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.