highlights

• [00:32] - Introduction to Today's Topic: Nonprofit Capacity Building
• [03:12] - Meet the Guests: Community Foundation for Greater Richmond
• [04:51] - The Importance of Volunteerism
• [13:00] - About the Community Foundation for Greater Richmond
• [21:07] - Programs and Strategies for Volunteer Engagement
• [29:10] - Educating Volunteers for Maximum Impact
• [32:30] - The Give Back Guide and Civic Circle
• [36:17] - Organic Program Development
• [37:51] - Community Foundation's Impact and Collaboration
• [40:18] - Hybrid Model for Volunteer Management
• [44:03] - Course Design and Implementation
• [55:26] - Tips for Implementing Volunteer Programs
  
  

Helpful Links

• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab
• Volunteer Nation Episode #071: Partnering with Funders to Support Volunteer Engagement with Jane Justis & Betsy McFarland
• Community Foundation for a greater Richmond Website
• Community Foundation for a greater Richmond Volunteer Center CFengage
• Community Foundation for a greater Richmond LinkedIn
• Community Foundation for a greater Richmond Facebook
• Community Foundation for a greater Richmond Instagram
• CFengage Facebook
• CFengage Instagram
• Final Gail on LinkedIn
• Find Diana on LinkedIn
• Email - civic@cfrichmond.org

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 challenges the status quo of traditional volunteer position descriptions. She explores why the standard, task-heavy approach often falls flat and shares how a simple shift in language and structure can dramatically improve volunteer recruitment.

Tobi introduces creative alternatives—like adding impact statements, showcasing team values, and sharing volunteer testimonials—that speak to both the hearts and minds of prospective volunteers. You'll also hear practical, easy-to-implement tips, such as renaming your descriptions to "Volunteer Opportunities" and reframing responsibilities as meaningful accomplishments.

If you’re looking to attract more passionate and committed volunteers, this episode is packed with fresh ideas to help you do just that.

Full show notes: 157. A Fresh Take on Volunteer Position Descriptions

Volunteer Position Descriptions - Episode Highlights

• [00:29] - Reevaluating Volunteer Position Descriptions
• [01:03] - Challenges in Volunteer Recruitment
• [02:04] - Traditional Volunteer Position Descriptions
• [05:20] - Fresh Take on Volunteer Position Descriptions
• [10:27] - Aligning Volunteer Descriptions with Volunteer Needs
• [14:05] - Do This, Not That: Revamping Volunteer Descriptions

Helpful Links

• VolunteerPro™ Impact Lab
• 2025 Volunteer Management Progress Report – The Recruitment Edition
• Volunteer Nation Episode #019: Improve the Volunteer Experience with a Journey Map
• Volunteer Nation Episode #146 - Expanding Volunteer Jobs to Be Done at Your Nonprofit
• Volunteer Nation Episode #101: Tap the Power of Psychological Contracts with Pam Kappelides

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 invites Dr. Rob Lion onto the show to discuss people-first leadership and fostering stronger collaboration between paid staff and volunteers. Dr. Rob Lion is a professor, consultant, and principal of Black River Performance Management, who shares expert insights on creating a human-centric organizational culture. Together, they explore key strategies for effective communication, trust-building, and conflict resolution—essential elements for nurturing a supportive and engaged team.

The conversation also highlights actionable steps that volunteer coordinators can take to enhance volunteer engagement and make a lasting impact from their position. By focusing on leadership strategies that prioritize people, organizations can create an environment where both employees and volunteers feel valued and motivated. Whether you're a leader, coordinator, or simply passionate about volunteerism, this episode offers practical tips to help drive meaningful change through strategic leadership.

