On June 1, 2015, we launched VolunteerPro, our new online community for leaders of volunteers. Enroll today to access webinars, live chats, and our lively community forum. Continue reading

Join my for free a Nonprofit Insights Webinar for my friends at VolunteerMatch.org. Continue reading

Thanks to everyone who responded to our “No Fluff, Just Helpful Stuff” survey and submitted their most pressing volunteer program needs and challenges. Here's what we learned... Continue reading

I need your help. As we speak, I'm developing a free eCourse and a new eBook for leaders of volunteers. I want to focus on YOUR most difficult problems, so your input is critical. Please take a few moments to share your most pressing challenges by this Friday, November 15.... Continue reading

Note: Don’t miss your chance to share your most pressing volunteer program needs and challenges -- take our survey today at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Volunteer_Program_Needs Do so by November 15 and be entered to win a copy of “Content Marketing for Nonprofits”! In Part I of this post, I discussed the changing nature... Continue reading

When I'm writing or designing content, my motto is "No fluff, just helpful stuff," and I work hard to delver on that promise. We're expanding our website, and I'm asking our blog readers and fans to share their most pressing volunteer program needs, so we can create easy-to-use resources, products,... Continue reading

In recent years there has been a fair amount of discussion about virtual volunteers and how to engage them in the work of nonprofits. However, little has been written about the changing nature of the workplace and how technological advances may directly affect how we lead volunteers. Consider these fascinating... Continue reading

In 2013 I was awarded my CVA credential. Investing in my professional development and keeping my skills on point seemed to make sense. Here are some reasons why it may make sense for you, too. Continue reading

Common volunteer management approaches reflect traditional views of human nature as egocentric, motivated by self-interest and the will to survive. New research, however, shows the opposite may be true. Continue reading

Why not integrate volunteer workplace wellness programs into our volunteer recognition and retention strategies? Continue reading

When designing volunteer training, my biggest challenge is how to create a program that doesn’t scare volunteers away. Often, the programs I work with have daunting amounts of information volunteers must learn in order to perform with confidence. Programs must be assured that volunteers know their role so that they... Continue reading

It occurred to me that one way to communicate the transformations nonprofit supporters make possible is by pulling the information together into a “Portfolio of Change.” Continue reading

If mastery, autonomy and purpose are keys to motivation, there is no better way to motivate volunteers than through leadership programs that allow volunteers to experience all three. But, how can you inspire volunteers to lead and support them when you have no time and little money? Continue reading

If you're thinking about offering volunteer stipends, or allowing employees to volunteer, be sure you understand how labor laws might affect you. Here is a brief run down. Continue reading

If you are struggling to find ways to motivate volunteers, or don't seem to have enough "leader" volunteers available, consider rennovating how you make decisions. Try leading from within, rather than from the top, by using a shared leadership model. Continue reading

MP900387727In today's wired world, volunteers can make significant contributions to an organization, even if they live tens, hundreds, or thousands of miles away. Working virtually volunteers can be just as effective (or as ineffective) as those working on site. Continue reading

Whether you are trying to recruit volunteers, raise money, or advocate for an increased budget there’s nothing quite like a captivating testimonial to build support. The only problem is that it’s hard to come up with factual stories “on demand” when you need them. That’s where storybanking comes in Continue reading

While it would be great if all volunteers were natural born leaders, had tons of time to give, and were willing to take on even the toughest tasks, it isn't always the case. So, what can we do? Continue reading

It stands to reason that volunteers look to the web for information about new opportunities. But do our existing volunteer recruitment pages actually inspire visitors to join us? Continue reading

If you’re like most volunteer program administrators, you “wear many hats.” The constant need to multi-task is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. But, given the current economic climate and budget shortfalls, it’s not likely that help is on the horizon. To succeed in this environment, we may need to work smarter, not harder. Continue reading

As our economy evolves, I hear the frustration expressed that volunteers aren’t available any more. Two reasons are often cited -- 1) Older volunteers are delaying retirement, and 2) Unemployed volunteers are returning back to work. But, I wonder of this is the case. Continue reading

In his recent Ted Talk, “The way we think about charity is dead wrong,” author and fundraiser Dan Pallotta raises some serious questions about our current mindset in the social sector. He argues that a discriminatory belief system about nonprofits stunts our growth and capacity. This also impact how we think about and resource our volunteer programs. Continue reading

Naturally, leaders of volunteers want to express their gratitude for the contributions of their volunteers and want to encourage them to continue their efforts. As I work on a volunteer recognition and retention plan for one of my consulting clients, I’ve taken a step back to reconsider -- What really motivates us? How can that be integrated into how we reward and recognize volunteers? Continue reading

In volunteer programs, we often attempt to institutionalize socialization by creating a single orientation event that’s meant to, among other things, shorten the time it takes to get volunteers acclimated. But, does this really work? Continue reading

What is the #1 thing that creates loyal customers? It’s the social construct of reciprocity. Reciprocity is one of those social norms we live by. No matter where we come from, we feel obligated to return a favor. But, how can this concept work for volunteer programs? Continue reading