Full show notes: 156. People-first Leadership & Strengthening Teams with Dr. Rob Lion

People-first Leadership - Episode Highlights

• [03:42] - Diving into People First Leadership with Dr. Rob
• [03:57] - Dr. Rob's Journey and Insights
• [18:07] - Challenges and Solutions in People First Leadership
• [38:02] - Developing an Operations Plan for Volunteer Teams
• [38:21] - The Importance of Making Meaning in Volunteering
• [39:22] - Challenges in Job Descriptions and Hiring Processes
• [40:18] - Integrating Volunteer Frameworks into Practice
• [44:24] - Addressing Volunteer Coordinator Challenges
• [46:02] - Building Relationships and Trust
• [55:32] - Handling Conflicts Between Volunteers and Staff
• [01:01:32] - The Role of Socialization in Volunteer Programs
• [01:06:19] - People First Leadership and Community Building

Helpful Links

• VolunteerPro Impact Lab
• 2025 Volunteer Management Progress Report – The Recruitment Edition
• Volunteer Nation Podcast Episode #121: Intuitive Leadership in Volunteer Coordination with Fran Horwich
• Volunteer Nation Podcast Episode #022: My Fave 6 Nonprofit Leadership and Management Wins
• Volunteer Nation Podcast Episode #017: My Top 12 Nonprofit Leadership Tips Learned the Hard Way
• Volunteer Nation Podcast Episode #101: Tap the Power of Psychological Contracts with Pam Kappelides
• Black River Performance Management
• Find Rob 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, host Tobi Johnson dives deep into the ethical and fair treatment of volunteers. She introduces the Volunteer Bill of Rights, outlining ten essential rights every volunteer should have, from being valued and trained to working in a safe environment.

But rights are only part of the equation. Tobi also explores ten key responsibilities volunteers should uphold, such as committing to the organization’s mission and respecting boundaries. This insightful conversation highlights the importance of mutual respect and accountability, aiming to build a positive, inclusive, and productive volunteer culture. Don’t miss this continuation of Part One, where Tobi tackled volunteer bias, and the complexities of the term entitled volunteer.

Full show notes: 155. Entitled or Exploited? Part 2 Volunteer Responsibilities AND Rights

Volunteer Bias - Episode Highlights

• [00:27] - Entitled or Exploited: Volunteer Bias Recap
• [04:42] - Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities Overview
• [09:02] - 10 Fundamental Expectations and Protections Volunteers Should Have
• [17:49] - Additional Rights Related to Staff Interaction
• [28:45] - Volunteer Responsibilities: A Two-Way Street

Helpful Links

• VolunteerPro Impact Lab
• Volunteer Management Progress Report – The Recruitment Edition
• Volunteer Nation Episode #154: Entitled or Exploited? Part 1 Volunteer Bias in Organizations
• Volunteer Nation Episode #101: Tap the Power of Psychological Contracts with Pam Kappelides
• Volunteer Nation Episode #108: Definition of a Volunteer – Why It Matters to Be Precise
• Volunteer Nation Episode #129: Paid or Volunteer Role? A Simple Checklist

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 discusses the concept of volunteer bias in organizations, focusing on the theme, Entitled or Exploited. Using data from the Volunteer Management Progress Report, Tobi highlights issues such as volunteer retention, respect, and organizational challenges.

She also delves into the implications of labeling volunteers as 'entitled' and introduces the concept of volunteer exploitation with real-world examples and emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership and boundary setting in volunteer engagement, urging organizations to introspect on their practices.

Full show notes: 154. Entitled or Exploited? Part 1 - Volunteer Bias in Organizations

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 welcomes Michele Wiesner, Director of Capacity Building at Hire Heroes USA onto the show! Michele discusses her extensive experience in volunteer engagement and career development, particularly her role in developing a robust volunteer program at Hire Heroes.

The pair cover a range of topics, including the importance of volunteerism, strategies for recruitment and retention, and insights on how nonprofits can scale their impact through capacity building. Michele also shares valuable leadership tips and advice for nonprofit professionals seeking to strengthen their organizations. Listen in to learn how to create a sustainable and impactful volunteer program and get inspired by Michele's journey and practical wisdom.

Full show notes: 153. Building Nonprofit Capacity at Hire Heroes with Michele Wiesner

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.